However, because of the technique's simplicity and lower cost than other repair options, it is frequently performed on much larger dogs and has a considerable success rate. Generally speaking, the lateral suture technique is indicated solely for dogs weighing less than 50 pounds. Once the whole circle is made, the suture ends are clamped together using a clip made from stainless steel. The lateral suture technique includes drilling through the tibia's frontal portion and looping the suture around the fibula, the back portion of the femur, alongside the knee, and finally through the drilled tibial hole. The concept behind the procedure is stabilizing the knee with a plastic, monofilament suture. In fact, this is also the most straightforward ACL repair. The lateral suture technique is the most commonly performed ACL surgery in dogs. The lateral suture technique is also known as extracapsular repair, meaning repairing the issue outside the joint itself. To make things simpler, we will describe the top three most common surgical techniques for dogs. We understand that medical terms can be confusing. Types and Costs of ACL Surgeries for Dogs
Rehabilitation needs – basically all surgical repairs warrant cage rest followed by post-operative rehabilitation (low-impact exercises, hydrotherapy, passive range of motions, electric stimulations, acupuncture, etc.). 
Overall joint health – it is critical to evaluate the dog's joint health because if it has an additional joint issue, like for example, hip dysplasia it will put extra pressure on the newly stabilized joint. Financial considerations – obviously you need to think about how much you can spend on the repair and which procedure will be most cost-effective. 
The dog's lifestyle – active dogs, require a different knee stabilizing approach than dogs with more sedentary lifestyles.The dog's size and weight – lateral suture technique is possible for dogs under 50 lbs, and TPLO and TTA are generally recommended for larger dogs.
The dog's age – invasive repairs are financially and physically overwhelming for older dogs, while in younger dogs, they are more likely to yield positive long-term effects. Sadly, modern dogs are wannabe athletes – spending all week snoozing on the sofa and then getting overly active on weekends. The dog's ancestor was a natural athlete. This is entirely logical – the more weight the knee joint bears, the more likely it is for the surrounding structures to get damaged. Over one-half of the dogs with torn ACLs are either overweight or obese. Namely, dogs with hip issues will favor the hip joint, thus adding extra pressure on the next joint in line, in this case – the knee. The reason is unknown, but the list of predisposed breeds includes:ĭogs with hip dysplasia are at higher risk of sustaining ACL tearing because of compensation. A titanium metal plate and spacer (cage) is screw into place to maintain the bone in this new position.Based on statistics, some dogs are more likely to experience torn ACLs than others. During this surgery, a cut is made into the front part of the tibia (shin bone) just below the knee and this bone is advanced forward to help stabilize the knee. This surgery allows these small patients to regain normal use of their leg in 8-14 weeks with minimal risk of complications.įor larger dogs, we recommend a procedure called a Tibial Tuberosity Advancement or “TTA”. For small dogs weighing 20 pounds or less, we usually recommend a procedure called a “Lateral Suture” or “Extracapsular Repair”. Palpation of the knee joint is the key to the diagnosis although it is also a good idea to take x-rays of both knees to look for any other problems. In most cases, diagnosing a cruciate tear simply requires a veterinarian’s examination. 
Certain breeds (Labradors and Rottweilers) show up with this injury more frequently than other pets.ĭogs can rupture these ligaments with sudden twisting movements while running or even from slipping on the floor. Repairing torn cruciates is a fairly most common surgery at our animal hospital. Their presence keeps the femur and tibia from sliding around and destabilizing the joint. Like people, dogs have two cruciate ligaments to help provide support for the knee.
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