Comments on: Does My Dog Need a Meniscus?

By: janice Wilbourne

janice Wilbourne — Mon, 09 May 2011 14:50:57 +0000

Our rottie had TPLO in March 2010 which involved some meniscus removal and after five months seemed to be back to normal. Then she went lame on it again and had further surgery as some of the remaining meniscus had become damaged and was apparently visibly sticking out when the surgeon went into the knee. I know its important to save as much of this as possible. We have gone over things a hundred times thinking we did something wrong but the surgeon said we hadnt and it was just the way the leg was working. She has 20% meniscus left now on the inside knee and is doing ok with the help of some tablets (which I’m going to ask if she can come off) and joint aid. But no more chasing squirrels.

By: Mike

Mike — Sun, 08 May 2011 18:26:06 +0000

My dog Recently had a tibial plateau leveling performed and is still experiencing lameness. The vet suggests a menisectomy because of a problem with the meniscus on the knee that had the prior surgery. Any comments would be appreciated and a referral for ortho-vet on Central Coast, California. I am leary of rushing into more surgery

By: Jack

Jack — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 14:40:35 +0000

well, I guess it was false alarm for my blue Merle collie( see comment in september)..in September she had what we tough was a meniscus problem, all the symptom point to it, the vet recommend some anti-inflammatory to start with, use it for 3 weeks, a some point she could walk without the popping sound…but one day everything went away..no more problem, the vet was very puzzle by that..my breeder think cause she was still growing up, maybe something went out of whack and then some day pop right back at the right place… I am so relief, she is such a great dog..:)

By: Frankie

Frankie — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 00:13:07 +0000

Max – Are you a veterinarian or animal rehabilitation specialist?

By: Max

Max — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 00:01:36 +0000

Sherry,
It is very common for vets to recommend these surgeries based on clicking & popping sounds, but the truth is that the surgery is not only unnecessary in most instances but harmful in that removing all or part of the meniscus unavoidably increases arthritic changes in the joint over time. Please see my website for more info.
//www.tiggerpoz.com/id11.html

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 23:23:24 +0000

Regarding Meniscus removal…My 5 year old Golden Retriever has had CCL Tightrope procedure in both back legs. Before and after both surgeries, he displayed the “clicking” sound of a torn meniscus, but the surgeon recommended that the “meniscus be left alone”, saying that it would eventually heal on it’s own. The surgeon did not remove meniscus tissue even though there was damage, and it does appear to have repaired itself. It did take several months with no walks, running or jumping and restricted activity. My dog’s case may be different than yours, so I would get a 2nd professional opinion.

By: sherry

sherry — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 22:27:35 +0000

Does anyone know what is done in a meniscus removal after CCL surgery?
Wouldnt that just be bone on bone if the meniscus is removed?
Has anyone had the meniscus removed from their dogs knee after ccl surgery, and how did your dog do, I just dont seem to understand this procedure, and if it is really necessary. He was diagnosed with a meniscus tear, because the vet heard a popping sound when examined 4 mo. after the second surgery. He doesnt seem to be in pain, limps only after lying long periods on that leg, but the limping goes away very shortly. We are not letting him outdoors off leash.

By: Janice

Janice — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 23:04:33 +0000

Our rottwieler had TPLO surgery last March which involved a small part of the meniscus being removed as well. Recovery took a little longer than usual but we got there eventually. But then she became very lame on the same leg after chasing a squirrel. It didn’t settle so she went for more surgery to remove the plate as sometimes this can niggle them a bit and look at joint. Apparently the meniscus was so damaged it could be seen as soon as he opened the knee up. He took more meniscus away which leaves about 20%. She is on rimadyl and tramadol. I want to do the right things to help her to an active life but maybe no squirrels.

By: Lesley

Lesley — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 17:12:22 +0000

I have a 2 year old rottwieler who had cruiate surgery 5 months ago, recovered well and has been great on the leg. Two days ago he started been lame on it again and not baring much weight on it. I phoned my vet and he said may just be arthritus and to give him his pain meds do I need to worry that he has hurt the knee again? or will it just be arthritus pain and rest for a few days?

By: claire

claire — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 13:57:41 +0000

i have a 7 1/2 year old german shepherd who had a cruciate ligament repair in july and is still lame. the vet thinks he may have a meniscus tear and wants to re x ray and possibly perform a meniscus release. what are your views