ACL RUPTURE - TPLO SURGERY

How rupture occurs

Several clinical pictures are seen with ruptured cruciate ligaments. One is a young athletic dog playing

roughly who takes a bad step and injures the knee. This is usually a sudden lameness in a young dog.

On the other hand, a middle aged or older dog, especially if overweight, can have weakened ligaments and slowly stretch or partially tear them. In this type of patient, stepping down off the bed or a small jump can be all it takes to break the ligament.

​

As often the underlying reason for the tear is a gradual weakening of the cruciate ligaments, the problem often occurs in the other hind leg's knee joint as well within a few months to a year or two. Owners therefore should be prepared for the possibility of another surgery in this time frame.

​

The ruptured cruciate ligament is the most common knee injury of dogs; in fact, chances are that any dog with sudden rear leg lameness has a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament rather than something else. The history usually involves a rear leg suddenly so sore that the dog can hardly bear weight on it. If left alone, it will appear to improve over the course of a week or two but the knee will be notably swollen and arthritis will set in over time.

​

​

​

​