Cruciate Repair
What is a cruciate injury?
The cruciate ligaments are in the centre of the knee joint. They stop the bones riding over eah other, for example especially when running down hill.
A rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament is common in some breeds of dogs. It can be a full or partial (part) rupture. And may or may not involve a meniscal (cartilage) injury.
Some dogs may do quite well following a cruciate injury, particualrly with full ruptures, for most it may lead to pain and poor mobility.
What are repair options?
There are a few options available for dogs with a cruciate injury. The first is to do nothing surgically; to manage the symptoms with pain relief and activity modification. For some dogs, particularily with partial tears, or those with other health problems, this may suffice. For most, this may not.
Traditionally at Longridge Vets we have had good results with what is called an extracapsular repair. This involves strengtheing the joint with suture material. Over time the body scars around the sutures. Specialist orthopaedic surgeons at referal centres may perform a tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO). This involves cutting the bone to change the angle of the joint so that a cruciate ligament is no longer required. Orthopaedic surgeons have found these to be sucessful with good results, but often with a heavy price tag.
Recently, we have invested in training and development of a new technique called a Z-Lig reconstruction. This uses a synthetic ligament to replace the cruciate. Synthetic ligaments are used widely in human orthopaedics and are now starting to ce used more frequently in veterinary.
For comparison costs of each repair can be
- Z-Ligament reconstruction - Approx costs £1500 at Longridge Vets
- Extra capsular repair Approx costs £900 -£1000 at Longridge Vets
- Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO) – Approx expected costs £2500 -£4500 at a referral practtice, dependent on the particular surgeon and hospital
How do Longridge Vets repair cruciate ligaments?
We now use the new Z-ligament reconstruction or an extra capsular repair
What are benefits of reconstruction?
- Return to normal function quicker
- Less Muscle wastage
- Less long-term Osteoarthritis
- Less pain
- Improved mobility
Are there any risks?
All surgery carries risks. It is important to discuss this with your vet. We always discuss a consent form with the client. This highlights the risks of a general anaesthetic, which are usually low, unless your pet has other medical conditions, and then the risk of the surgery itself.
The specific risks to a cruciate ligament reconstruction are
- Infection
- Bone fracture
- Implant failure
Post operative care
As with all orthopaedic surgery, to get the best results it is important to follow the post-operative guidance diligently. Our nurse will dicuss this with you in detail. It will include:
- Very little exercise intially, then gradually increasing the exercise.
- Gentle walking initially. Avoiding quick/sudden/rapid movements eg ball chasing or downhill
- Keeping the wound clean and dry. Preventing your dog from licking the wound
- Montioring the dressing and sutures for any signs of infection, which we will discuss with you
Later in your dog's rehab' journey our Nursing lead will be able to meet with you to dicuss specific rehab'. She is specifically trained in exercise rehab' and will be able to advise you on how to regain your pet's full mobility and function.
You're not my regular vet, can I bring my dog for a cruciate repair?
Yes of course! We welcome anyone to our practice. As with our keyhole spays, we perform cruciate repairs for dogs from across the North West and beyond. Please call to register and book in on 01772 783327. Please then ask your regular vet to email us your dog's clinical history so that we are aware of any previous or ongoing medical problems to [email protected].
We appreciate that you may be travelling a distance. We are close to the centre of Longridge where there is an abundance of cafes and shops. Alternatively, there are several farm shops and garden centres close by. Plenty to keep you busy whilst waiting for her discharge!