Pet Orthopedic in Hoover, AL

Similar to the human anterior cruciate ligament, the cranial cruciate ligament has a key stabilising role within the knee joint (stifle) of dogs and cats (ACL). These phrases are occasionally used interchangeably while discussing dogs.

The menisci serve as another crucial stabiliser in the stifle. These are frequently injured or damaged at the moment of the cruciate ligament tear and serve as “shock-absorbers” in the stifle.

The condition that causes the cruciate ligament to tear or rupture is frequently referred to as cranial cruciate ligament disease. The fundamental cause, a multimodal disease process that may include anatomical changes and the slope of the tibial tuberosity, is not fully known. Ligament deterioration, obesity, poor physical condition, heredity, conformation, and breed are further contributing factors. The condition cruciate disease is frequently associated with giant breed dogs. Large breed dogs are more common, but tiny and medium-sized dogs are frequently impacted as well.

About 40–60% of dogs who tear one cruciate ligament may also tear the other because this is a degenerative condition. Within two years, on average, this happens.

A combination of physical exam results and knee radiographs (x-rays) can be used to identify cruciate tears. An examination of the ligament during surgery helps to confirm the diagnosis. Both arthroscopy and arthrotomy can be used to accomplish this.

Dogs with cruciate rips can receive a variety of surgical treatments. The Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy has demonstrated to have the best short- and long-term results. Through this procedure, the abnormal motion in the knee brought on by the cruciate tear is completely eliminated by a reduction in tibial slope.

The most common cases of hip dysplasia in dogs are those of large breeds. Increased hip joint laxity is the first sign of this developmental condition, which progresses to improper joint articulation and wear of the joint surfaces. As the dog matures, this results in the development of arthritis, which can make it unpleasant and challenging for the dog to get up, run, leap, and play as they did previously.

There are surgical options for hip dysplasia depending on the age of the dog.

1. The Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS) operation is intended for puppies between the ages of 16 and 20 weeks. In a developing dog, it causes a piece of the pelvis to fuse, which allows the pelvis to grow in a way that actually makes the joint more “tight.” This lessens joint wear and lowers the chance of developing arthritis in the future.
2. A surgery known as Double Pelvic Osteotomy (DPO) is carried out on young dogs (1yr) with laxity but no signs of arthritis and generally normal hip conformation. The acetabulum (cup) can be moved over the femoral head thanks to two cuts made in the pelvic bone. This increases coverage and slows the development of arthritis in the long run.
3. Total hip replacement is the best treatment for dogs with hip arthritis (THR). In order to get rid of the pain brought on by the arthritis and cartilage damage that have developed, this procedure replaces both the femoral head (ball) and the acetabulum (cup). After the post-operative recovery period, dogs who have received a total hip replacement, which mimics a normal hip as closely as possible, may be able to resume their normal activities.
4. Femoral Head and Neck Osteopexy is the second choice for canines with severe hip arthritis (FHO). The femoral head and neck are taken out of the socket joint during this treatment. Scar tissue creates a “false joint” that prevents the severe arthritis-related bone-on-bone contact. Cats and tiny dogs (under 20 pounds) will more easily accept this operation. An FHO or total hip replacement can also be used to treat hip luxations. Most frequently, we use a Toggle Pin repair method to treat hip luxations so that your dog can keep their own hip joint.

Large breed dogs (Labrador retrievers, Golden retrievers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Newfoundlands, and Bernese Mountain dogs) are frequently diagnosed with elbow dysplasia, which has several different manifestations (Medial Coronoid Disease (MCD), Osteochondritis Dessicans (OCD), and Ununited Anconeal Process) (UAP).

One or more of the symptoms of this illness can affect dogs. In the majority of cases, it is possible to treat it arthroscopically, which reduces the postoperative discomfort and recovery time while minimising the surgical damage associated with a significant incision into the joint.

Any abnormality can accelerate the progression of arthritis because the elbow is a very tight and congruent joint. As they age, some dogs with this condition will need treatment for arthritis. The solution could be as straightforward as providing fish oil and joint supplements or as complicated as requiring joint injections and rehabilitation.

The majority of patients can leave the hospital the day of surgery.

Patients who receive treatment for shoulder OCD have a very good prognosis.

Another painful shoulder ailment that can be identified and treated arthroscopically is biceps tenosynovitis. It could happen as a result of joint damage or a soft tissue injury sustained during vigorous activities. It is often uncomfortable to palpate over the biceps tendon, and a physical exam can frequently identify it.

In order to position tools in joints with narrow portals, veterinary arthroscopy uses a camera. Dogs’ knees and most other joints can benefit from arthroscopy in the treatment of cruciate ligament and meniscal injuries.