Knee Surgery

The rupture usually results from a twist on the rear leg (e.g. while running) that puts excessive tension on the ligament. Various factors may increase the likelihood of this happening:

• Age-related degeneration and arthritis (meaning it’s more common middle aged to senior dogs)
• Higher susceptibility in some breeds (e.g. large and giant breeds, working dogs like the border collie)
• Being overweight or inactive
• Previous knee injury

The role of the cruciate ligament in dogs is to stabilise the knee joint by stopping the thigh and shin bones from rubbing against each other. A torn or ruptured cruciate ligament, then, results in friction, inflammation, injury to cartilage and eventually arthritis. It is the most common cause of both chronic rear leg lameness and arthritis. It will aggravate existing arthritis.

Cats can also suffer from this condition, although it is more prevalent in dogs.

There are several surgical techniques that can be used in treating pain and movement impairment resulting from ruptures of the cranial cruciate ligament. Our experienced vets will advise you on which option is best for your dog.

• On dogs heavier than 10-15kg, we primarily use the TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement) surgery to stabilise the knee joint when the CCL is not functional.
• On smaller dogs, we perform extracapsular repair through a method called the De Angelis technique.  The suture used in this technique is a temporary intervention that restricts joint movement for the duration of recovery (usually at least 12 weeks of intensive restriction). This enables scar tissue and supportive tissue to develop within the knee.
• Another possibility is TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) surgery.  This surgery alters the bones of the knee to level and stabilise its movement. Dog owners seeking this option can arrange to have it performed at our hospital by a visiting surgeon.  

It’s important that you do not give your pet any food after 8pm the night before the surgery. During this fasting period water is still completely fine. Before coming to the hospital on the morning of the surgery, remember to take your pet for a short walk to allow them to get rid of any waste.

We ensure your pet is kept as comfortable as possible in a calm and climate controlled area during their stay with us. This is to aid in the healing process, monitor any pain or chance of infection, and speed up recovery from anaesthetic. One of our experienced staff members will watch your pet to ensure recovery goes as smoothly as possible. Patients are given a nutritious meal after surgery and dogs are walked before being released back into your care.

Once your pet is home, it’s vitally important that you follow all instructions given to you by your vet. In order to promote a faster recovery from anaesthetic, it helps to give your pet some food and water when you arrive home. Make sure your pet is kept warm and comfortable in a quiet place.

While recovering, it is essential that you limit your pet’s range of activities – you will be advised on this by your surgeon. To reduce the risk of tearing any stitches and avoiding infection, collars (cones) need be worn at all times for as long as your vet has advised. Medication (including pain relief) must be given at the advised times for the entire course of treatment – see packaging for details from your vet.

For the first month following surgery, your pet will be seen weekly by our vets, and receive a course of an arthritis injection called Synovan. During these visits our vets will assess the surgical wound, your pet’s comfort levels, and go over physiotherapy requirements.

After that, your pet will have two more monthly visits to make sure all is going well. If you have concerns at any point, please feel free to get in touch with us on 03 9555 4808.