Pets

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Just as with humans, knee injuries/deterioration can occur in your pets at any age and in any breed but, most frequently, they occur in middle aged, overweight, medium to large breed dogs. 

X-ray of a TTA repair

The knee is a very complex mechanism and the ligament often can experience a partial tear that can lead to a slight instability of the knee.

If the damages goes untreated however, it can result in complete rupture and possible damage to the medial meniscus of the knee, which acts as a cushion in the knee. Complete rupture will cause front-to-back instablity, known as Tibial Thrust and an internal rotation of the lower leg known as Pivot Shift.  As in humans, if left untreated, the result can be arthritis (inflammation of the joint) and pain from the instability.

Often the condition can go undetected as pets cannot tell their owners if they are in pain but, if there is limping or slowness to get up, it is usually an indication that something is wrong.

Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA), developed at the University of Zurich in Switzerland, is the newest procedure to correct the problem and is considered least invasive and the best repair for most dogs.  It is, in fact, becoming recognized as the superior technique for stifle stabilization and is now the preferred surgical procedure.

In the past, many TTAs had to be performed at the University of Guelph in Ontario.  Now, however, the surgery is being performed locally at the Southampton Pet Hospital in Saugeen Shores.

The procedure using titanium implants that are very lightweight and designed to stay in permanently is used primarily for dogs but can also be used in cats.

If your pet is experiencing difficulty getting up, walking or running or is limping, it is an indication that there is a problem and it should be checked by your local veterinarian.

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Monday, October 24, 2011