Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture

[illinois04]

Hi... I'm very new to this so please forgive my ignorance. I've been reading your posts and am trying to figure out if this subject covers the (anterior or ACL). My vet is also calling it a Ruptured cranial cruciate ligament on my 10 year old Yorkie who weighs around 13 lbs. He is scheduled for surgery next Thursday. I'm very confused now. I just left one website that stated "86% of smaller dogs do fine with no surgery". Would anyone be kind enough to give me your opinion on this? "Carl" is walking around somewhat and even went after a taunting squirrel yesterday. Thank you for any information.

[Daveyo]

Hi Illinois04

I have a link for you to read which is good for lay people to understand about these ruptures. First there are 4 named ligaments in a human being and there are only two named ligaments on Dogs. Funny how I can say this but it is true.

Here is the link http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_ruptured_anterior_cruciate_lig.html

Now study this carefully and it also explains the different proceedures a bit better and even shows what happens to the bone doing some tests.

X-rays and MRI are still needed to really get a good insight to these tears. Keep in mind there are also tendons inside there as well.

To all the folks who read this ARTHRITIS will set and begin in after about a week from this injury. So the sooner this dog gets the surgery done the less amount of arthritis will set in, however once it starts it is progressive, so there is anti-arthritis medications available to slow it down and keep it to a minimum.

Again the identification by the VETS is wrong. I wonder what school they went to in learning to be a VET??????? Wow.

They seem to cannot identify diseases correctly much less identify the parts of the knee correctly.

A very sad state of affairs of VETS in Business. There should be a law to make them take state medical exams at least once every 2 years to see if they are up to snuff and up to the latest in medical science as well as know identification of parts of dogs and how to determine diseases in covering the full spectrum from the basics to advance latest technology. Something more like 500 questions and that each test booklet is random regarding the questions so none of them know what set of questions will be asked inside that test booklet.

I would bet my money in the bank that over half of the current VETS will fail and lose their licenses in a spiff.

[illinois04]

Dave.... thanks so much for your reply. That was a great website. I think I will get a 2nd opinion.
My Vet did sedate "Carl" to perform the manipulation tests and did do the x-ray. He seems quite confident in his diagnosis. My only concern is my dog's age, 10 years and his weight being only 13 lbs. That is the 2nd article I've read that states 80% or more of smaller dogs can often go without the surgery. I would just hate to not have it done only to have him crippled by severe arthritis which he is already exhibiting in his rear hip area. Again.... thanks so much..... you are very knowledgable.

[Daveyo]

Hmmmmm, that is not all, here is somemore information which might get you a bit more knowledge

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Ruptures

Extracapsular Stabilization Method

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Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteolomy (TPLO).

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Last but not least this one is the non invasive one but be careful because again remember the longer you wait the more arthritis will set in, and you really need that MRI to be done because you need to know how extensive the tear is and its precise location. Remember also these particular ligaments simply do not regrow itself. It is a special band of certain muscles and the only way to fix it is for someone to put it back to the same spots.

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Examine all this material and get your second opinion.

After that weigh your options

Good luck in your decision.