Cranial Cruciate Rupture in Dogs and Cats.
Rupture of the Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) in the knee (stifle) joint is a very common physical injury afflicting all breeds and sizes of dogs. This rupture of the CCL can either be a partial tear with some pain and slight instability in the affected knee, or a complete rupture with a large degree of pain & instability in the affected knee.
A partial tear of the CCL will invariably progress to a full rupture of that ligament over time.
Rupture of the CCL can also occur in large cats.
This injury is usually very debilitating. The patient is unable to weight-bear properly on his/her affected hind leg.
A common consequence of CCL rupture in one hind leg is the rupture of the CCL in the patient’s other hind leg, especially if the first hind leg is not operated on soon after the initial injury occurring.
There are different surgical techniques available for the treatment of a patient with a ruptured CCL.
I perform two different techniques for the treatment of CCL rupture, and I select the appropriate technique for a given patient based on that particular patient's history and clinical presentation.
One technique that I perform is the Extra-capsular CCL replacement technique, in which ultra-strong specific ligament replacement suture material is used to stabilise the affected knee joint in a manner that mimics the function of an intact CCL.
This Extra-capsular technique, performed in a meticulous manner, and combined with a thorough internal examination of the affected knee joint to check for and remove meniscal tears & intra-joint debris, has made ruptured CCL replacement surgery predictably successful in my hands.
I routinely perform this Extra-capsular technique in cats and in dogs weighing up to 15 kgs.
The second technique that I use for treatment of CCL rupture involves cutting and resetting of the tibial bone (Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO) or Tibial Wedge Osteotomy (TWO)). This technique is very well suited for medium to large sized dogs.
The tibial bone is re-aligned such that the affected knee joint can function without the need for a CCL. A properly performed TPLO/TWO will result in excellent post-operative regain of function in the affected limb, and a consequent high degree of owner satisfaction with the surgical procedure.
I have performed more than 1000 ruptured CCL replacement operations over a period of years of clinical practice in Melbourne.
I perform Cranial Cruciate Ligament Replacement Surgery at several practices as a visiting surgeon.
I am also available for surgical consultations at the Canterbury Veterinary Clinic (03 9836 6009; 354 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills), Elsternwick Veterinary Clinic (03 9532 9845; 627 Glen Huntly Road, Caulfield), Preston Veterinary Clinic (03 9484 1908; 267 – 271 Bell Street, Preston) and at Vets On Parker (03 9850 1355; 33-35 Parker Street, Templestowe).
Particular Interests
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Complex Soft Tissue Surgery
- Emergency and Critical Care
Contact
Visiting Surgery Service
T: 0411350233
E: anaban@vetsurgicalservice.com.au
Canterbury Veterinary Clinic
Veterinary Consultant Surgeon
T: 03 9836 6009.
Address: 354 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills.
Elsternwick Veterinary Clinic
Veterinary Consultant Surgeon
T: 03 9532 9845.
Address: 627 Glen Huntly Road, Caulfield.
Lilydale Veterinary Centre
Veterinary Consultant Surgeon
T: 03 9735 4211.
Address: 3 Maroondah Highway, Lilydale.
St Albans Veterinary Clinic
Veterinary Consultant Surgeon
T: 03 9364 3777.
Address: 263 Main Road W., St Albans.
Vets On Parker
Veterinary Consultant Surgeon
T: 03 9850 1355.
Address: 33-35 Parker Street, Templestowe.