Cruciate Ligament In Dogs & Cats
Cruciate ligament injuries often occur due to trauma, such as a fall or a car accident. However, they can also occur due to overuse, especially a torn cruciate ligament in dogs that participate in high-impact activities such as agility or flyball.
Dogs with cruciate ligament injuries will often exhibit lameness in the affected leg. Diagnosis of a cruciate ligament injury typically requires X-rays and/or an MRI and treatment may involve conservative management, such as weight loss and physical therapy, or surgery.
Sometimes cruciate ligament injuries can go unnoticed so it’s important to look out for signs your pet may be in pain and ask your vet about any issues you notice at your pet’s general health check up
Cruciate Ligament Surgery for Dogs
If your dog has suffered a cruciate ligament injury, pet surgery may be recommended in order to repair the damage and restore full function to the joint.
There are a number of different surgical techniques that can be used to repair a cruciate ligament injury. Our Plus One Vet team will discuss the best option for your dog based on your pet’s individual needs.
Recovery from surgery can take several weeks or longer, but most dogs make a full recovery and are able to return to normal activity levels. With proper care and rehabilitation, your dog can once again enjoy a happy and active life.
Modified Maquet Procedure (MMP)
MMP is a surgery we perform at Plus One Vet to treat cruciate ligament tears. This procedure involves making small incisions in the skin and soft tissue around the knee joint to access the ligament. Once the ligament is accessed, it is either repaired or replaced with a synthetic ligament.
Recovery from MMP surgery typically takes four to six weeks. During this time, your dog will need to be restricted to leash walks and will need to wear a knee brace or splint.
There are two main types of cruciate ligament injury in dogs: partial and complete tears. Partial tears involve a portion of the ligament being torn, while complete tears involve the entire ligament being torn. Both types of injuries can be extremely painful and debilitating for your dog.
Dog ACL surgery cost – What Can I Expect?
The average cost of dog ACL surgery depends on a number of factors including:
- the severity of the injury
- the type of surgery required
- the location of the surgery
In most cases, dog ACL surgery is considered to be an elective procedure, which means that pet insurance policies will not cover the cost. However, there are some pet insurance companies that offer optional riders that will cover the cost of ACL surgery.
SunnyBank
07 3707 5432
Nundah
07 3707 5434
Dog ACL Injury Treatment
If your dog has suffered a cruciate ligament injury, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the injury but may include rest, crate confinement, physical therapy, weight management, and surgery.
Rest:
Rest is an important part of the healing process for any type of cruciate ligament injury. Your dog will need to be restricted from any activity that could put strain on the injured ligament. Crate confinement is often recommended to help keep your dog from moving around too much and re-injuring the ligament.
Physical Therapy:
Physical therapy can be very helpful in the healing process for cruciate ligament injuries. It can help to increase range of motion, reduce pain, and improve overall muscle strength.
Surgery:
Surgery is often necessary to repair cruciate ligament injuries, and we can recommend the best option for your dog based on the severity of the injury. If you think your dog may have suffered a cruciate ligament injury, please contact your veterinarian for further evaluation and treatment.
Weight management:
Weight management is also important for dogs with cruciate ligament injuries. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight will help to reduce the amount of stress on the injured ligament and promote healing.
SunnyBank
07 3707 5432
Nundah
07 3707 5434
ACL injury in Cats
A torn cruciate ligament is a serious injury that can be very painful for your cat. If not treated properly, it can lead to long-term joint problems.
There are several ways to treat a cruciate ligament injury in cats. The most common is surgery to repair or replace the ligament. Surgery is usually followed by a period of rest and physical therapy to help your cat recover and prevent further injury. If your beloved cat is suffering pain or finding it difficult to walk they could be suffering with cruciate Ligiment damage. Our team will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of treatment to ensure your cat remains healthy and pain free.
Experts in MMP Procedure in Dogs & Cats
If you think your dog, or cat, has sustained a cruciate ligament injury it is important to diagnose these injuries quickly in order to prevent further damage. Our expert veterinary surgeon has a wealth of knowledge and experience in soft tissue surgery and Modified Maquet Procedures.
At Plus One Vet our friendly vet team can help you get your furry friend back on the road to recovery! Get in touch or give us a call to schedule an appointment today.
Dr Leo Wong
Veterinary Surgeon
SunnyBank
07 3707 5432
Nundah
07 3707 5434
