When your dog suffers a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury, which is similar to a human ACL tear, it can be difficult to see them in pain. You want to help them get back to their joyful self as soon as possible, but undergoing ACL surgery can be emotionally and financially stressful. At Highlands-Eldorado Veterinary Hospital, we offer affordable ACL surgery options and compassionate orthopedic care for dogs near McKinney, Texas.
ACL tears in dogs are very common. In fact, 85% of orthopedic surgeries performed on dogs are ACL repairs. A dog ACL injury can result from several causes, including:
About 50% of dogs will eventually tear their ACL in the opposite knee after tearing the first. In some instances, repairing and rehabilitating the first knee can reduce the risk of suffering a second ACL tear.
How do you know if your dog is showing signs of a torn ACL or just acting strange? The signs of a torn ACL in dogs may vary depending on the severity of the injury but can include:
ACL injuries in dogs typically do not heal on their own and should be treated as soon as possible. Even minor tears will continue to deteriorate from the stress of walking and playing on the leg every day. Take care of your furry friend by deciding with your vet which ACL treatment option for dogs is best for restoring their mobility and quality of life:
Although no pet owner enjoys putting their dog through surgery, dog ACL surgery has been proven to alleviate the pain and discomfort of a torn ACL. Furthermore, with proper post-operative care, your dog can go on to lead an active, healthy life. Dog ACL surgery requires an 8-12 week healing period. During this time, your dog’s activity should be limited, and your McKinney veterinarian may recommend physical therapy or medication to aid the healing process.
ECR (extracapsular repair) surgery is a common procedure performed on dogs with a torn CCL. A CCL injury in dogs is a tear or rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (one of the main ligaments that stabilize the knee joint). The CCL is similar to the ACL in humans. The goal of surgery is to minimize bone and joint trauma, and the procedure is known to have a low complication rate. During ECR surgery, the damaged cruciate ligament is removed, and the joint is stabilized using a synthetic ligament placed outside the joint capsule. This ligament helps provide support to the joint while your dog's body heals and the surrounding tissue grows stronger. This procedure is less invasive than other surgical repair options for CCL tears.
In certain cases, a 3M Soft Case will be placed on the knee after surgery to reduce inflammation, support the affected leg, and assist with physical therapy and rehabilitation. The cast typically stays on for 4-12 weeks, depending on the success of the recovery process. Keep in mind, every pet heals differently. When the cast is removed, the sutures below the cast will be removed as well.
TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy) surgery is another procedure that is performed to treat CCL injuries, most typically on young, active, large-breed dogs. During TPLO surgery, the surgeon cuts the top of the tibia bone and rotates it to a more level position. This is accomplished by creating a circular cut in the tibial plateau, rotating it to the desired angle, then stabilizing it with a plate and screws. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 1-2 hours to complete. Every pet’s recovery is unique, but typically, dogs who undergo TPLO surgery can bear weight on their injured leg faster than those who go through ECR surgery.
The Tightrope procedure is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to repair ACL/CCL tears in dogs. In this procedure, the veterinarian drills small tunnels through the bone on either side of the knee joint and threads a strong suture material through these tunnels. This creates an artificial ligament that stabilizes the joint and allows the dog to regain function without the original damaged ligament. The Tightrope is considered a less invasive alternative to traditional ACL repair surgeries like TPLO. Recovery time is typically around 8-12 weeks, and the Tightrope is becoming an increasingly common option, especially for smaller breed dogs with ACL injuries.
It’s essential to have a compassionate and skilled orthopedic veterinarian perform dog ACL surgery to ensure the best possible outcome for your beloved pet. Highlands-Eldorado Veterinary Hospital has been regularly recognized for client satisfaction and exceptional clinical and surgical care. Our orthopedic veterinarians are proficient in diagnosing, treating, and preventing injuries and diseases related to the musculoskeletal system in animals. This includes bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Dr. Jake Triggs has additional training and education beyond a general veterinarian and have successfully completed hundreds of canine surgeries in Mckinney, Texas, offering elevated care, should your pet need a specialized procedure and rehabilitation.
We welcome both existing and new clients seeking affordable ACL surgery for dogs to be treated at Highlands-Eldorado Veterinary Hospital in McKinney, Texas.
Located directly off of W Eldorado Parkway next to Primrose School of Eldorado.
Phone: 214-726-0838
