Cruciate Ligament Rupture In Dogs (2): Surgical Repair

[theremington2009]

@deanhere My black lab is 80 lbs. She needs the TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy) surgery. Her vet has the surgery and vet care estimated at $3300.

[larsjake]

@theremington2009 A little high but yeah, about right.

[theremington2009]

@larsjake

that is the highest price they had estimated. The lowest was about $3000. I have been researching this procedure. Do you know anything about it? I am not too sure about anything at this point. Help? lol

[deanhere]

Anyone know what this surgery costs? I have a 30 pound cocker spaniel and this is what the vet recommended. Thank you

[XvalzioX]

Im a sophomore in highschool . I want to be a vet my whole life really. Anyone with experience or knowledge of how to get into vet school and explain to me the competitive process please pm me. I would much appreciate it.

[samccarron]

And whatever you do, don't let you Vet elicit 'drawer' movement again after the initial diagnosis, and when they say 'come back in two weeks' and we'll re-examine him/her again. Two weeks is not even close to a reasonable recovery or improving period of time (it's 8), and the re-examination is actually breaking down any attempts by your dog's body to re-stabilize the joint. Kind of situation that Vets want in order to perform surgery. Email me for my story. I'm just here to help.

[samccarron]

I also like to mention, that my dog made huge strides in recovery in just a few days of proper restricted activity. I chose to do a full 6 months of it, that is, no running, no jumping, stairs or pulling on leash, and it a bunch of swimming and it was no strict rule of thumb. It is what I saw and observed in his recovery. 9 months after the initial 'diagnosis', he and I are back to our 30 mile/wk hikes without a glitch.

[samccarron]

I hope all of you people fully know that whether surgery is done or not, the dog still needs to be properly restricted. That's what most Vets fail to tell you.  If you think the cast is taken off, and Skippy can bolt after rabbits again, you are mistaken. Restrict your dog's activity, let scar tissue replace the functionality of the torn ligament, and he/she will be okay in a lot of cases. Restricted activity should be attempted by diligent owners who have their DOG in best interest.

[samccarron]

My 90lb male Shar Pei/Weimaraner mix has made a full recovery without surgery (as recommended) with restricted activity. It takes a dedicated owner, but it is the way to go. Don't buy into this high profit procedure hosted by not exactly a non-profit organization staffed with saints. Not saying anything particularly evil about Vets, but they are taught about injuries by Surgeons in school. There is no money in restricted activity. Email me at samccarron@gmail.com for my story and resources.

[samccarron]

Funny, the best way to treat this condition is surgery! What a blatant, and pretentious recommendation. The best way to treat this condition is to restrict activity. Not reduce it, but to restrict it. That's up to the individual owner to see that it's done correctly. It means, no running, no jumping, no stairs, and no pulling on leash.

[erinikeefe]

@samccarron it depends on the dog& whether it is a tear or rupture. My dog ruptured her acl a year and a half ago. She had the surgery& things have been wonderful! The surgery was delayed 2 weeks after her 1st rupture bc I was contemplating other alternatives. Not ONCE did she put any weight on her leg. Sometimes surgery is necessary!

[Stezus777]

My dog has a ruptured cruciate ligament it's along time sents it happend and it's getting even worse she is depressed and in pain I can't afford the surgery i thought she was indestructible I took her walks evey day for her almost six years do live I'm pissed after seeing this shit the whole thing is fucked

[Johnyster]

Great !

[coastalangler]

talk about scar tissue, this surgeon has opened up large part of the knee that is not even necessary. The incision could have been half the size of the opening incision

[Maishley]

@coastalangler I agree. My dog had to have surgery for a torn cruciate and she had an incision on each side of her knee. Not one big gaping wound. Yikes.

[howlinwolf812]

Most veterinarians strongly advise surgery. Most dogs who have surgery eventually walk pretty well. However, most dogs who don't have surgery eventually walk pretty well, too. Most dogs who don't have surgery develop arthritis in the knee over the years and require medical treatment for the discomfort as they age. Most dogs who have surgery develop arthritis and require medical therapy for the discomfort at some point, as well.

