The Zlig (formerly: VetLig) / Petlig method
Zlig (formerly: VetLig) - an intracapsular ligament replacement
This method has been used in humans for 25 years. The body's own or artificial material (tendons, parts of the patellar ligament, fascia) is used to replace the torn cruciate ligament.
This method did not prove successful in dogs for a long time. Due to the inadequately controllable strain on the knee joints in dogs after surgery, the ligament replacement tore again in many cases.
Zlig, a synthetic ligament for intra-articular cruciate ligament replacement in small animals, is now available following extensive preliminary work by Dr Jacques Pillipe Laboureau.
The Zlig is used as a total replacement for the cruciate ligament using a tunnelling technique. The braided extra-articular parts of the ligaments are anchored in femoral and tibial bone tunnels using cannulated titanium interference screws.
With the development new materials In medical technology, it is now possible to perform a surgical method on dogs / cats that is considered state of the art in humans, as it best replicates the natural anatomy of the animal and, in contrast to TPLO / TTA, does not involve any stressful changes to the bones.
Zlig, a synthetic ligament for intra-articular cruciate ligament replacement in small animals, is now available following extensive preliminary work by Dr Jacques Pillipe Laboureau.
The Zlig is used as a total replacement for the cruciate ligament using a tunnelling technique. The braided extra-articular parts of the ligaments are anchored in femoral and tibial bone tunnels using cannulated titanium interference screws.
This technique does not cause irreversible damage.
Advantages:
✓ Can also be used with very heavy dogs >70kg
✓ Reproduction of the natural anatomy without serious intervention in the bone structure
✓ The patient's hind leg can be loaded again very soon (!) after the operation without any risks (however, we recommend resting on a leash for the first few weeks)
✓ Lower costs than with TPLO or TTA, considering the total cost including aftercare and physiotherapy
✓ especially with young animals this method does not prevent you from using Zlig or TPLO / TTA again at a later date - the latter, on the other hand, are one-off and definitive and, in the worst case, mean amputation in the event of recurring problems
✓ with old animals and bilateral ligament ruptures can be treated in a single operation using the Petlig method ® (only one anaesthetic risk; parallel surgery of both knees by two surgeons = shorter surgery time etc.) both ligament ruptures and the animal is promptly (in this case Example of a 14-year-old dog two days after the operation) and has a better quality of life again
Disadvantage:
X Higher costs than with capsular fascia tightening after Meutstege or lateral suture tightening
FAQs on the Zlig (formerly: VetLig) method
Is Zlig (formerly: VetLig) a new method of cruciate ligament surgery in dogs/cats?
Yes and no. The basic procedure has been used in humans for around 25 years. In France, this method has also been used in animals for more than ten years - see studies below. It is therefore newer than TPLO / TTA in the veterinary field, but mature enough to have correspondingly good empirical values over a longer period of time. There is often still outdated information that artificial cruciate ligament replacement does not work in animals. This is definitely not the case (see studies below and our own experience from over 150 operations contradict this statement - see our article on dog laps).
How often do you generally use this variant?
We now operate using this method several times a week. Operations are performed by a permanent, experienced surgical team led by Medical Director Susanne Arndt. Our small animal centre is now the leading centre for the Zlig method in southern Germany with over 150 operations one of the leading small animal practices.
Does this variant also make sense for active dogs or can he run and play as freely as before after the rest period?
The VetLig could even be used for cats, where enormous forces are applied to the hind limbs. The ligament we use in dogs has a tensile strength of up to 9000 Newtons, whereas the human anterior cruciate ligament can withstand up to 2500 Newtons until it tears. This means that unrestricted loading is possible after complete convalescence.
What complications could occur? Is the replacement strap made to last a dog's lifetime?
Tearing of the replacement ligament is relatively unlikely, as its architecture is designed to withstand the frictional and shear forces for life. Should there nevertheless be a problem with an implant or the screws, it would even be possible to use the same technique again or any other method.
Our study of 67 Zlig OPs in comparison with TPLO, TTA & TTA Rapid
Simply click on the image and download the complete article or view it online in the flipbook below:
How the Zlig method works
Results of the cross ligament replacement method according to Zlig (formerly: VetLig) from our practice
Case study 1 - older dog
Case study 3 - bilateral cruciate ligament surgery
Case study 4 - bilateral cruciate ligament surgery
Case study 2 - younger dog
Enquiry
You can use the following form to make a qualified, non-binding enquiry for cruciate ligament surgery. Mrs Arndt will then contact you promptly by telephone for further advice - please let us know your preferred call-back times:
Further studies on the Zlig (formerly: Vetlig) method
One Extensive clinical study between 2012 and 2021 (here) shows good to excellent results in 98% of cases and is therefore currently the most modern and gentle treatment method for heavy animals.
VetLig Thèse-Geoffrey-PAGES 15 Cases 2013
