Veterinary Specialty of Colorado Springs

• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) rupture is the most common orthopedic problem in dogs.
• Canine ACL rupture almost always leads to progressive osteoarthritis and is almost always debilitating if left untreated.
• The underlying cause of ACL rupture is biomechanical stress caused by a downward sloping tibial plateau and its relationship to the patellar tendon. Stifle joint stability is achieved when the tibial plateau is perpendicular to the patellar tendon.
• The diagnosis of ACL rupture ranges from simple to complex.
• Palpation to identify instability is accurate in complete acute tears.
• Approximately 50% of all dogs have partial or chronic tears without obvious instability.
• Palpation, radiography and/or arthroscopy lead to an accurate diagnosis in nearly all cases.

Almost all dogs with ACL Tears
sit to the side

ACL TREATMENT

The two current techniques addressing the underlying biomechanical instability are the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and the tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA). The TPLO, which changes the angle of the tibial plateau, has been popular for about 8-10 years and has a high success rate (about 95% of dogs return to 95-100% of normal). The TTA is a newer technique that changes the relationship of the patellar tendon and tibial plateau angle via an osteotomy (bone cut) in a non-weight bearing area of the bone.

All animals with complete, partial or chronic tears are surgical candidates. The state-of-the-art treatments for CCR are TPLO or TTA.

• TPLO and TTA are the state of the art techniques for CCR in dogs.
• TPLO or TTA are the best procedures for virtually all dogs with CCR.
• Arthroscopy is used in conjunction with TPLO or TTA.
• The doctors at Colorado Canine Orthopedics have performed thousands of knee surgeries and arthroscopic surgeries.
• All animals receive a morphine epidural for pain relief.
• The patient can be discharged from the hospital the day of surgery, if the client desires.

The average cost is $2,680 for average sized dogs, giant breed dogs may incur additional cost, which includes pre-surgical x-rays, state-of-the-art anesthesia and the most sophisticated monitoring, epidural, analgesia, arthroscopy, surgery, post-operative x-rays and go home medications (consultation, preoperative blood work and 6 and 12 week X-rays are not included).


	Choosing which ACL repair technique is best for your pet. • Our doctors have performed approximately 11,000 ACL repairs; approximately 6,000 TPLOs and approximately 5,000 other forms of ACL repair. • TPLO remains the ‘gold standard’ for ACL repair techniques. • TTA is a newer ACL repair technique. • Dr. Bauer has performed over 150 TTA procedures. • Dr. Bauer feels the TTA procedure is appropriate for a select subset of patients. • Dr. Bauer will be happy to discuss the pros and cons of each surgery and help you make an informed decision. Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) Click here to see what our clients have to say...

Forms for Referring Veterinarians