[nbvanatta1]

A Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy is really the only permanent way to repair a torn cruciate.

[SleeCee]

@nbvanatta1im pretty sure i just read a few people who opted NOT for surgery,instead restricted mobiltity(2 months with short walks no running or jumping)custom fitted brace that can be removed once the dog is healed, ice and heat

flexing excerise',supplement to avoid/ or help with possible arthritis.

SO tomorrow i take my 85lbdoodle back to vet,for xrays and diagnosed.

after all,i want wants best for her,as long as she isnt in pain and can live a normal life, without a limp or surgery.

[mkwfan17]

is the dog alive or..... dead

[mrhappyguy1980]

@mkwfan17 ur a jerk off

[mkwfan17]

@mrhappyguy1980 ?

[PrincessKonohana]

idk why, but for sum reason the minute i clicked on this vid, my leg started hurting.....o.o

[TheCrazy243]

Very interesting ..

[FutureRob]

My dog has had a tear for nearly 20 months now. I decided to try something totally new for dogs called Prolo Therapy. It has helped, but she is still not out of the woods. Has anyone heard of anything using stem cells to get the ligament to regenerate?Also, wondering if this "Organ Printing" thing would have any merit for the cruciate ligament? I'm looking for something less invasive than cutting bones or suturing. Something new; a breakthrough. Anything anyone can share that would be new?

[allords1]

@FutureRob Sorry to tell you this, but, muscles heal, tendons can heal but ligaments cannot heal by themselves. Sometimes surgery is neccessary.

[FutureRob]

@allords1 I can't help but think back to how doctors use to blood let people who were sick one hundred year's ago, or, how even 20 year's ago, I told my friend that I thought we would be able to download movies on our computers. He was a computer science major at the time, and he told me that would never be possible, yet now we have NetFlix and can instantly watch a movie. Growing back a ligament will be possible one day, it's just a matter of when it will be possible.  Who's got the info?

[allords1]

@FutureRob Thats in the future, this is now. The dog will be in pain with a tear. Wouldnt you want it fixed if it was yours?

[FutureRob]

@allords1 You make a good point. I was hoping to not have to have her go through the ordeal, and me, for several months. I've decided upon the least invasive procedure (suture type- she's 60 lbs) vs the TPLO (cutting and pins). I was hoping to avoid this intrusion, but I'm with you, it has to be fixed, so she can eventually live without the problem. I'm setting up the surgery date tomorrow. I'll let you know how it comes out. Thanks for your thoughts.

[TarrynWarryn]

@FutureRob Didn't your doctor tell you about any secondary injuries relating to leaving the surgery for so long? Like arthritis? which is irreversible. My dog was at the vet today because he started limping at the park. She told me that he has acute onset of a cruciate-ligament rupture, and gave me to give him over the course of the week. She told me that if it doesn't improve my Monday, i should take him back to see if he needs surgery or if the ligament is still intact. How is your dog doing?

[FutureRob]

@TarrynWarryn My dog had surgery on her rear left knee on May 5th (48 hours out now). They found a partial tear in one of the two strands of the anterior cruciate ligament. They removed the ligament entirely and ran a suture on the outside of the joint. She is doing well but we have a lot of physical therapy to get her back to being a normal dog. I use a lot of natural products to help with the arthritis: Zyflamend by New Chapter, Astaxanthin, Glyco-Flex III chews, Cod Liver Oil & Vet Best Hip+J

[carole1589]

@FutureRob Hi Rob How did you do go on with the surgery I am opting for the suture type surgery and would really like some info. I am so scared for my dog its untrue. I have tried short walks and minimal excesise but he still has a limp. I am gutted.

shaun.miles1@ntlworld.com

[Flexcin]

When your pet is in the stages of recovery from this type of surgery, a supplement will speed his healing process.

[miglianovet]

Great work ! congratulations ! I'm from Brazil .

[k9mom007]

is this exact type of surgery to be done by an orthopedic specialist or is it done by an ordinary vet?

[xdurin]

Thank you for sharing this video. It would take time for the dogs to heal or recover, but there are supplements and pain reliever that they can take.

[dreenable]

my rottie has had cruciate ligurment op they went for the muscule thread? how long does it take to recover she had it done yesterday and still in lot of pain not eating, an drinkin very little omg i cant belive what she has had done my brave megan poor girl wish i could help her more xxx

[unicorn193]

sorry the band of fas-whatty?

sorry i'm just trying to write everything up and i'm rubbish at spelling, thanks :)

[howva]

@unicorn193 Fascia Lata

[Nimphae]

Thank you very much for this video... It's wonderful to see what vets do (and what veterinary medicine is able to do today) for the sake of our great friends... :)

[cameronvuillemenot16]

i AM VERY CONFUSED NOW...

MY VET TOLD ME THAT MY DOG NEED SURGERY AND WANT TO PERFORM THIS THURSDAY WHICH DOESN'T LEAVE ME MUCH TIME TO THINK....

WHAT IS CONSERVATIVE MANAGEMENT AND WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE?

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP

[afccapt07]

that was a intresting procedure!

[curtisbe]

I work at a small animal clinic. Our Cruciate Sx is done quite a bit differently. We don't use the fascia to stabilize, we use artificial materials, and our incision isn't quite so large. But I'm no doctor, and I've only worked at the one clinic so it's the only way I know.

[ujkuplak747]

Thank you for the brilliant video.

Please keep posting these kind of videos in future.

[NevadaPuP]

Wow.. that was interesting to see. I have opted at this time for Conservative Management. Livinglight1122 is right surgery is not always the option. These ligament tears in varying degrees of injury can be repaired without surgery. It doesn't always work and sometime surgery is the answer but I think natural healing is the way to go and worth the try if you apply the tecniques. The surgery option is always there so thank you to the vets who educate themselves to do it with success.

[AStarSpangledGirl]

Nevada...I agree. I took her advice and looked into Conservative Management and now my baby is like NEW!!!!!

Thank you Livinglight1122!!!!

[AStarSpangledGirl]

What are the NON SURGICAL options???

[oldgrannycatari]

1. Let it be, but then that puts pressure on the other leg, so the same may happen.

2. If the dog is very old, like mine, another option is to put them out of their pain, if you know what I mean.....:( :( :(

[AStarSpangledGirl]

old granny...My dog is now doing fine!!!! I took advice from the Conservative Management group and didn't opt for surgery. 3 months later my little girl is running like crazy and healed!!!!

[oldgrannycatari]

Wow! That's really good!!!

My mom chose to go with the surgery, so I'm really happy. :) She will be in recovery for another 6 weeks after the surgery, and then she'll be back home.

[livinginlight1122]

You are not giving full disclosure on all methods available for treating this injury. You have removed my post because I have. If anyone wants further information on how to treat this injury without resorting to this invasive surgery contact me.

[livinginlight1122]

shame on you for not posting my earlier post. Not giving people and their pet another route for healing goes to show how vets use this even when it may not be entirely necessary because its a "cash cow" for them Its all about the money and not always in the best interest of the dog. My dog has recovered through Conservative Management as well as if she would have undergone surgery.

[AStarSpangledGirl]

living...if what you are saying isn't true..instead of deleting they should prove you wrong.

The fact that they censored it makes me think you are right. I think this just happened to my dog and since I have been unemployed for 3 months..I can't afford surgery...so I will be contacting you.

Thank you

[wrightieo]

My poor doogie is having surgery soon, your video was great but very graphic. Have a small churning in my stomach now. Oh well, better to know than get a nasty shock when we go to pick her up.

[emskye29]

Wow thats amazing! my dog is having this done soon figers crossed all goes well

[oldgrannycatari]

Same with mine, obese 12 year old chihuahua/pomeranian mix. BTW, it's not me that made her overweight, so please don't write a hate comment about that... Good Luck!

[lyndachabane]

Brilliant video, very informative. Is there also one using the TPLO method??

[lynne616]

Thank you for this video... it was so helpful to see the surgery, and made us more comfortable with our dog's upcoming cruciate ligament surgery.

Your explanations are VERY clear, which is much appreciated :)