Injured Dogs May Benefit From TTA Surgery

By Lora Jones


Most dog owners want to make sure that their pets live healthy, happy lives. There is a vast array of disorders from which dogs can suffer, and certain conditions involve their bones. One of the most frequently seen bone injuries among domestic dogs is one that involves the anterior cruciate ligament. TTA surgery can be performed to correct this type of injury. Even though other procedures are available, numerous animal doctors recommend TTA for canines with cruciate ligament injuries.

The aforementioned injury can happen to any dog and is not gender related. However, it is most frequently seen in dogs that are medium to large in size, and overweight. Once a dog reaches middle age, it is at a higher risk for developing anterior cruciate ligament problems. When the latter occurs, the ligament typically suffers a partial tear. This leads to a mild instability of the dog's knee.

If dogs suffering from such injuries are not treated, the stressed ligament may rupture. This can cause damage to various parts of the animal's knee, including the medial meniscus. The latter is a cushion that prevents the dog from damaging its knee while running, playing, or participating in other physical activity.

If the ligament ruptures completely, it will probably manifest as an instability in the front to back motion of the affected limb. Veterinarians typically call this tibial thrust, and it is indicated by an internal rotation of the bottom region of the leg. If the latter is not treated promptly, it generally becomes quite painful and arthritis will likely occur as a physiological reaction to the instability.

As mentioned earlier, only surgical procedures can correct damaged or torn cruciate ligaments. There are a handful of options from which pet owners can choose, but most animal doctors recommend TTA. The latter is the newest procedure available to dogs suffering from such injuries, and it stands for tibial tuberosity advancement.

Many veterinarians favor the procedure because it is not as invasive as conventional canine ligament surgeries. Although it is regarded as major surgery, as it involves cutting into the bone, the incisions are not made in weight bearing regions. The surgical veterinarian cuts the bone at a specific angle and repositions it to alter its relationship with the patellar tendon.

If a pet owner decides to have a surgeon complete this procedure, it is essential to follow all post procedure instructions. For instance, the incision must be kept dry and clean. If bandages were placed over the area where the procedure was completed, the pet owner should ensure that here she has a thorough understanding of how to redress the bandages if the latter is required. Follow-up care is important, and any future appointments following the surgery should be kept if the canine is to recover fully.

Almost everyone wants their pets to be happy and healthy. Making sure that injuries are not left to chance is one way to accomplish this goal. Anyone who suspects that his or her dog may have an anterior cruciate ligament injury should speak to a veterinarian about the possibility of TTA surgery.




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