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What is Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease?
Diagnosing cruciate ligament degeneration/tears is usually very simple with observation of your pet’s gait, palpation of your pet’s knee and x-rays. At times, however, it is more complicated and may require advanced imaging such as MRI or surgical exploration through a traditional surgical arthrotomy or with the use of a minimally-invasive arthroscope.
When choosing which CrCL surgical treatment is best for your pet, our philosophy at Westside is to offer a variety of nonsurgical and surgical treatments for CrCL tear and do our very best to work with you, the pet owner, to tailor our treatment recommendations to the unique needs of your pet and family. Variables that we consider when making our recommendations include your pet’s activity level, size, age and conformation, the degree of knee instability, and each option’s affordability in your family’s budget. Surgical treatment typically has a great prognosis with 90% of patients regaining 90% of function in their limb. Regardless of surgical or non-surgical treatment, there will always be osteoarthritis in that knee that will prevent a 100% recovery.
There are currently a variety of surgical treatments for CrCL tears. Dr. Maltese at Westside Veterinary Clinic is experienced and has certification in the TTA Rapid and the Extracapsular Repair. Westside’s doctors also provide non-surgical options such as fittings for the Hero Brace, acupuncture, and cold laser therapy. Westside Veterinary Clinic does not have a board-certified veterinary specialist on staff. You are always welcome to ask us to refer you to a board-certified veterinary surgeon. The nearest board-certified veterinary surgeons to Flagstaff are in the Phoenix area.
Treatment Options Offered at Westside
Extracapsular Repair
Extracapsular Repair
Extracapsular Repair
This procedure is also called “Ex-Cap suture” and “lateral fabellar suture stabilization.” This treatment is a traditional surgical treatment used to stabilize the stifle after a torn CrCL. The concept of this procedure is to replace the function of an incompetent cranial cruciate ligament with a heavy monofilament nylon suture placed a
This procedure is also called “Ex-Cap suture” and “lateral fabellar suture stabilization.” This treatment is a traditional surgical treatment used to stabilize the stifle after a torn CrCL. The concept of this procedure is to replace the function of an incompetent cranial cruciate ligament with a heavy monofilament nylon suture placed along a similar orientation to the original cruciate ligament, but outside of the joint (the actual ligament is inside the joint). The suture needs to stabilize the tibia (“shin-bone”) relative to the femur (“thigh bone”), while allowing normal knee movement, until organized scar tissue can form and assume the stabilizing role.
This technique tends to have a little bit too much “give” for an active dog as well as medium to larger breeds (>40 lbs), but it works reasonably well in small breeds and inactive dogs. Postoperative care at home is very critical and involves strict activity restriction for ~ 4 months. Premature and excessive activity risks complete or partial failure of the stabilizing suture that can render the surgery a complete or partial failure. Post operative healing takes 16 weeks.
Non-Surgical Options
Extracapsular Repair
Extracapsular Repair
Hero Brace
We understand that not every patient is a surgical candidate. When surgery is not an option, we offer the Hero Brace as an option to help your companion play again with minimal invasion. This process entails specific measurements and 3D casting of your pet’s affected leg to create a custom brace. This brace is meant to be worn
Hero Brace
We understand that not every patient is a surgical candidate. When surgery is not an option, we offer the Hero Brace as an option to help your companion play again with minimal invasion. This process entails specific measurements and 3D casting of your pet’s affected leg to create a custom brace. This brace is meant to be worn daily to help to support the limb in the correct geometric positioning, which relieves pain and increases stability.
Acupuncture and Cold Laser Therapy
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical modality that utilizes small needles to stimulate the nerves in and just below the surface of the skin. The stimulation of these points can treat pain, inflammation and the flow of energy to promote healing. While acupuncture cannot necessarily heal a torn cruciate ligament, it can be used to reduce the pain and increase mobility. Your veterinarian will place needles in local points around the knee, as well as points along meridians that can stimulate various effects in the body. Acupuncture can be combined with herbal therapies as well as cold laser to help treat cranial cruciate disease.