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What do you think about canine CCL surgery on a 35 lb dog. Do I really need to do surgery or would conservative management be better for a dog her size. Right now both CCLs are torn, but she walks only limping on the left rear side. Will scar tissue hold?
Hi
I am an experienced veterinarian and happy to help.
Can you see my question?
Dogs over 13 lb do not do well with conservative management of a cruciate rupture
Yes - welcome
Basically conservative management in a larger dog causes SEVERE arthritis
The joint never becomes stable enough for the dog to use it properly again
So the dog ends up with an unstable and painful joint for life
Surgery is always needed for a dog over 13lbs
Do you have any further questions?
Yes, what kind of knee surgery would be good for her size?
She is a very active breed
Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy is the 'gold standard' (TPLO)
Im afraod to get something super invasive
Especially for an active dog
Gold standard why? i hear it can go very wrong
Is that what you would do for your own dog?
It provides the best chance for a joint with the least arthritis
There are potential complications with all surgeries
In experienced hands a TPLO is what I would recommend
thankk you!
Yes I would get a specialist surgeon to do a TPLO in my dog
There is one in my town
excellent!
My pleasure
Any further questions?
I think thats it. Just wanted a an objective opinion
Experience: Veterinarian with further qualifications in Animal Behavior. Knowledgable on pet behavior and health.