Our 6 year old yellow lab tore her first ACL 2 years ago. After 4 months of limping and unsuccessful medications we had a traveling surgeon Do a TTA. She came home with 15 pages of instructions. It took months but she did finally regain all use of that leg.

Recently she tore The ACL in her other leg. We found a fantastic Vet in Faribault MN that does both TTA and TPLO. Lacey got a TTA like the first, but our experience was SO much better. We actually met the surgeon and felt a lot more informed. Lacey just got her staples out and is started on a rehab program. She is nearly normal already! Lacey is doing fantastic and we actually saved $1000 over the first surgery. It pays to do research and shop around. Our Vet did not refer us, we did our own homework.

TTA Surgery on Both Knees – Lacey is a post from: Dog Knee and Leg Injury, Canine Cruciate Ligament Recovery, TPLO Surgery, CCL Injury Diagnosis, Dog Knee Brace Information

Dr. James St. Clair of TopDog Health and Rehabilitation explains the importance of post operative icing within the first 72 hours following ACL repair surgery. Icing will help constrict the blood vessels and prevent inflammatory agents from entering the knee joint. The use of ice can also help relieve pain and make your pet more comfortable.

Icing Options Following Dog ACL Surgery:

• Ice Pack (Standard) – Do not conform to body
• Gel Pack (Gel) – Great choice, conforms to body and stays cold
• Frozen Bag of Peas – Good backup, just does not stay cold very long
• Therapy Wrap – Hot and Cold therapy wrap, easily conforms to body

How to Ice Your Dog

Dogs can be very sensitive and may react. If your dog reacts to the coldness of the ice, go ahead and place a towel over the area you plan to ice in order to prepare them.

Ideally you’ll want to place the ice source so that it wraps around your dog’s injured knee – this is where having a gel ice pack therapy wrap can come in handy.

Post Operative Icing – Video is a post from: Dog Knee and Leg Injury, Canine Cruciate Ligament Recovery, TPLO Surgery, CCL Injury Diagnosis, Dog Knee Brace Information

Beauregard (TTA SURGERY) tore his right CCL when he was about 8. The vet verified the CCL damage and sent us to a surgeon in the Phoenix area. Post surgery recovery was good with no limping or other signs of discomfort after about five to six weeks.

A year later he tore his left CCL going after a ball. Same story, same surgeon. This time, although he seems to be able to walk normally, he has a pronounced limp when he gets up from a prone position. The limp goes away as he continues to walk. The big problem is that he seems to be losing control of his back legs. Sometimes he will cross the two legs and nearly trip and fall. He gets around okay and even takes short walks but is almost 13 years old now and is much slower than he was before his surgeries.

I know he’s getting older but the apparent loss of control in his rear legs concerns me. It doesn’t seem to be getting any worse but I’m wondering what the cause is. His knees were recently x-rayed and the vet didn’t see any problems with the TTA repairs. Any ideas?

TTA on Both Knees – Beauregard is a post from: Dog Knee and Leg Injury, Canine Cruciate Ligament Recovery, TPLO Surgery, CCL Injury Diagnosis, Dog Knee Brace Information

Help!  My dog is limping – Could it be a torn ligament?

This guide is a good starting place for anyone looking for more information on dog knee problems, specifically cruciate ligament injury in dogs.  This article will give an overview of dog knee injuries covering everything from symptoms to recovery.

What is a Cruciate Ligament Injury?

An injury to the CCL (also known as the cranial cruciate ligament and sometimes called the ACL) can cause lameness in dogs, and is one of the most common causes of rear leg lameness. The function of the cruciate ligament in dogs is to stop the femur (large bone at the top of the leg, above knee) and tibia (smaller bone at bottom of leg, below knee) from rubbing against one another. When the cranial cruciate ligament is torn or ruptured the leg loses stability because these bones are now free to move back and forth on top of one another, causing friction, inflammation, possible meniscal injury and eventually arthritis.

During activities with a healthy dog ACL ligament there will be tension on the ligament, preventing the femur from pressing into the tibia, creating a sliding motion for fluid movement. If your dog is walking or running with a cruciate ligament tear there will be no tension on the CCL, allowing the bones to unnaturally move together, causing pain, lameness and an aversion to using the leg. The best way to think of this would be to envision the ligament like a rubber band, but instead of holding the bones together, the rubber band is in place to prevent the bones from coming into contact. When the rubber band is snapped, there is no longer a gliding joint in the knee and there is contact between the bones.

