What happens when my dog needs it’s cruciate repaired?

It’s that dreaded moment. Rosie’s in full flight, eyes focused on the rather disgusting tennis ball and then … a sharp cry and poor Rosie will not put her foot on the ground. She’s in significant pain and her owners know there is something very wrong.

Diagnosing the Problem

When Rosie presented to Bungendore Vet Surgery, the acute pain had subsided a little, but she was still very reluctant to put her right hind leg on the ground. Carefully, her leg was examined—from her toes to her hip—but the source of pain seemed to be around her knee (stifle).

Many dogs, including Rosie, then require sedation so we can manipulate the stifle and diagnose a cranial cruciate ligament rupture. X-rays are also taken at this time to assess the health of the stifle and, in some cases, help with surgical planning.

There are lots of considerations but in many dogs, surgical repair will be required to correct their cruciate rupture. It’s a big undertaking. The surgery is complex and requires a night in hospital and then a good commitment from owners to help ensure a smooth recovery. There are several techniques used to correct a cruciate rupture depending on your dog’s age and size. Rosie had a repair called an MMP (see her X-ray) and she is doing brilliantly. Her recovery has been aided by the diligence of her owners who stuck to her exercise plan, were meticulous at looking after her bandage and brought her back for all her weekly rechecks.

How Do Cruciate Injuries Happen?

Just like a footballer or netballer rupturing their anterior cruciate ligament, dogs frequently rupture their cranial cruciate ligament (and BTW, it’s the same ligament). It’s a very common injury, and sometimes Bungendore Vets operate on several dogs a week to try and get them back on their feet.

Cruciate rupture can happen in two ways:

1. Slow Degeneration: Repeated, subtle injuries damage the ligament over time until it eventually gives way.
2. Acute Injury: A sudden ‘snap’ occurs.

Many dogs will tear ligaments in both knees, and poor Rosie had already had her left knee repaired in July 2023.

Surgical Repair: A Big Undertaking

There are lots of considerations, but in many dogs, surgical repair will be required to correct their cruciate rupture. It’s a big undertaking:

• The surgery is complex and requires a night in hospital.
• Owners must commit to helping ensure a smooth recovery.

There are several techniques used to correct a cruciate rupture, depending on your dog’s age and size. Rosie had a repair called an MMP (Modified Maquet Procedure—see her X-ray), and she is doing brilliantly.

Her recovery has been aided by the diligence of her owners, who:

• Stuck to her exercise plan.
• Were meticulous in looking after her bandage.
• Brought her back for all her weekly rechecks.

Rosie’s Recovery

Rosie is such a stoic and lovely dog, who never seems to complain. While she’s not quite chasing a ball yet, she is happily back on her (4) feet. Over the next few months, her muscles will strengthen, and her gait will continue to improve.

Having had two stifles surgically corrected, Rosie has had a bit of a tough time. The only (tiny) consolation? With two knees already repaired, there are no more cruciate ligaments for Rosie to rupture!