[boxerlove]

Cranial Cruciate Ligament

Ziggi our 14 month old boxer is having problems with is right rear leg.  Our vet couldn't be sure what was wrong and sent us to a surgery specialist just to make sure.  We were told that it looks like Ziggi has severe arthritis at this point but it didn't look like the CCL was torn or that he needed surgery at this time but would in the future.  We are thankful for that because he is so young and this is usually something older dogs get (also very active dogs).  Good news is that he has excellent hips (we had one boxer with bad hips and it was hard for her to get around), bad news is that we will have to keep him on Rimydal and keep him confined for the most part (not working so well....he HATES the leash).  Here is the link to the surgery.

This is pretty graphic and shows pictures of the actual surgery.

http://www.thespaw.ca/CCCL_Slide_Show.pdf

 

[nano]

I have had two done in the past.  Both were males, interesting isn't it.  I have never had any problem with the females.  The last one had a TPLO surgery done when he was 3 + years old.  It was a long recovery but went well.  The first two months were the hardest.  Had to keep him very still.  The post surgery was going quite well for him.  He was running along pretty well at six months.  Unfortunately I can't report the long term results as he died due to cardiomyopathy seven months after the surgery.  The other one was about 8 years old when he had his done.  He had the old fashioned one that is done with an artificial ligament.  He did well considering his age, but it didn't get any easier with age for him to get around.   Why would he have severe arthritis at such a young age?  You would think it would be injury related or something found in an older dog.  

Nano

 

[boxerlove]

[quote="nano\";p=\"10092":2a2i20d6]I have had two done in the past.

 

[Flutterby]

How much does this surgery cost... My boyfriend's pitbull might have to have it done.. He keeps limping around (and has been for 2 weeks).. I told him this may be the problem but hey... what do I know! :roll:

 

[boxerlove]

We were told $1,200.00 to $1,500.00 that is for the nylon ligiment replacement.  That has two months of down time before the dog is really able to do much on the leg and then another 4-6 months before they are almost back to normal.  

If you go the other route where they actually cut into the bone and pin, etc. (TPLO surgery).  It has a quicker recovery time initially but after 6 months there is no difference in the dog between the two.  The TPLO here is $3,000 to $3,500 and there are only two vets that are recommended to do it.

Our vet couldn't tell if that was what Ziggi had either from the xrays so sent us to a vet surgery hospital where they specialize in this surgery.  The vet had Ziggi walk outside and could tell right away that his ligiment wasn't torn since he was able to put weight on it (was barking and stomping at the lawnmower  :?  ).   He said dogs with torn ligiment will not put any weight on the leg.

 

[jbeucler]

Hi

My 5 year old female just has surgery for her torn crucaite ligament.  We chose to go with the TTA over the TPLO.  It is much less invasive and the recovery time is much less. It is now 5 days post op and she is doing great.  Because they do not cut part of the Tibia that is weight bearing the dog is able to walk easier.  She walked out of the hospital!  We do have her on pain medication and need to keep her confined.  At the three week mark she will be able to start 10 min walks around the neighborhood.

The cost was not cheap!  It was $3600 including everything.  We live in Orange County, California so it might be a bit more expensive her also.

Good luck on what you choose and I hope your dog heals great.

Jill[/font]