Dog needs ACL repair

[dennis in se pa]

How much does it cost? I had this done a few years ago and it was around $1000. Now I am being quoted a much higher price. What have you guys been paying for this surgery?

[lindbhr]

My vet did one for a family member's dog last year for $1500, but another clinic had quoted $3500.

[dennis in se pa]

Thank you. Yes I was expecting somewhere in the two to $3000 range but I was quoted six to $8000. I am helping a friend solve his problems. I will have him ask around at several vets. Thank you.

[BK911]

I paid around 2500 a few years ago.
Then my pooch over compensated so much on his other leg that he blew that one out too.
Another 2500.
Then the viscous cycle repeated again.
Tough lesson financially and emotionally.

[Paul T]

Originally Posted by dennis in se pa

Thank you. Yes I was expecting somewhere in the two to $3000 range but I was quoted six to $8000. I am helping a friend solve his problems. I will have him ask around at several vets. Thank you.

is it ligament repair or TPLO? We paid around 2.5k if I recall for ligament repair but that was 10 years ago. TPLO I think is much more $$. I see you are in SE PA, I highly recommend Metropolitan Vet in Norristown or VRC in Malvern, both very good facilities. We’ve had a LOT of canine health issues over the years….good luck!

[Baz]

When this happened to Billabong......I did some research and discovered a procedure known as the (Arthrex) TightRope® CCL Repair.

I called around to our local vets and was given the name of a vet who was known for his ability to do this procedure.

Got a hold of him and had a really great conversation about it. He was very impressed with me that I did the digging to find out about it. He had performed it quite a few times with success. Asked that we bring BB in for an evaluation. They have to determine if the patient's condition is conducive for this procedure to work. It's not for every situation.

Procedure went great!

Then almost a year later her other knee went, so we did that one too! Which also went great and BB was with us for another 11 years before Lymphoma ended her life.

This procedure is more cost effective....and less intrusive.....but you'll have to call around to see who can do it and if your pup is a good candidate....determine by X-rays and physical exam of the joint.

Some links:

https://www.arthrexvetsystems.com/resources/animation/7SUHhhbj4U6jIAFdHl-Wxg/tightrope-ccl-repair


https://www.arthrex.com/shoulder/knotless-ac-tightrope-technique

Coastal Veterinary Surgical Services - Arthrex TightRope Procedure

https://www.arthrexvetsystemsblog.com/2017/04/12/how-two-tightrope-procedures-helped-a-170-lb-lab-play-ball-again/

https://wcvs.org/documents/TightRope-Client-VLP0004C.pdf

And there are more. Search on You Tube also for more content......

You may have to really beat the bushes to find a vet who can and will perform this. Don't give up....just keep dialing.... GOOD LUCK!!!

[Baz]

June 23, 2008

https://www.dvm360.com/view/missouri-researcher-develops-new-treatment-ccl-deficiency

Columbia, Mo.

- A new method for treating cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) deficiency in dogs has been developed by a University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine researcher. The treatment is supposed to be less invasive with fewer complications.

CCL deficiency affects more than one million dogs each year, according to the University of Missouri.

The new technique, called Tightrope CCL, a modification of a technique used in human ankles, allows placement of a device that stabilizes the CCL-deficient knee through hone tunnels drilled with very small incisions.

The process was developed by Dr. James Cook along with Arthrex, Inc. in Naples, Fla.Requirements for surgery require a minimum weight of 40 pounds and a mandatory 10- to 12-week rehabilitation period.

[Baz]

Read this:

https://dogkneeinjury.com/tightrope-knee-surgery-for-dogs/

[jhynesrockmtn]

I did this for Hooch years ago. He passed in 2014 at over 16, had the surgery at 10. I really struggled given his age and their average life span. I remember paying around $4,000. Chocolate lab who was about 75 lbs.

[bob deluke]

Two of our dogs had acl repairs. Both hind legs, cost $3k a leg. That was about 6-8 years ago.

[jrj3rd]

Paid just under $4K for a TPLO procedure during covid. Just tore other leg and this one is being scheduled for $5.5K. My understanding is TPLO is a permanent fix as it realigns the joint so should never re-tear the ligament. 65 lb Golden Retriever.

[stomachmonkey]

ACL tears in dogs is almost always a result of the joint angle.

A vet can measure and tell if a particular dog is prone to the injury.

Generally, if they tear one it's only a matter of time before they tear the other so it's wise to get pet insurance even if it's after the first event. Our Mastiff tore her 2nd one pretty much a year to the day after the 1st. But we had taken out insurance and it was covered.

The type of fix is size dependent, pocket dogs can sometimes get by with no fix at all while TPLO is the only option for large working breeds.

[Tobra]

Depends on the size of dog, different procedure for larger ones. Post operative care is vital

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by jrj3rd

Paid just under $4K for a TPLO procedure during covid. Just tore other leg and this one is being scheduled for $5.5K. My understanding is TPLO is a permanent fix as it realigns the joint so should never re-tear the ligament. 65 lb Golden Retriever.

TPLO go for around 4k+. The band is a $1000-1700 fix. Some vets swear by it. Others don't.

I have a dog that needs it and I'll be going to a smaller town clinic to get the procedure done.

[dennis in se pa]

Thanks guys

[Tobra]

Are you close to any vet schools?

UC Davis is right down the road, and my daughter gets the employee discount. Of course she did not work there when I got our dog's knees fixed. Saved her a sack of cash on her dog though.

[mthomas58]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

ACL tears in dogs is almost always a result of the joint angle.

A vet can measure and tell if a particular dog is prone to the injury.

Generally, if they tear one it's only a matter of time before they tear the other so it's wise to get pet insurance even if it's after the first event. Our Mastiff tore her 2nd one pretty much a year to the day after the 1st. But we had taken out insurance and it was covered.

The type of fix is size dependent, pocket dogs can sometimes get by with no fix at all while TPLO is the only option for large working breeds.

My step daughter just dealt with this issue with her English Golden Lab and was told exactly as you describe about the joint angle as the cause and the high likelihood of the other leg tearing. She paid $5k - three months recovery including physical therapy.