Torn CCL Sugury-what to expect

[brat pack]

I agree with SquirrelDog6 and Kingsgurl. I also think you never see these problems in adba style dogs. They seem to have a whole lot more rear angulation imo. In other words, their drive train is more solid. Eeyore has decent angulation but could definitely use more.
The weekend warrior thing is probably a big factor as well. Thanks for the well wishes all.

[SquirrelDog6]

The insurance is way worth it. I've decided to put it on foster dogs too. The care is just so expensive when something happens. You gotta love those high energy dogs! I look at my Whippet sometimes and think "Uggghhh, what did I get myself into. We got her after a Jack Russel/Pomerainian/APBT mix didn't work out for us. Her breeder had a litter on the way and we put in for one. She's pretty much a 24/7 dog. Way high energy.

[turtle]

That's why I have questions about this particular injury in APBT. I don't think it can just be laid at the door of the rise in popularity of the breed.

I've owned them since 1984 and NEVER had a dog come up with one. Now both my current dogs have had it.

I recently heard theories linking it to the way people currently tend to keep dogs (ie, they are more usually kept either inside or crated, not loose to run all day in the yard (or, heaven forbid, running the neighborhood) Let's face it, in the house, they lay on the couch (or the bed ) while we are gone, then play hard when we come home.

Kind of makes sense to me (the week end warrior syndrome) I just wish I KNEW more about it since I sure as hell want to avoid it in the future!

Yes, good points. I also have had this breed a long time and none of my previous dogs had any knee problems.

People's life styles have changed over the years. So it makes sense about their dogs living differently too. Plus both people and dogs these days tend to be more overweight and less active. All of this affects a dog's knees.

Here is a web site I just found with some good info --

http://dogkneeinjury.com/

Lots of reading on there.
.

[lilangel]

Having a dog with two blown CCLs one repaired surgically (4 sutures) the other repaired with a custom orthopedic brace, I would not have the surgery again on a dog older than 5 years of age. I would definitely not have a TPLO done, ever. Too risky and too invasive with too much chance for complications. A very young dog may recover a lot better from a traditional repair, but older dogs may have complications with orthopedic surgery. In any case, I would go with a custom brace and physical therapy with or without the surgery to help with the recovery and to increase comfortable mobility of the joint. My dog with the completely blown CCLs has had pain with the surgically repaired knee since the surgery and her brace (naturally) repaired knee has more laxity but is not bothering her at all. She wears the brace only during longer walks or exercise but she's 12 so has slowed down quite a bit. For the most part she is brace free and gets around just fine.

[lilangel]

Some studies seem to indicate that recent early sneutering practices correlate to increases in CCL rupture. I don't know about the weekend warrior suggestion. Plenty of daily working dogs blow CCLs too.

[Kingsgurl]

My personal experience doesn't jibe with the early spuetering theory since martin blew both while intact, but that is anecdotal at best.

[laiinkyree]

Weird...when Spud tore his CCL, the vet told us about the two surgeries they could do. the fishing-line one, and the TPLO. They told me they wouldn't recommend the fishing-line one to a pit bull, as they could easily rip it and be back to square one. o.O

[AllisonPibbleLvr]

Lately the vets at the practice where I work have gone completly off the TPLO surgery. We've had three patients referred to surgeons to have a TPLO done who have ended up with severe infections. One, a bull mastiff/dane mix ended up with MRSA, another, a German Shepherd, had to have the plate removed, and the third had emergency surgery last night at our clinic to have the site flushed, cleaned and is now on IV antibiotics.

It's a shame because that third one was completely weight bearing and looked fabulous at his 10 day follow up. Two days later he was more lame than before the surgery.

[goldenstatefan]

I believe my pit has this injury and will require surgery. I'm taking him to a specialist after Christmas and I'm curious as to the cost of the traditional surgery. I do not have the pet insurance (kicking myself now)

[Kingsgurl]

I am very sorry to hear that. As you can see from just this thread, the options are confusing. I highly recommend checking out the Yahoo Orthodog site. Prices on each surgery will vary depending on where you are and who does the surgery. I know a few people in the Bay area, I can dig around and see who they recommend if you like.

[goldenstatefan]

Thanks Kingsgurl...I'm in the Manteca area now and the specialist is in Stockton. Any help you can give is great..I'm just looking for ballpark figures so as to have an idea of what I'm getting into.

[Studlintsean]

Bronx has been having left rear leg issues for quite sometime now and I was always told by my regular vet that he might have a small tear but that he was sure the CCL was not torn and did not recommend surgery. I was able to keep him somewhat tamed (limited jumping) and things were going great until this weekend when he slipped on the wet grass and came back a three legged dog. I just got back from the Vet (new vet that was recommended for these procedures) and after X-Rays and consultations Bronx has fully blown his CCL. He will be going into suregery on Friday to have the traditional operation done. Wish him luck and updateds to follow.