Most dogs tend to be fairly active, this can lead to injuries that can range from mild to more severe, requiring surgery to repair. Here our Egg Harbor Township vets talk about ruptured cruciate ligaments and how TTA surgery can help your dog regain their movement.
What are cruciate ligament ruptures?
CCL or cranial cruciate ligament is located in the upper leg of your dog and is used to help them bend their knee. It joins a dog’s tibia to the femur above that when torn, results in partial or complete joint instability, pain, and immobility. CCL ruptures are the result of a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in a dog's stifle (knee), which is equivalent to the ACL in humans.
What are the symptoms of ruptured ligaments in dogs?
When it comes to cranial cruciate ligament tears in dogs, 80% of cases are chronic onset ruptures that are caused by degeneration and usually occur due to aging. This is most commonly seen in dogs ages five to seven.
Dogs that experience acute onset ruptures are generally four years or younger. These injuries are caused by basic running and playing in everyday life.
Some of the potential symptoms of a cranial cruciate tear include:
- Crepitus (crackling noise of bones rubbing against each other)
- Decreased range of motion
- Hind leg extension while sitting
- Pain when the joint is touched
- Lack of motivation to exercise
- Irritability
- Restricted mobility
- Stiffness after exercising
- Swelling/Inflammation
- Thick/firm feel of the joint
- Weight shifted to one side of the body while standing
- "Pop" sound when walking
If your dog is showing any f the symptoms that we have listed above please contact your vet and schedule an examination,
What is TTA surgery and how can it help my dog?
When your pup suffers from a cranial cruciate tear their knee will lose its stability that helps it move and perform as it should. This instability will cause the shin bone to move forward in such a way that your dog feels as though it will not lock in place and you may begin to witness your dog limping around after this has happened.
When a dog undergoes TTA surgery it will alter the way that the knee moves allowing for the knee to once again be stabilized for normal use. While the ligament itself will still be damaged, it is not longer needed for your dog's mobility and your pup with feel comfortable running again.
There is a risk of complication with a surgical procedure of this magnitude and as such it will only be performed when it is the best option for the cruciate injury that your dog has sustained.
What should expect during recovery after TTA surgery?
Healing from TTA surgery is generally rapid.- 24 Hours Post Op: Approximately 50% of dogs that have undergone this surgical procedure will be walking by this time.
- At 2 weeks: Most of the dogs will be able to bear moderate to complete amounts of weight on the leg.
- By 10 weeks: The majority of the dogs will no longer be walking with a limp.
- At 4 months: Most dogs will be playing as usual with the only limitations being high-stress activities.
- Within 6 months: Most dogs will be back to enjoying most activities as they had been prior to injury and surgery.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.