Acute vs. Chronic Causes of Cruciate Ligament Injury

Acute injury is generally associated with trauma. If the CCL (also referred to as ACL because of it’s similar function to the human ACL) is injured acutely it will most often be due to improper rotation of the knee and hyper extension. This can occur in many different ways such as a dog taking a misstep off a curb, stepping into a divot, jumping or becoming stuck, using a jerking motion to free him/herself.

Chronic injury of the canine ACL is generally associated with disease, age related degenerative changes of the ligament, excess weight (obesity) and conformation of the knee joint (certain large breed dogs are more prone to these types of injuries due to the way their back legs are formed). In the case of chronic injury of the cruciate ligament, there is very little that can be done to prevent the injury from taking place.

Size Matters

Small and large dogs fair differently with the same type of ACL injury. Studies have shown that dogs weighing less than about 25 pounds can experience a full recovery from ligament damage without surgery. This is not true in dogs above the 25 pound threshold. While dogs over 25 pounds may appear to be improving with conservative methods, these larger dogs rarely return to their full function without any issue. This is not to say that there has never been a case of a medium to large sized dog recovering from a torn CCL with only conservative management, but does demonstrate that smaller dogs have an easier time fully recovering using the conservative approaches.

Symtoms of a torn, ruptured or injured CCL will vary from dog to dog, and depending on whether the injury was acute or chronic in nature. Some dogs with a fully torn cruciate may only exhibit mild lameness, while others with a tear may not bear any weight on the leg at all. This again varies based on the type of dog, their size and whether other structures within the knee (particularly the meniscus) were also damaged. Below are some of the most common symptoms associated with a dog knee ligament injury.

Symptoms of a Dog ACL Tear:

1. Decreased range of motion.
2. Hind leg extended straight when sitting down (this is known as the sit sign).
3. Crackling noise of bones rubbing against each other – the medical term for this is Crepitus.
4. Dog exhibits signs of pain when knee (stifle) joint is touched.
5. Exercise intolerance.
6. Limited range of motion or mobility.
7. Stiffness, limping or unwillingness to use the leg after exercise.
8. Knee joint is swollen and/or hot to the touch.
9. Thick, tight, hard and/or firm feel to knee.
10. When standing will only place weight on the toe instead of using entire foot (called toe-touching). An early sign of toe-touching is to only have weight on one side of the body when standing.

There are other conditions with symptoms similar to a dog ACL injury such as: arthritis, knee sprain, meniscal injury, hip dysplasia, patellar fracture, patellar luxation, myelopathies, lyme disease and others. Please schedule an appointment with your vet if your dog shows any of the CCL tear symptoms listed above.

What if my dog’s CCL is never repaired?

This, again, depends on their size, breed and a number of other factors. Some dogs without a CCL may do just fine, while others may use the ability to use their leg. One truth for any dog without a supporting knee ligament is the fact that they will be more succeptible to injuring other structures within the knee, particularly the meniscus. The role of the mensicus in the knee is to act as a cushion, and absorb shocks. Damage to the meniscus is serious and typically leads to arthritic change and lameness.

What to Expect During Your First Veterinary Visit for a Suspected CCL Injury

Consultation and Review of Symptoms

Your veterinarian will review your dog’s symptoms and time of onset.  Going through a detailed history will allow your vet to determine if conditions with similar symptoms may be ruled out at this time.

Physical Exam

Walking Gait

Your veterinarian will want to watch your dog walk and run to see how they are balancing their weight and using the affected leg.

Palpation of the Joint

Your veterinarian will touch your dog’s knee to assess the joint looking for signs of:

• Swelling or Inflammation
• Loss of Muscle Tone
• Pain or Soreness
• Range of Motion
• Popping of the Joint
• Fluid Accumulation

Drawer Sign Test

During the drawer test the veterinarian with stabilize your dog’s femur with one hand while manipulating the tibia with the other. If the tibia moves forward, known as a positive drawer because of the way the bone moves similar to a drawer being opened, the ligament is ruptured.   A negative drawer sign does not necessarily mean your canine does not have a cranial cruciate injury, and false negatives can happen if your pet is tense, if the injury is old and if there is arthritis.

Tibial Compression Exam

Another test, similar to the eliciting the drawer sign, is the tibial compression test. During this exam your veterinary physician will stabilize the dog’s femur with one hand, while flexing the ankle with the other. In dogs with a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament, the tibia will display forward motion upon flexion of the ankle joint.  Again, a negative tibial compression exam does not rule out a cruciate ligament injury, and many factors can contribute to a false negative result.

