Dog ACL Surgery Types and Treatment Options

If your furry friend is diagnosed with a torn ACL, don't worry, there are several treatment options available.

Surgical repair is a common approach, and there are several types of surgeries to choose from, including extracapsular repair, intracapsular repair, and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO).

Extracapsular repair involves using a suture to repair the ligament outside the joint capsule, while intracapsular repair involves repairing the ligament within the joint capsule.

The choice of surgery depends on the severity of the injury, the size and breed of the dog, and the veterinarian's recommendation.

Your dog's ACL injury can be quite painful, and it's essential to understand what causes it. The Cranial Cruciate Ligament, or ACL, is a crucial ligament that helps stabilize your dog's knee joint.

Rupturing the ACL can lead to a shearing force that causes the femur to slide backward on the tibial plateau. This abnormal movement can result in excessive wear and tear on the cartilage surface.

If left untreated, the joint can develop severe arthritis, causing constant pain for your dog. The menisci, cartilage pads in the joint, can also be damaged, leading to further arthritic change.

There are several potential complications that can arise from an untreated ACL injury. Here are some of the possible outcomes:

The TTA procedure can be performed on dogs of various sizes, from as small as 10 lbs to over 120 lbs.

There are several surgical procedures for torn ACLs in dogs, including the extracapsular suture (MRIT), Tightrope CCL, Tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA), and Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO).

The TTA procedure can provide more closely restored normal biomechanics of the canine knee compared to the lateral suture procedure.

The lateral suture procedure involves using suture material to replace the torn ligament in a different position, but it doesn't have the same biomechanical properties as the original ligament, resulting in lost range of motion.

The lateral suture procedure can eventually lead to the temporary ligament breaking, but the dog may build up scar tissue around it to act as a long-term stabilizer.

Complications from any of these procedures can include infection, incisional or implant-related.

Here are some common surgical procedures for torn ACLs in dogs:

These procedures can be grouped into extracapsular, intracapsular, and tibial osteotomy techniques, each with its own approach to stabilizing the stifle joint.

Treatment options for dog ACL surgery vary, and the right choice depends on several factors, including your dog's size, breed, and overall health. A veterinarian will typically recommend one of three main orthopedic operations: lateral suture, tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO), or tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA).

The lateral suture procedure is often used for small dogs under 35 pounds and has a success rate of about 90%. This surgery involves looping a suture through a hole in the tibia and the fabella, a pea-sized bone connected to the femur, to anchor the bones together.

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Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) is the most common of the three surgeries and is not dependent on your dog's size or breed. During this surgery, your veterinarian will make a curved cut to your dog's tibia and then turn their tibial plateau to level the tibia and femur.

Tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) involves cutting inside the shin bone and attaching a metal TTA plate to the tibia, along with a bone graft to promote healing. This procedure is often used for larger dogs or those with more severe ACL tears.

The choice of surgery ultimately depends on the veterinarian's expertise and experience with each procedure. They will consider factors such as your dog's size, breed, and overall health to determine the best course of action.

Here are the three main orthopedic operations for repairing an ACL tear:

All of these procedures strive to achieve stability of the stifle joint, but it's essential to consider the potential complications, such as infection, and the importance of proper postoperative and home care.

The cost of ACL surgery can be a significant concern for many pet owners. The cost of ACL surgery in dogs varies, depending on location, type of surgery performed, and care facility, but you may expect the cost to be anywhere from $1,500 to $7,000 or more.

The cost of ACL surgery can add up quickly, and it's essential to consider the total cost, including pre-surgical bloodwork, anesthesia, post-surgical care, and medications. These costs can range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the type of operation.

Here's a breakdown of the estimated costs for different types of ACL surgery:

It's worth noting that many pet insurance companies typically cover some or all of the cost, unless specifically stated in their terms and conditions.

The cost of ACL surgery for dogs can be a significant concern for pet owners. The cost ranges from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the type of operation.

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The least expensive option is the Extracapsular Lateral Suture Stabilization (ELSS), which costs between $1,100 and $2,500. This surgery is often performed on small dogs under 35 pounds.

The more complex surgeries, like Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) and Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA), can cost between $2,400 and $4,500, and even up to $5,000.

Many surgeries and post-surgical rehabilitation are covered by pet insurance, which can help alleviate some of the financial burden.

Here's a breakdown of the estimated costs for each surgery type:

Some hospitals may also include post-surgical physical therapy in the cost, which can add to the overall expense.

Effectiveness is a crucial factor to consider when evaluating the success of ACL surgery in dogs. The estimated success rate of this surgery is around 85-90%. This rate can vary depending on the degree of inflammation and arthritis already present in a dog.

The surgical technique used and the skill of the veterinary surgeon also play a significant role in determining the effectiveness of the surgery.

Consider reading: Dog Knee Surgery Types

After ACL surgery, your dog will need some time to recover, and that's where post-operative care comes in. This usually involves two to three months of slow leash walks and crate rest, especially when unsupervised.

Pups may benefit from calming medications or sedatives to prevent further injury or surgery failure. Rehabilitation is a slow process, taking up to six months following surgery, but most dogs will resume normal activity three to four months after surgery.

If your dog has a hard time recovering, it's essential to follow your veterinarian's advice. Failure to do so could result in further damage, additional complications, and necessitate more surgeries or treatments.

If surgery isn't an option for your dog due to advanced age, underlying disease, or financial constraints, conservative management is an alternative. This includes exercise restriction, weight loss, and pain medication or anti-inflammatory prescriptions. For smaller dogs weighing less than 30 pounds, this method has an estimated 85% success rate.

Some common medications prescribed for post-surgery care include:

It's also crucial to provide a weight loss diet, such as Hill's Meta-mobility, j/d, or Royal Canin Advanced Mobility, to help your dog recover and prevent future injuries.

Post-Op Care is crucial for a smooth and successful recovery after ACL surgery in dogs. Your vet will likely recommend two to three months of post-operative exercise restriction, consisting of slow leash walks and crate rest, especially when unsupervised.

Some dogs may benefit from calming medications or sedatives to prevent further injury or surgery failure. These medications can be prescribed by your vet.

Rehabilitation is a slow process that can take up to six months following surgery. Most dogs will resume normal activity three to four months after surgery.

Your vet may recommend additional X-rays of the knee to ensure the bones are healing and implants are working properly. This is usually done during future visits.

Some exercises can be performed at home, such as passive range of motion exercises (gently flexing and extending the knee), but your vet may also recommend consultation with a rehabilitation veterinarian. Physical rehab can improve your dog's recovery.

To manage pain and swelling, your vet may prescribe medications such as Gabapentin, Tramadol, or Galliprant. They may also recommend icing the joint several times a day and laser therapy.

Here are some common pain medications and anti-inflammatory medications prescribed for post-op care:

Your vet may also recommend joint supplements, such as Dasuquin or Cosequin, to help reduce pain, minimize cartilage damage, and increase joint lubrication. Other supplements may include glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and MSM.

Overweight dogs have a more difficult time during recovery, so your vet may recommend a weight loss diet, such as Hill's Meta-mobility, j/d, or Royal Canin Advanced Mobility.

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Alternatives to surgery can be a viable option for dogs that can't undergo anesthesia or have financial constraints.

For some dogs, conservative management is possible. This includes restricting exercise for several weeks and prescribing pain medications or anti-inflammatories.

Smaller dogs, especially those weighing less than 30 pounds, can have an estimated 85% success rate with this method.