The Tightrope CCL repair surgery is the newest surgical option available for dogs with cranial cruciate ligament injury. Unlike in humans, canine CCL tears and damage generally takes place over a period of months or years, rather than being associated with a single traumatic event. Because of the nature of these injuries, and their degenerative process over time, this new procedure focuses on a technique used in human ankle joints using bone to bone fixation in a minimally invasive way. Read the rest of this entry »
One way I found to save some cash when Tucker had his CCL repair was to order his medication and other pre and post surgery needs (like Kong toys, bully sticks, and pet bedding) online. I purchased his collar, glucosamine and chondrointin supplements, pet pads, and special treats using PetCareRx. My veterinarian even ok-ed his antibiotic orders through their site, easily saving us a couple hundred dollars! Their web interface is really simple to use, and there was not a single product I needed that I could not find on their site. I highly recommend using them if your dog is going into surgery or is recovering from surgery, their prices are absolutely unbeatable. Plus, any order over $35 qualifies for free shipping - I have NEVER seen that on any of the other pet sites out there.
Owners beware, obtaining health insurance for a dog with a known cranial cruciate injury is next to impossible, and most pet insurance companies will not pay for a CCL repair surgery if your dog has not been an incident-free, premium paying, member of their policy for at least one year. Even dog owners with pet insurance often have a difficult time seeking reimbursement for the surgery, and this is something every pet insurance holding dog owner should be aware of. Read the rest of this entry »
Accidents happen, and this is certainly the case in post operative dogs. Sometimes, despite our best efforts and watchful eye, dogs can remove their surgical staples. Unless your dog has done this within a few days of returning home from surgery, or you notice pus, excessive bleeding, or a large, open wound where the staple is missing, your dog should be just fine. If either case is true in your situation, contact your veterinarian for assistance. Read the rest of this entry »
More and more veterinarians are starting to recommend post operative physical therapy for cranial cruciate ligament repair patients. While opinions differ from one veterinary surgeon to another, proponents of canine PT believe that physical therapy in the post-op CCL repair dog can help bring a dog back to full function in a shorter amount of time vs. traditional rest following surgery. Veterinarians are presently conducting studies to show the efficacy of PT in animals, and to prove that it has a similar restorative mechanism as PT in humans. Read the rest of this entry »
Many dogs can not tolerate the large, conical, Elizabethan Collars that most veterinary offices provide following canine surgery. If you are dealing with a dog that is able to get their e-collar off, refuses to lay down with the e collar on, is marking up the furniture with the collar, unable to eat, sleep, or rest with the collar in place, or is acting in an aggressive manner toward the ecollar, there are options available. Read the rest of this entry »
Cranial cruciate repair surgery is an expensive proposition for all dog owners. Regardless of the procedure chosen - TPLO, TTA, or traditional extracapsular repair - dog owners can expect to spend anywhere from $1000 to above $5000 to have their pet’s knee repair performed by a licensed veterinarian. While there are not an abundance of financial assistance options for owners needing to push ahead with CCL surgery for their dog, there are a few organizations and financing companies that understand the type of burden CCL repair surgery can put on a budget and are willing to offer their help. Below are short descriptions and links to the companies I know about they may be able to offer assistance, if anyone else knows of other sites/groups please post a comment so I may add it to the list. Read the rest of this entry »
For surgical pain or injuries that your pet my be dealing with, there are some holistic alternatives which are extremely effective in dogs. Acupuncture has been shown to both relieve pain and relax your pet, helping him or her cope with stress better. For dogs, the herb white willow bark can take the edge off minor pain, but these should NOT be used on cats. The homeopathic remedy arnica can be powerful for post-surgical pain, or pain from injuries. For severe pain a typical dose of arnica is the 1M or 10M potency, but for exact dosages and directions, please consult your holistic veterinarian. Read the rest of this entry »
Many veterinarians will try to pressure owners into immediately proceeding with surgical intervention to repair a dog’s damaged cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) by saying early intervention will decrease the likelihood of arthritic changes to the knee. There is some truth to this - restriction of the knee joint after injury does help to minimize the progression of arthritic tissue in a dog with a CCL injury, but the necessary amount of restriction can be reached with conservative techniques as well as surgery. Restricting your dog’s activity following a cruciate ligament injury is your best defense against arthritis, and no owner should ever be made to feel as though surgery is their only option. Read the rest of this entry »
The first few months following a CCL repair surgery can be trying for both you and your dog. It is important during this time to provide your dog with adequate stimulation to prevent them from falling into some of the naughty behaviors exhibited by bored dogs. So instead of feeling guilty that you have to keep your best buddy crated or in a pen, find games, activities, and toys you can enjoy while your dog is on the road to recovery. You will want to choose items that do not require much movement, but will provide hours of entertainment and enjoyment. Here are a few of my favorite toys and treats for a dog recovering from surgery: Read the rest of this entry »
The Tightrope CCL repair surgery is the newest surgical option available for dogs with cranial cruciate ligament injury. Unlike in humans, canine CCL tears and damage generally takes place over a period of months or years, rather than being associated with a single traumatic event. Because of the nature of these injuries, and their degenerative process over time, this new procedure focuses on a technique used in human ankle joints using bone to bone fixation in a minimally invasive way. Read the rest of this entry »
The first few months following a CCL repair surgery can be trying for both you and your dog. It is important during this time to provide your dog with adequate stimulation to prevent them from falling into some of the naughty behaviors exhibited by bored dogs. So instead of feeling guilty that you have to keep your best buddy crated or in a pen, find games, activities, and toys you can enjoy while your dog is on the road to recovery. You will want to choose items that do not require much movement, but will provide hours of entertainment and enjoyment. Here are a few of my favorite toys and treats for a dog recovering from surgery: