If your beloved dog has a torn cruciate ligament, it can be very painful and unsettling. It's understandable that you care about your dog and only want the best for him. There are several treatment options to help your dog with a torn cruciate ligament, including surgery and conservative therapies. In this article, we'll look at both options to help you make an informed decision.

Treating cruciate ligament tears in dogs: What you need to know about surgery and conservative therapies

Treating Cruciate Ligament Tears in Dogs: Surgery for Cruciate Ligament Tears

What is cruciate ligament surgery?

Cruciate ligament surgery is a surgical method used to treat cruciate ligament tears in dogs. There are several types of cruciate ligament surgeries, including the extracapsular technique (Meutstege/Flo, lateral suture reins), tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO), and tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) or intracapsular technique (Zlig) . We recommend the best and individual option for your animal because we have mastered all methods and have a lot of experience.

How do cruciate ligament operations work?

Cruciate ligament operations aim to replace or repair the torn ligament. For example, the extracapsular technique involves placing an artificial band outside the knee joint to restore stability. With the intracapsular technique (Zlig), the old, natural cruciate ligament is replaced by a new, artificial one. The TPLO and TTA rely on changing the anatomy of the knee joint to reduce stress on the cruciate ligament.

What are the risks and complications of cruciate ligament surgery?

As with any surgery, there are certain risks and complications with cruciate ligament surgery, such as infections, bleeding and problems with anesthesia. It is important postoperative care and rehabilitation seriously to minimize the risk of complications.

Treatment of cruciate ligament tears in dogs: Conservative therapies for cruciate ligament tears

What are conservative therapies?

Conservative therapies are non-surgical methods for treating cruciate ligament tears. This includes pain management, movement restrictions, physical therapy, and the use of orthoses and supports.

How do conservative therapies work?

Conservative therapies aim to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and maintain the dog's mobility. For example, physical therapy can help strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. An orthopedic bandage can stabilize the knee joint and reduce inflammation.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of conservative therapies?

The advantage of conservative therapies is that they are often less invasive than surgery and therefore involve fewer risks and complications. However, it is important to note that not all dogs respond to conservative therapies and they may not be as effective as surgery.

How do I decide which treatment option is best for my dog?

The decision between surgery and conservative therapies depends on various factors, such as the age and weight of the dog, the degree of cruciate ligament tear, the tibial plateau (and associated breed-specific characteristics) and the dog's activity. We will recommend the best option for you based on these factors and your financial capabilities.

Frequently asked questions about treating cruciate ligament tears in dogs

Can my dog ​​heal from a cruciate ligament tear without treatment?

It is unlikely that a dog will fully heal from a cruciate ligament tear without treatment. Without treatment, long-term damage to the knee joint can occur, leading to chronic pain and limited mobility.

Is cruciate ligament surgery always necessary?

Cruciate ligament surgery is not always necessary and depends on various factors. If the dog is older or has a low activity level, conservative therapies may be sufficient. However, it is important that you take your vet's recommendations seriously.

How long does it take to recover from cruciate ligament surgery?

Recovery from ACL surgery can take several months. However, this varies greatly depending on the surgical method used. In our experience, a dog with ZLig surgery can walk well independently after just one week. But suitable dogs are also able to go on short walks again a week after a TPLO operation. It should be noted, however, that all conversion variants (TPLO or TTA) naturally have a longer healing time, as the bones first have to grow together again. This usually means 8 weeks of being on a leash. We will give you specific instructions for post-operative care, including restrictions on movement and the use of pain medication.

Summary

If your dog has a torn cruciate ligament, it's normal to be concerned. However, it is important to know that there are several options for treating cruciate ligament tears in dogs to help your dog recover and get back on his feet. Whether you choose surgery or conservative therapies, it is important that you support your dog during the recovery process and provide him with the necessary care and rehabilitation.

Ultimately, it's about giving your dog a chance at a pain-free and happy life. We know that your dog is an important part of your family and you only want the best for him.

If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Together we can find the best treatment for your dog and help him get back on his feet.