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Does CCL Repair Surgery Lessen Arthritis Risk?
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.
The truth is, all dogs that sustain a cruciate ligament tear or rupture are at an increased risk for arthritis, no matter at what point surgery (if ever) is undertaken. There is no evidence that dogs who recover using Conservative Management (CM), and dogs who recover with surgery show any differences in the development of future arthritic problems. Proper restriction during recovery and avoiding high-risk activities after recovery, together with weight control, good nutrition, and joint-supporting supplements are what minimize the chances of future arthritic problems - not immediate surgical intervention.
July 18th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
I have a 3 yr old male Border Collie mix. He has many joint problems,but now has CCL and we just need help with the cost of any surgery that he might need. Can any out there give me some good places to start. Would a vet school be an alternative? Any info would help a lot.
Thank You
February 6th, 2009 at 12:01 am
My dog, 107lbs 4 year old Lab, bitbull mix bread was very recently kicked by a cow. After bring him to a vet. asap, being on antibiotics and painkillers for a week, the all the swelling went away and he doesn’t seem to be in pain but he isn’t putting all is weight on the leg. We went back after one week for exrays and were told he has CCL. They stress the need to for surgery. Are there any other options, should I wait to see if he gets better on his own after bed rest for another week or so? Will it get worse if I wait?
Thank you very much for your help.
Sherri
April 9th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
I am really lucky. Two years ago, my Marvin’s(he’s 67 lbs) left CCL ruptured and the doctor took and wait and see approach. Marvin goes to one of the best clinics in Dallas. They are extremely progressive. Marvin’s leg healed great. It was not a complete tear, but a very large one. Now, his right CCL has torn and we are going to restrict his movement, give him anti-inflammatories and supplements, and put him on a diet. He doesn’t have arthritis in his left leg, so the wait and see approach did work for us.
May 14th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Okay…good news. Marvin just went in for a four week check up and his knee has totally healed. No swelling or pain. We kept him tied to the coffee table for six weeks and put him on a diet. He has lost four pounds in four weeks. He took anti-inflammatories and he is really, really good. I told my doc about how I read that surgery is almost always required and she said the big variable is the owner. That almost 99% of owners will not tie up their dog the way I did for such a long time. I really did not let him go off leash at all. It was just go to the bathroom and them sit by the coffee table for six weeks. I know it sounds severe, but the evidence doesn’t really lie. Coming back from one cruciate injury is amazing. The second time? Wow. Marvin is severely overweight for his frame. He does fall into the big dog category at 64 lbs. (was 67), so just know that dogs can come back from these injuries, but you as the owner must make the commitment. I would say at least six weeks of complete rest to cure a hurt knee. Good luck everyone and thanks to the site creators for bringing us a venue where we can discuss a common, expensive, and sometimes heartbreaking issue.
June 28th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Jennifer, Where do you take your dog?