A ruptured cruciate ligament can cause your pet to suddenly start limping on one of its back legs. This painful and immobilizing injury is one of the most common orthopaedic problems in dogs and cats. While not life-threatening, it’s crucial to address this issue promptly.
Our clinic offers a service known as Cruciate Surgery: Extracapsular Repair. This procedure involves placing a strong suture to secure the femur and tibia, essentially replacing the function of the torn cruciate ligament. The suture supports the knee joint while scar tissue builds up and the muscles surrounding the knee strengthen. This is a relatively quick and uncomplicated procedure with good success rates, especially for smaller pets.
We also offer two advanced surgical techniques: Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO) and Cranial Closing Wedge Ostectomy (CCWO). These methods involve remodelling the shin bone to change the forces within the knee joint, addressing an underlying cause of ligament rupture. Although these techniques are more invasive, they have been proven to reduce the progression of osteoarthritis and shorten the recovery period.
The choice of technique will depend on numerous factors, including patient size and available budget, and will be discussed with you by our veterinary surgeon. Our goal is to stabilize the knee joint, prevent abnormal movement, and ensure your pet’s swift recovery. We’re committed to providing the best care for your pet, helping them get back on their paws as soon as possible.
