Help my dog has ruptured its cruciate ligament!

Cruciate ligament injuries are very common in dogs. The ligament helps stabilise the knee, and when it partially tears or ruptures completely, putting weight on the leg can become painful and running can be difficult. The unstable knee can also develop arthritis following the injury.

No two dogs are the same, and neither are their cruciate injuries. Some dogs tear only a small part of the ligament, while others injure other parts of the knee at the same time. At Tea Tree Gully Veterinary Hospital, we assess each dog and talk with their owner about the most suitable treatment. Some dogs may be managed with rest, rehabilitation and anti-inflammatory medication, while others may need surgery.

One surgical option is a TPLO (Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy). A TPLO for a dog under 10 kg costs $4,366.00, while a TPLO for a dog over 10 kg costs $4,990.00. Another cruciate repair option, the De’ Angelis procedure, costs $4,003.00. We’ll discuss which option is appropriate for your dog after assessing their knee.

Knee assessments and repairs are among the procedures we perform most often, and our experienced veterinary surgeons will guide you through your dog’s treatment. Rehabilitation is an important part of recovery after orthopaedic surgery. We keep your dog in hospital for the first 48–72 hours to begin this process, then send you home with a comprehensive week-by-week rehabilitation guide and helpful “how-to” exercise videos. We’re here to support you throughout their recovery.

 

Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Following TPLO Surgery

Watching our furry friends face orthopaedic challenges can be heartbreaking, but with the right rehabilitation techniques, they can make remarkable recoveries. These videos showcase a variety of proven exercises and therapies that help dogs regain strength, flexibility, and mobility after TPLO surgery.