Feb 5th, 2009
Tightrope Surgery vs. Extracapsular or Traditional Repair
How is Tightrope CCL Different from Extracapsular Imbrication or Traditional Repair? The major difference between extracapsular imbrication/traditional repair methods and tightrope ccl is the way in which the knee joint is stabilized. In a traditional CCL repair, a leader line (suture, or you can also think of this as a fishing line) is woven across the [...]
Feb 4th, 2009
Tightrope CCL Surgery Recovery
The standard rehabilitation procedure for Tightrope repair is a bit different than TTA and TPLO, due to the less invasive nature of the procedure. When dogs return home from Tightrope repair, owners are instructed to allow their dog to utilize the leg as they wish. For some dogs this means they will start putting weight [...]
Sep 9th, 2008
Tightrope CCL Procedure
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 [...]
Aug 18th, 2008
Ordering Pet Medication Online
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 [...]
Jul 24th, 2008
Pet Insurance for CCL Repairs
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 [...]
Jul 23rd, 2008
My Dog Swallowed a Staple
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 [...]
Jul 20th, 2008
Physical Therapy in Post CCL Repair Dogs
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 [...]
Jul 17th, 2008
Alternatives to an E-Collar
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, [...]
Jul 7th, 2008
Financial Assistance for Dogs Needing Surgery
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 [...]
Jul 5th, 2008
Holistic Alternatives to Pain Management in Dogs
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 [...]
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