Which methods are used for treating a torn ACL in dogs?

If your dog has torn their ACL, there will be immediate pain to the point of lameness in the affected leg – and that won’t go away until after treatment. Unfortunately, this can leave many owners thousands of dollars out of pocket and overwhelmed by the number of surgery options to choose from.

The four most common treatment options for torn ACLs in dogs are:

Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO)

Previously considered the ‘Gold Standard’ in treating torn ACLs in dogs, TPLO involves cutting and rotating the top of the tibia to change the angle that the femur bears down through to the tibia. This stabilises the affected stifle (kneecap) by increasing the tension in the patella tendon and keeps the tibia in place and stable during motion. Whilst this is the most common way to treat an ACL, it can cost pet owners between $4,000 to $5,000!

De Angelis – Lateral Stabilising Sutures

The original method of stabilising torn ACLs in dogs, the De Angelis lateral stabilising procedure involves using a wire or suture through the tibial crest and angling this back toward the caudal distal femur before securing it in place. Though this technique can work well, it has a very slow recovery rate and a much higher failure rate – which is why other treatment methods were developed. Pet owners can expect to pay between $1,500 to $2,000.

Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA)

Developed as an alternative to TPLO, Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) provides a cheaper, faster and just as effective treatment option – though it does come with a high failure rate. This is because the implant that is used to stabilise the tibial crest doesn’t actually support the full length of the crest, leading to stress points where fractures may occur. It will also set pet owners back between $2,800 to $3,200.

Modified Maquet Procedure (MMP)

A modified version of the TTA procedure, this method involves cutting and moving the tibial crest, before securing it into its new position with a titanium foam wedge. This offers support along the full length of the tibial crest (unlike in TTA), and the foam material allows the bone to grow into the implant, creating a stronger bond. The surgery itself only takes 30 minutes and offers rapid recovery time. It can also be performed for as little as $1,400 to $1,700, making it one of the most affordable options in Australia!

As torn ACLs in dogs can be an incredibly painful condition, it’s important that treatment occurs as soon as possible! However, this doesn’t mean owners should book their best friends into the first clinic they come across. Do your research and be sure to choose an experienced veterinary hospital – like SEAH – that puts the needs of your pet first.

At South Eastern Animal Hospital, our priority is providing the best quality pet care at a price point more owners can afford. With over 20 years’ experience, our skilled team offers an extensive range of services and surgeries – including vaccines, desexing, caesareans, orthopaedic surgery and cancer surgery.