How to Test a Dog for a Knee Ligament Injury

X-Rays for CCL Injuries

Radiographs are usually taken, not to diagnose a cruciate ligament injury (soft tissue damage is not clearly visible on x-ray), but to rule out other diseases such as cancer and hip dysplasia. An xray will confirm the presence of fluid in the joint as well as arthritis, which will help to confirm the diagnosis of a cruciate ligament injury.

Ultrasound for CCL Injuries

Ultrasound may be used to positively diagnose a CCL injury. Unfortunately a minority of medical clinics are equipped to do ultrasound, and many veterinarians rely on the results of the consultation with you, physical exam and ruling out any other conditions by x-ray to make the diagnosis of a CCL injury.

My Dog Has Received a Positive Diagnosis of a CCL Injury – What Are My Treatment Options?

There are two major avenues for treating a dog knee ligament injury – conservative management or dog knee surgery.

What Is Conservative Management?

Conservative management is a non-surgical option for treating cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries in dogs. Depending on the size of your dog, the severity of the injury, presence of other damage (particularly to the meniscus – remember, this is the part of the knee that acts as a shock absorber) and the duration of time since the onset CM may be a good option for your dog. As mentioned above, dogs weighing less than 25 pounds tend to have better outcomes using conservative techniques than larger dogs.

A variety of techniques can be used if you choose Conservative Management (CM) for your pet.

Conservative Management Includes:

“Standard” Conservative Management

• Rest – Your dog should remain inactive during the recovery period, abstaining from rough play, prolonged exercise or any movement that may cause any pressure or unwanted movement within the knee joint.
• Weight Control (and reduction if necessary) – One way to reduce stress on the joint is to keep your dog’s weight under control, and if possible, underweight is better during the recovery process.
• Anti Inflammatory Medications – There are a number of Holistic (ex – Yucca Root) and Prescription (ex – Rimadyl) medications available that can help to make your pet more comfortable as the knee heals.

“Optional” Conservative Management

• Dog Knee Brace – There are a variety of dog knee braces available including the orthopets canine stifle brace and atrac dynamic brace.
• Veterinary Acupuncture – Acupuncture for dogs is available, and can help to de-stress your pet as their body heals.
• Veterinary Chiropractic - A chiropractor can work with your dog to make sure your pet is free from any subluxations or other blockages.
• Physical Therapy for Dogs – Working with a certified canine physical therapist can help to ensure your dog maintains muscle tone and range of motion in the leg following their injury.

What Are The Different Types of Surgery for Dog ACL Injuries?

Dog Knee Surgery Options:

TPLO Surgery (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy)

This surgery adjusts the slope of the tibial plateau (preventing unwanted forward motion) by cutting and rotating the top of the tibia, and keeping it in position with a bone plate (which can be removed after healing).

TTA Surgery (tibial tuberosity advancement)

The TTA surgery also focuses on changing the angles of the bones within the knee joint. In a TTA the tibia is cut and moved forward to create stability. The new position of the bone is held into place with a bone plate (which can be removed after healing).

TTO Surgery (triple tibial osteotomy)

The TTO is a combintation of the TPLO and TTA techniques. It moves the tibial crest forward, as a TTA does, and also adjusts the tibial plateau to 90 degrees, as the TPLO does.

Tightrope Surgery

Tightrope CCL is an extra capsular technique using the lateral suture stabilization (LSS) procedure in conjunction with a material called FiberTape to provide bone to bone stabilization.

Extra Capsular Suture (traditional repair, extracapsular imbrication)

This is referred to as a traditional repair because this was once the conventional treatment for CCL tears. The extra capsular suture uses a strong leader line suture in a figure eight pattern around the knee to provide stability and keep the knee in a normal position.

Fibular Head Transposition (fibular head transfer)

The fibular head transfer surgery utilizes another ligament in the knee, the lateral collateral ligament, to take the place of the CCL. In this surgery the fibula is rotated so that the lateral collateral ligament can perform the function of the CCL.

Dog CCL Surgery Recovery

Depending on where the ligament surgery was performed, your dog may stay overnight to be monitored and receive pain medications following the procedure. TPLO surgery recovery can be different from TTA surgery recovery, so it’s important to follow the recommendations of your vet during the post operative period. Your dog’s sutures will be removed within a week or two of the procedure, and follow up appointments are typically done at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks. Again, depending on the type of surgery done, radiographs may be done during these follow up appointments.

