Dog Knee Surgery Types: Choose the Right One for Your Patient

For veterinarians, managing dog knee injuries is a frequent and often challenging aspect of practice. Dogs' knee injuries are one of the most common orthopedic complications encountered in veterinary clinics. They can cause intense discomfort, often requiring surgery. 

Understanding the types of dog knee surgeries is essential for selecting the best option for your patients.

So, let’s get started with the dog’s knee injury causes!

Dogs with Knee Injuries: What Causes Them?

Knee injuries in dogs lead to extreme distress and can significantly impact their mobility. By understanding potential causes, vets can guide pet owners on prevention and treatment.

Trauma

The leading cause of knee injuries is trauma. Accidents or falls can cause severe harm, leading to ligament tears, fractures, or dislocations. 

As vets, assessing trauma’s extent and planning effective intervention is crucial.

Breed Predisposition

Certain breeds are more prone to knee injuries due to their genetics and anatomy, like Labrador Retrievers and Rottweilers. It’s essential for vets to advise owners of these breeds on preventive care and early signs of joint issues.

Obesity

Obesity in dogs increases stress on joints, causing damage over time. By educating pet owners on maintaining a healthy weight for their pets, veterinary professionals can help reduce the incidence of obesity-related injuries.

Aging

Aging dogs often face joint deterioration, leading to knee problems like arthritis or ligament tears. You can recommend joint supplements, moderate exercise, and regular check-ups for senior dogs.

3 Main Dog Knee Surgery Types

Determining the most suitable knee surgery type depends on the injury's cause and the dog’s health status. 

Here are the primary surgical options:

TPLO Surgery for Knee Problems

Veterinary orthopedic surgeons know that TPLO surgery can restore a dog’s mobility and improve its quality of life post-injury. TPLO stabilizes the knee joint by altering the angle of the tibial plateau, allowing dogs to bear weight on the leg without further strain.

TTA Surgery

Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) is another effective option for CCL ruptures. Vets often select TTA for medium to large-breed dogs with active lifestyles. This procedure stabilizes the knee joint by modifying the tibial plate’s angle, reducing strain on the CCL.

Extracapsular Repair Surgery

This technique is commonly recommended by expert veterinarians for smaller breeds or older dogs with cranial cruciate ligament ruptures.Extracapsular Repair stabilizes the knee by creating an artificial joint outside the knee joint capsule, helping to alleviate strain.

 

 

Other Knee Surgeries for Dogs

While TPLO and TTA surgeries are prevalent, vets may recommend additional options based on a dog’s specific needs:

Medial Patella Luxation (MPL) Surgery

This dog knee surgery is often performed on small breeds with chronic kneecap dislocations. As a veterinarian, you can help improve the quality of life for these pets by advising on MPL surgery as an effective solution.

Total Knee Reconstruction (TKR) Surgery

TKR is reserved for severe cases where other interventions are insufficient. Expert veterinarians consider this a complex procedure when dogs suffer from intense pain and limited mobility due to advanced joint degeneration.

Knee Arthroscopy

A minimally invasive option, knee arthroscopy allows for treatment conditions like torn menisci or loose cartilage with minimal tissue disruption.

Working with Pet Owners to Choose the Right Surgery

Choosing the most appropriate knee surgery for a dog requires collaboration between vets and pet owners. As a veterinarian, educating pet owners on available options and setting realistic expectations is crucial to achieving the best outcomes.

Encourage Questions

Veterinary professionals should create an open environment where pet owners feel comfortable asking questions about the procedures and their outcomes.

Offer a Second Opinion

For complex cases, you may suggest a second opinion to help pet owners feel confident in their decision.

Provide Post-Operative Care Guidance

Following knee surgery, dogs require specific post-op care. Vets should give clear instructions to pet owners on pain management, exercise, and diet to ensure a smooth recovery.

Recovery After Dog Knee Surgery

After surgery, veterinarians play a key role in guiding pet owners through the recovery phase. 

The following things are essential for optimal recovery:

• Rest

Limit strenuous activities to allow proper bone and joint healing.

• Exercise and Diet

A tailored exercise and diet program helps the dog regain strength and stability.

• Medication

You should prescribe medication to manage pain and prevent infection.

In Short!

Seeing a beloved pet suffer from a knee injury is distressing for any pet owner. But with guidance from their vets, they can find the right treatment to get their dog back on its paws.

Veterinarians have the knowledge and expertise to recommend the best dog knee surgery type and can work closely with pet owners to ensure successful outcomes.As veterinary science continues to evolve, staying informed on new techniques can empower veterinary professionals to deliver optimal care.

For veterinarians seeking more advanced knowledge, Vet and Tech provides an online platform with free CE webinars every month and other expert learning resources. 

FAQs

What is the Cost of dog knee surgery? 

The Cost depends on the dog’s knee surgery type. But on overage, the pet parent is expected to pay a minimum of $2k to $4k. 

What are the benefits of TTA surgery?

TTA surgery offers several benefits for canine patients, including:

• Improved mobility and reduced pain
• Long-term stability of the knee joint
• Reduced risk of future injuries
• Upgraded quality of life