New Surgery For Fido's Knees

[n2doc]

Veterinary Orthopedic Surgeons Adapt Human Ankle Surgery Method To Canine Knee Operations

December 1, 2008 — Veterinary orthopedic surgeons developed a procedure to fix cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) deficiencies in dogs. A method adapted from human ankle surgeries, the procedure cleans up the joint tissue and meniscus of the knees by stabilizing the ligament. This is accomplished by inserting a device into the leg via a small incision, ultimately replacing the function of the ligament. Surgeons then drill through the bones to anchor it in place.

A common sports injury in human knees is even more prevalent in dogs. Every year, about 1 million canines undergo surgery for torn ligaments in their knees. A new procedure is offering a quicker and easier way to ease their pain.

Stephanie Gilliam knew something wasn't right when her dog Payton struggled to get up.

"My dogs are my kids, and it was very important to me for him not to be in pain and be able to live a healthy, normal life," said Gilliam.

When she learned of a new veterinary surgery to fix Payton's knee, she jumped at the chance.

"Owners are looking for it, quite frankly," said James Cook, D.V.M., Ph.D., a veterinary orthopaedic surgeon at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo. "They want the same quality of surgery ... as they would in themselves."

more, with video

http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2008/1203-new_surgery_for_fidos_knees.htm

[Rhiannon12866]

1. K&R. Important information, thanks for posting!

When my 17-year-old cocker spaniel was unable to walk, I took him for acupuncture. It's less invasive than surgery, safer for an older dog, and that worked for him. But he didn't have an injury. :-)

[DBoon]

2. both our dogs had to go through this

very easy to tear ligaments during doggie play

It's not cheap but it is worth it to have your dog running again!

[MuseRider]

3. We are just out of the first month

of recovery from a TPLO on our littlest doggie. Boy is it a long, hard recovery but it was that or a dog in long term pain or with 3 legs. This sounds like a wonderful improvement to that.