During the 6-14 week period following surgery it is very important to severely limit your pet’s activities. For approximately three months following dog knee ligament surgery your pet should be confined to a crate, small room or enclosed area when you are not able to be with your pet. You will probably want to make use of a dog cone collar – Elizabethan collars or Pro collars are my favorite. Make sure to post operative doggy proof your house and make sure they have no opportunity to slip, slide, jump up onto furniture, climb up stairs or engage in any activity that may damage the healing knee.

While outside you should accompany your dog for bathroom breaks, and they should always be controlled on a leash – you never know when a post operative dog may get the urge to chase a squirrel! You may increase the length of walks during the recovery period under the recommendation of your veterinarian and judging by how well your dog is recovering. I strongly recommend not letting your dog off leash at all during the first few months following surgery just to be on the safe side. Your veterinarian will most likely encourage you to have your pet use the injured limb immediately following surgery, but do not overdo it. Physical therapy during this time can also be very beneficial, and swimming is a great way to ensure your dog gets to use their leg (helping to maintain strength and muscle mass) without engaging in any activities that may be harmful to the knee.

Cruciate Ligament Injury in Dogs is a post from: Dog Knee and Leg Injury, Canine Cruciate Ligament Recovery, TPLO Surgery, CCL Injury Diagnosis, Dog Knee Brace Information

How much will a TTA surgery for my dog cost?  How much should I expect to spend on a TTA repair?

TTA is the abbreviation for tibial tuberosity advancement.  The TTA is among the newer techniques (Tightrope repair is the newest surgical procedure for CCL repairs) for cranial cruciate ligament repair of the canine stifle, making its appearance roughly 10 years ago.  Biomechanically speaking, the procedure is very similar to the TPLO, but without many of the risks. 

The TTA is, in fact, a simpler procedure for veterinary surgeons to perform than the TPLO, and works to correct the injured stifle without over correcting the angle.  Basically during a TTA surgery the veterinarian will make an incision in the bone and move the tibia slightly forward.  The vet will then place a titanium implant on the joint, changing the angle of the knee joint and providing stability.

Below is the cost estimate I received for my dog to have TTA surgery.

1)  My dog in an American Bulldog weighing roughly 90 pounds (normal weight), and is 5 years old.

2)  He is in good health with no pre-existing conditions that would complicate anesthesia or surgery.

3)  This estimate, although some of the information has been blacked out to protect privacy, is from a speciality veterinary clinic with veterinary surgeons who specialize in cranial cruciate ligament repair surgeries in dogs.

4)  I live in Southern California, and this estimate is from a veterinary office in that area.

I received a low cost estimate for the TTA of $2800.00 and a high end cost estimate for the TTA of $3200.00.

This TTA cost estimate included:

- Surgical fees
- Post operative x-rays
- Post operative medications, including pain control meds during the surgery and to take home
- 4 post operative visits, including x-rays

What is the Cost of TTA Surgery for CCL Repair in Dogs? is a post from: Dog Knee and Leg Injury, Canine Cruciate Ligament Recovery, TPLO Surgery, CCL Injury Diagnosis, Dog Knee Brace Information

TTO = TPLO + TTA

While still not very common in the US, the TTO is one technique available to repair a torn dog knee ACL ligament. The idea behind the TTO is to combine aspects of the TPLO and TTA to create a new angle within the injured knee joint. The goal of the TTO, or Triple Tibial Osteotomy, is to create a 90 degree angle between the tibial plateau and patellar tendon while the knee is extended.

During a TTO CCL surgery a veterinarian will make three cuts (where the “triple” comes from) into the dog’s tibia.  These three cuts into the tibia bone will allow the surgeon to then rotate the tibial plateau slightly (as they do in a TPLO), while moving the tibial tuberosity forward slightly (as is done in a TTA).  When the adjustments have been made, the veterinarian will screw a metal plate directly onto the bone to hold the new position.  After these cuts and bone angle changes are made the result is a 90 degree angle within the knee joint when the dog’s leg is in an extended position.

It is the opinion of some veterinarians that the TTO is the best dog knee ligament surgery because it, in effect, molds the bone into a new shape.  According to a study done in New Zealand, there is a very low incidence of implant failure associated with the TTO, with most patients experiencing good post operative results.   Another benefit of this procedure, according to veterinarians, is that the TTO technique is relatively easy to learn.  It does not require expensive instruments to perform, and the technique can be easily replicated on dogs of all sizes.

