Comments for Dog Knee Surgery & CCL Ligament Repair

Comment on Conservative Management as a Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Treatment Option by Scott

Scott — Fri, 04 May 2012 01:42:13 +0000

Mike.
I’m sorry to hear that. I’m sure you guys are really distressed. I know we were.

As a followup to my original post, shortly after writing it Porter got reinjured himself falling in our car. This time he tore his meniscus (we can hear his knee pop while he walks). We went back to full CM. Also still on Adequan and sometimes Rymidal. He’s doing remarkably well…as a matter of fact he just placed 4th in his age group at a National Newfie Dog Show!

There’s no doubt that he will end up with some arthritis from this but at his age (also 8), we’re still not thinking surgery…we just don’t think it will help in that much at this stage of his life.

It’s a tough decision as to what to do. The surgery is very expensive as you mentioned. Your dog is still fairly young but starting to age as is Porter. Maybe try CM for a month or two and see how it goes and then decide. That may cause some addtional arthritis, but I think that’s inevitable anyway. Just be sure to REALLY stick to the program. Take it SLOW. You may get lucky and things work out well. Definitely give Adequan a try.

Best of luck to you and your dog!

Comment on Cost of Repairing a Torn ACL/CCL Injury in a Dogs Knee by Jamie

Jamie — Wed, 02 May 2012 16:38:08 +0000

I just adopted a 3 year old lab and both of her knees have torn CCL. The rescue group is going to cover her surgerys. They would like to do both at the same time. Has anyone out there had both knees done at the same time and if so what should I expect. Thanks

Comment on Conservative Management as a Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Treatment Option by Mike

Mike — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:56:15 +0000

This is reassuring we are just going through this now. I came from the vet 12 hours ago and they recommend surgery. Our Golden is 8 years old with a sensitive stomach and arthritis. For the surgery we would have to travel 2 hours to Ottawa Ontario Canada and the cost is $4500.00. We only want to do what is right for Abby and we really are not sure what to do.

Comment on Canine Knee Surgery on Both Knees at the Same Time by Dominique Herbig

Dominique Herbig — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:09:42 +0000

Our active two year old Pitbull mix went in to the vet a few weeks ago with a slight limp, he found that her right cruciate ligament had torn and she needed surgery. After the Xrays he found the left ligament also fraying and suggested we do surgery in a few months (We opted for the Nylon thread technique.) Sammy duly went in for surgery and had a horrible reaction to one of the medications- she had to be pumped full of cortisone and came home all shaved with no operation. It was decided to leave it for a few weeks while we figure out the best way forward. However, a week ago, in a burst of energy, she ruptured the left (less serious) ligament and couldnt put any weight on it. She went in this morning for surgery on both legs- I am dreading both the surgery and the rehabilitation process when she comes home. Any tips on how to make her the most comfortable? She’s obviously going to be immobile…

Comment on Our Golden Retriever Bailey and Repairing Both Knees at the Same Time by Dominique Herbig

Dominique Herbig — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:08:16 +0000

Comment on Surgical Options for Torn/Ruptured Cranial Cruciate Ligament (Cranial Crucial Ligament) by Andrea

Andrea — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 22:06:57 +0000

I have a 3 year old pitbull mix, 65 lbs, & she was diagsnosed with a mild tear in her cruciate ligament in both knees about 3 months ago. 2 days ago she came in from outside (I’m sure from squirrel hunting) and could not walk. All day and night she cried and I had to carry her, which was also painful for her. Now, just 2 days later she is walking, but not putting any pressure on her right back leg. I’m scared that she has torn it completely and I’m unsure of what surgery is best, if she did tear it. I’ve been researching for 2 days and have had so many mixed reviews. Any help and prayers for my best friend would be highly appreciated.
God Bless!

Comment on Our Golden Retriever Bailey and Repairing Both Knees at the Same Time by Val

Val — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:45:45 +0000

i have a 3 year old pit bull who needs both knees repaired. i had two evaluations to make sure that it was necessary. i knew i was in denial but couldn’t bear to imagine the trauma and cost of both surgeries. i decided on stem cell treatment for both knees but she will still need lateral suture (traditional) surgery on the worst one. I have heard wonderful things about stem cell, recovery time and outcome so i am excited. Still nervous about the above-orthopedic surgery but its not as bad as previous surgery recommendation that included a permanent metal brace and cutting into her bone and the expense was astronomical!
Stem cell is less expensive too. Her surgery in April 24th so do wish me luck, and i will keep you updated!

Comment on Surgical Options for Torn/Ruptured Cranial Cruciate Ligament (Cranial Crucial Ligament) by Rob

Rob — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:54:34 +0000

Did you get the surgery done on the second leg? If so how was recovery and the strain on the good leg? I’m in the same position and worried the leg fixed 2 years ago can’t handle the extra use during recovery.

Thanks

Comment on Tightrope Surgery in the Treatment of a Dogs Torn Cranial Cruciate Ligament by Kathy

Kathy — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 14:16:00 +0000

Katie,
I am curious what supplements you gave your dog during his recovery and did you give those to him from day one of recovery. My Golden is having TR surgery in 2 weeks. I am impressed at your dogs high percentage of usage so quickly. Any other helpful tips would be greatly appreciated!!;))
Thanks, Kathy

Comment on Our Story by Mary

Mary — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 22:05:54 +0000

I have seen info on all the standard surgical procedures: TPLO, TTA, tightrope and traditional but does anyone have any experience with the “over and under” technique, technically referred to as a Modified Retinacular Imbrication Technique (MRIT) and how it compares to any other procedures? I am leaning towards more aggressive conservative treatment as I have been allowing my black lab/herding mix dog to roam the house and small backyard but have discontinued his walks and ball throwing. He still walks on it, toe touches and is not totally lame but is increasingly compensating with the opposite leg. Doc has diagnosed his CCL as torn.
Anybody have any info on this technique?
Thanks for your help.