Vetplayas-VetCranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture / TTA Surgery

Vetplayas-VetCranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture / TTA Surgery

As a pet owner, you want what’s best for your furry friend. When it comes to their health, you want to make sure you are getting them the best possible care. But what happens when your pet gets injured? How do you know which treatment is best for them? At Vetplayas, we understand how difficult it can be to make decisions about your pet’s health. That’s why we are here to help. In this blog post, we will be discussing cruciate ligament rupture and TTA surgery. We will go over what these procedures are, what they entail, and what the recovery process looks like.

What is the cranial cruciate ligament?

The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is a ligament located in the knee of dogs and other quadrupeds. It acts to stabilize the knee joint and is an important part of the animal’s leg anatomy. When the CCL ruptures, it can cause lameness and pain in the affected leg. Surgery is often required to repair the damage and restore normal function to the joint.

The anatomy of the cranial cruciate ligament

The cranial cruciate ligament, or CCL, is a band of tissue that runs from the back of the femur (thigh bone) to the front of the tibia (shin bone). The CCL stabilizes the knee joint and prevents the tibia from sliding out in front of the femur. A ruptured CCL is a common injury in dogs, especially large breeds.

The anatomy of the cranial cruciate ligament is complex, but there are three main parts:

1. The caudal aspect attaches to the back of the femur.

2. The middle part runs through a space in the knee joint called the intercondylar notch.

3. The cranial aspect attaches to the front of the tibia.

When the CCL is intact, it functions like a rubber band to keep the knee joint stable. But when it’s ruptured, that stability is lost and your dog will likely experience pain and lameness in his leg.

How does a cranial cruciate ligament rupture occur?

A cranial cruciate ligament rupture is a common injury in dogs that can occur suddenly or gradually over time. There are many different ways that a cranial cruciate ligament can rupture, but the most common cause is traumatic injury.

One of the most common ways that a cranial cruciate ligament rupture occurs is from a fall or jump. This type of injury usually happens when the dog lands awkwardly on their leg after jumping off of something high, like a curb or table. Another way that this type of injury can occur is from a car accident. If a dog is hit by a car, they can often times sustain a cranial cruciate ligament rupture.

Another cause of cranial cruciate ligament rupture is degenerative disease. This type of injury typically occurs in older dogs as the ligament begins to weaken and deteriorate with age. Obesity can also play a role in degenerative cranial cruciate ligament disease, as excess weight puts additional strain on the ligament.

Diagnosis of a cranial cruciate ligament rupture

A cranial cruciate ligament rupture is a common orthopedic injury in dogs. It can be caused by trauma, such as a fall or car accident, or degenerative changes associated with aging. The cranial cruciate ligament is a key stabilizer of the knee joint, and when it is ruptured, the knee becomes unstable. This can lead to pain, lameness, and eventually arthritis.

There are several ways to diagnose a cranial cruciate ligament rupture. The most common is through radiographs (x-rays), which can show evidence of joint instability or other changes associated with the injury. Your veterinarian may also recommend MRI or CT imaging to get a more detailed look at the knee joint. However, the definitive diagnosis is made through arthroscopy, which is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows your veterinarian to directly visualize the knee joint and confirm the presence of a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament.

Once a cranial cruciate ligament rupture has been diagnosed, treatment options will be discussed. Surgical repair is typically recommended in order to stabilize the knee joint and prevent further damage. For more information on this condition and its treatment, please see our blog article “Vetplayas-VetCranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture / TTA Surgery”.

Treatment options for a cranial cruciate ligament rupture

There are a few different ways to treat a cranial cruciate ligament rupture, but the most common and effective treatment is surgery. The two most common types of surgery are the Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) and the Extra- Capsular Technique (EC).

The TTA surgery is considered the gold standard for treating CCL ruptures. It involves cutting the tibia and advancing the tuberosity to realign the joint. This surgery is typically very successful in restoring knee function and preventing further injury.

The EC technique is a less invasive option that involves placing a metal plate and screws around the outside of the knee joint to stabilize it. This surgery is not as effective as the TTA in restoring knee function, but it can still be helpful in some cases.

After either type of surgery, your dog will need to wear a leg brace or have strict activity restrictions for at least 8 weeks to allow their knee time to heal properly. They will also need physical therapy to help regain strength and range of motion in their leg.

Recovery from cranial cruciate ligament surgery

Cranial cruciate ligament surgery, also known as TTA surgery, is a common veterinary procedure to treat a torn or ruptured cranial cruciate ligament. The cranial cruciate ligament is one of the major stabilizing ligaments in the knee joint, and when it is damaged, it can cause severe pain and lameness in your dog.

TTA surgery is a relatively straightforward procedure that involves making an incision in the front of the knee and then inserting a metal plate and screws to stabilize the joint. The surgery typically takes about two hours, and most dogs stay in the hospital for two to three nights afterwards.

The recovery from TTA surgery can vary depending on your dog’s individual case, but most dogs take four to six weeks to fully recover. During this time, it is important to keep your dog calm and quiet to allow for proper healing. This means restricting exercise, keeping them on a leash when outdoors, and avoiding stairs.

You will likely need to give your dog pain medication for the first week or two after surgery, and then slowly taper off as they start to feel better. Your veterinarian will also likely recommend physical therapy to help your dog regain strength and mobility in their leg.

Overall, TTA surgery is a safe and effective way to treat a torn or ruptured cranial cruciate ligament. With proper care and rehabilitation, most dogs make a full recovery and can return to

Conclusion

Overall, we’re extremely happy with the results of the surgery and would recommend it to any dog owner who’s facing a similar situation. We know it’s a big decision to make, but we hope our story can help you feel more confident in what’s best for your furry friend.