TTO Surgery for Dogs is a post from: Dog Knee and Leg Injury, Canine Cruciate Ligament Recovery, TPLO Surgery, CCL Injury Diagnosis, Dog Knee Brace Information

Jake had traditional repair 7/28/10. This was Jake’s second surgery, as he had TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement) in February of 2009. Prior to both surgeries we tried conservative management, but needed surgery both times.

Traditional Repair – Post Op

We are currently Day 4 after the Traditional Repair, and it has been remarkably smooth. Jake is a large mini poodle (32 lbs.) and was always on the large side of his breed and is more of a small standard size. He is almost 13 y.o. so I was concerned about going into surgery, since the anesthesia seemed to escalate his aging after the first surgery, the TTA.

Honestly, I have read so many horror stories about the recovery period, etc., I was skeptical. Jake had surgery Wednesday, he came home Wednesday night with a soft cast, some Tramadol and Previcox.  He was a little uncomfortable that night, but slept. Day 2 was similar, and although the cast was cumbersome he was putting weight on the leg. Cast came off 2 days after surgery and he has been walking on the leg. Pain meds continue (but 1/2 tablet Tramadol 3X day) and he is doing great.

TTA – Post Op

Comparing to the TTA, which I decided to do after about 6 weeks of conservative management, this was a piece of cake. Jake did, however, stay overnight with the TTA, and came home the following day, with cast and meds, and was putting weight on it (also) almost immediately, but lots of toe-touching.

TTA vs. TPLO

I did extensive research and interviewed various surgeons prior to the first surgery, and opted for the TTA over the TPLO once I heard if there was a complication with a TPLO, it was not able to be “fixed”, but the TTA could be re-done, if needed. I believe it has to do with how the joint is re stabilized — the TTA uses a non-weight bearing bone, and the TPLO reconstructs the angle on the weight bearing leg, so if there is a problem, there is a real problem. One vet confidentially told me that sometimes the leg needs to be amputated (now, this vet preferred a TTA, but upon some checking, it may be true). IF you decide to go with a TPLO procedure, be sure to ask the vet the “what if’s” in case there is a problem a few weeks out and you need to have a “redo”.

Recovery

In any event, Jake is doing well, and at almost 13, he should be as good as new.

I will add that his cruciate ligament was fully ruptured on the first leg (meniscus was ok), and the partially ruptured on the second leg — although he could not put any weight on the 2nd leg, so I had no option. We believe it is a genetic predisposition in Jake’s case, as opposed to an “injury” due to his age. Also, there was no real accident, just normal dog stuff. I am happy to share any of my knowledge I have gained over the last 2 years.

TTA and Traditional Repair Cost

By the way, the TTA cost was around $2400, plus physical therapy, x-rays etc. (another $1,000 or so); the traditional repair which I opted for this time due to the fact it would be easier on him, was around $1300. I reside in the Chicago area.

Traditional Repair and TTA Surgery – Jake is a post from: Dog Knee and Leg Injury, Canine Cruciate Ligament Recovery, TPLO Surgery, CCL Injury Diagnosis, Dog Knee Brace Information

Have a question related to TPLO surgery, or want a recommendation for a veterinarian performing the Tightrope procedure in your area?

Want to know what the best dog knee brace available is?

Don’t be shy… Post on our NEW Dog Knee Injury Forum!

In response to the high volume of comments a lot of the post have been getting, I’ve opened up the forums as a way for dog owners to connect and discuss their dog’s orthopedic issues with one another.

How to post on the Dog Knee Injury Forum:

1) You must register for a user name to post on the forum.

2) After you’ve registered and retrieved your password from your email, log in (I recommend changing the password to something you’ll remember) and start posting!

3) Keep the comments on topic, and be nice. If anyone encounters any issues on the forum please post in the comments on this page/use the contact form, and I will look into it.

CCL Repair Forum for Dogs is a post from: Dog Knee and Leg Injury, Canine Cruciate Ligament Recovery, TPLO Surgery, CCL Injury Diagnosis, Dog Knee Brace Information

2 Week Update

Ben is doing extremely well at 2 weeks.

Day 2
Ben is feeling much better. On our walk, he actually lifted his good leg and stood on his leg with the surgery to go pee. Never thought I would be excited watching a dog pee, but that was amazing..

Days 3-4
Ben starting walking more and more. I actually caught him a few times standing on his hind legs looking out the window.

Days 5-6
I believe he started walking better than the day before surgery. Also, he is walking and standing normal. It is barely noticeable he is favoring his leg.

