Diagnosis of CCL Disease

• A thorough medical history and physical examination, including tests such as the "cranial drawer" and "tibial thrust" tests.

• X-rays to evaluate arthritis severity and guide treatment decisions.

• Sedation or anesthesia is required for a definitive diagnosis to minimize pain.

• Preoperative X-rays are essential to measure the tibial slope and determine the best surgical approach. Dogs with a steep tibial slope (particularly large breeds) tend to have better outcomes with Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO). However, in small breeds, tibial slope may not significantly impact surgical choice. Clients should be aware that a steep tibial slope places greater stress on synthetic stabilization bands, potentially causing failure over time.

Expected Recovery Period

• 2 weeks post-surgery: Your pet should begin touching the toes to the ground while walking.

• 8 weeks post-surgery: Lameness should be mild to moderate.

• 6 months post-surgery: Your pet should remain near-normal limb function.

Postoperative Care

• The limb may or may not be bandaged postoperatively, depending on the surgeon's preference.

• Strict exercise restriction is required for the first 8 weeks, followed by a gradual return to normal activity.

• The force exerted across the knee joint is four to five times body weight. Overuse can lead to implant failure before fibrous tissue develops.

• If lameness does not improve within 8-12 weeks or worsens after initial improvement, there may be a torn meniscus or suture failure.

• If necessary, imbricating sutures can be removed after 3 months without compromising stability, as fibrosis provides long-term joint support.

Prognosis

• Approximately 85% of dogs show significant improvement post-surgery.

• Around 50% regain normal limb function, while the other 50% may experience mild or intermittent lameness after intense activity.

• While MRIT/LSS significantly improves limb function, it does not halt arthritis progression. Stiffness may occur in the morning, after exercise, or due to weather changes.

• To manage joint stiffness and discomfort, veterinarians may recommend:

  • Chondroitin sulfate, MSM, and glucosamine supplements

  • Adequan injections (to promote joint health)

  • NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) to reduce inflammation and pain.

At Canton Animal Hospital, we perform advanced orthopedic surgeries including TTA, TPLO, and Extracapsular Lateral Suture Stabilization (LSS) techniques. Each procedure is tailored to the individual needs of the patient, ensuring optimal recovery and long-term joint health

• Extracapsular Lateral Suture (MRIT) – Best for small to medium-sized dogs.

• Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) – The gold standard for large, active dogs.

• Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) – A less invasive alternative to TPLO.