TTA Surgery in Dogs

Cruciate ligament ruptures are a common orthopedic injury in dogs. Surgery may be required to repair these. Today, our Santa Clarita vets explain cruciate injuries in dogs and how surgery such as TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement) can help to get them back on their feet and active again.

What Happens When My Dog Sustains a Cruciate Ligament Rupture?

The CCL is a connective tissue in the knee that connects and stabilizes the lower leg to the upper leg. It joins a dog’s tibia to the femur above that when torn, results in partial or complete joint instability, pain, and immobility. CCL ruptures are the result of a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in a dog's stifle (knee), which is equivalent to the ACL in humans. 

What Are The Symptoms of a Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Dogs?

When it comes to cranial cruciate ligament tears in dogs, 80% of cases are chronic onset ruptures that are caused by degeneration and usually occur due to aging. This is most commonly seen in dogs ages five to seven.

Acute onset ruptures are most commonly seen in pups four years or younger. These tears are caused by injuries a dog will sustain just running around living their daily lives.

Symptoms of a cranial cruciate ligament rupture may include:

If you notice any of the listed symptoms above, contact your vet and schedule an examination for your pup.

What is TTA Surgery, and how does it work?

When a dog experiences a cruciate ligament rupture it will cause the knee to lose the necessary stability to perform as expected. This instability will cause the shin bone to move forward in such a way that your dog feels as though it will not lock in place and most likely cause your dog to limp to avoid this.

When a dog undergoes TTA surgery it changes the shape of the knee allowing the muscles to help with the stabilization of the knee itself while in use. Your dog will then feel as though the knee has been stabilized even though the ligament itself is still technically damaged.

There is a risk of complication with a surgical procedure of this magnitude and as such it will only be performed when it is the best option for the cruciate injury that your dog has sustained.

Recovery After TTA Surgery For Cruciate Injuries in Dogs

Healing from TTA surgery is generally rapid.

• 24 Hours Post Op: Approximately 50% of dogs that have undergone this surgical procedure will be walking by this time.
• At 2 weeks: Most of the dogs will be able to bear moderate to complete amounts of weight on the leg.
• By 10 weeks: The majority of the dogs will no longer be walking with a limp.
• At 4 months: Most dogs will be playing as usual with the only limitations being high-stress activities.
• Within 6 months: Most dogs will be back to enjoying most activities as they had been prior to injury and surgery.

Throughout recovery, pain management and rehabilitation therapy will be crucial to how well your dog heals. Your dog's vet with work with you both to ensure that there is a complete recovery care plan set in place for your dog prior to the TTA surgery.

Do you suspect your dog may have experienced a cruciate injury? Contact your Santa Clarita vet to book an appointment.