Days 7-8
Ben is starting to get his “gait” back. If you every watch a Standard Schnauzer, they kind of glide effortlessly across the room. He is actually getting it back. It has been months since I have seen him walk like that.

Ben is having a reaction to the staples. His incision is starting to swell and become red. The Vet has us come in and she gives him some ointment that will soothe his reaction. The Vet is amazed as to how well he is walking.

Day 10
Ben has his staples removed and his incision looks good after using the ointment.

Day 14
Ben is at the 2 week mark and is doing great. For the most part, Ben is standing and walking normal. However, he does still favor his leg on occasion. Per the Post Op instructions, Ben is walking a 1/4 mile twice a day. Muscle definition in his leg is starting to come back.

As he is getting better, it is getting harder to keep him under control. He wants to play at every chance he can get. He is feeling better than he has felt in months and is showing it!!!

TTA Surgery, 2 Weeks Post Op – Ben is a post from: Dog Knee and Leg Injury, Canine Cruciate Ligament Recovery, TPLO Surgery, CCL Injury Diagnosis, Dog Knee Brace Information

Injury Date:
12/2008

Ben’s Story:

Ben is a 4 year old Standard Schnauzer. We believe he suffered a partial tear in his Left CCL in December 2008. We didn’t give CM (Conservative Management) a chance until about July 2009, when he was diagnosed with a CCL tear. Prior to that, it only appeared to be a minor injury. Since July 2009 when we started CM, Ben would start walking and standing normally, but would often suffer set back after set back. I will be the first to admit that most of the set backs were due to my stupidity. I guess it could be argued we never gave CM a chance.

A few weeks ago, we gave up and did some more research. The Vet indicated that he could be healed through CM, but if we wanted him to be the athletic dog he used be, then he would need surgery. Ben was/is my hiking buddy and used to go on 7-8 mile hikes in the Utah Mtns all the time. He could run for hours and hours without taking a break. The Vet believed he would never be able to do that through CM without being down the rest of the day and/or next day. We scheduled him for TTA surgery with an Orthopedic surgeon that is believed to be the best in Utah, if not the best in West. From our research, the TTA surgery appears to be far superior to the TPLO. Dogs tend to be healed within 3-4 months. Also, they tend to be weight bearing on the leg within 24-48 hours. Within 2 weeks, some dogs are pain free.

Ben made it through surgery just fine today. The Orthopedic surgeon called us and indicated to our surprise that Ben had a complete tear in his CCL and the Meniscus was completely torn as well. If I knew he had that much damage, I think we would have scheduled surgery much sooner. The Orthopedic Surgeon did tell us that he does not believe Ben will suffer anymore arthritis than normal because of our delay in scheduling surgery. His joint appeared to be clean with only minor swelling. The surgeon believed his recovery will be just as good as if we scheduled him back in 7/09.

At this point it is anyone’s guess if he would be better or worse with CM. As of now, we have the peace of mind that knowing the end is near. With CM, we never knew when the road would end. I will post updates on Ben’s recovery over the next several weeks.

Day 1 (after TTA surgery)
When I picked Ben up from the Vet, he was completely opposite from what I expected. I expected a dog that looked like he had been to hell and back. Instead, Ben was dragging the Vet tech into the room. As we were talking to the Vet, he sat on his leg that just had surgery. The Vet was impressed with the very little swelling around Ben’s leg. As we walked outside, he was practically dragging me to the car. His spirits are completely high, and looked like he wanted to go play.

As we were getting into the car, I was planning on picking him up and placing him inside the car. Instead, I opened the door and he leaped into the car. He missed and gave me a complete heart attack. I caught him as he was falling to the ground. I expected him to cry out in pain, but he acted like nothing was wrong. Once inside the car, he was jumping from seat to seat like nothing was wrong. Once he was home, he immediately went for his food.

At this point he is just toe touching on the leg with the surgery, but he is getting around fabulous on his 3 legs. About 5 hours later, I took him for his first walk. We walked past a few houses before we turned around. As we got close to home, I noticed he started walking on his leg. He continued to walk on it (with a limp) the rest of the evening!!!!!! It looks like my biggest challenge at this point will be keeping him under control so that he can heal properly.

TTA Surgery and CM – Ben’s Story is a post from: Dog Knee and Leg Injury, Canine Cruciate Ligament Recovery, TPLO Surgery, CCL Injury Diagnosis, Dog Knee Brace Information