What's New at Elizabeth Animal Hospital: Arthrex Tightrope® CCL Repair for Canine Knee Injuries

Tightrope® CCL repair in dogs is the newest surgical option available for dogs with cranial cruciate ligament injuries. The most common back leg injury causing pain and limping is the tear or rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament, commonly referred to as an ACL injury or knee injury. This new procedure is now being performed at Elizabeth Animal Hospital by Dr. Chris Morris, who attended one of the first training courses taught on Tightrope® CCL repair. Dr. Morris is one of the few veterinarians in Colorado to perform knee surgery on dogs using this procedure. The training was developed in conjunction with James L. Cook, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVS Director, Comparative Orthopaedic Laboratory, University of Missouri and Arthrex® Vet Systems. Since receiving his training, Dr. Morris has performed a number of successful Tightrope® CCL repairs. Dr. Morris has been performing cruciate ligament repairs for over 20 years and is very impressed with the procedure and the results of the new Tightrope® CCL repair technique. The best outcome is achieved if the new surgical technique is coupled with post-operative knee physical therapy and pain management.

A Better Alternative for ACL Injuries

The innovative technique was developed to provide a minimally invasive method for extracapsular stabilization of the cranial cruciate ligament-deficient canine stifle. Because of the nature of these injuries, and their degenerative process over time, the Tightrope® CCL repair focuses on a technique used in human ankle joints using bone to bone fixation. This procedure is substantially less invasive than other canine knee injury repair surgeries, such as TTA and TPLO because they involve cutting and repositioning of bone. The Tightrope® CCL is also easier to perform than these other procedures, making the risk for complications and infection substantially lower. The Tightrope® CCL repair procedure has been shown to be very cost effective, although traditional extracapsular repair will be slightly less because nylon line is used to help stabilize the joint. All procedures for ligament repair need to be discussed and considered whenever this kind of surgery is required, but most cruciate ligament injuries can be repaired using the Tightrope® CCL procedure. Although leg and ligament problems are generally found in larger dogs, small active dogs can also suffer ligament tears. In these smaller dogs, Dr. Morris has used a related system from Arthrex® called the threaded Corkscrew and FASTak titanium anchor with FiberWire®, with the same success as the Tightrope® CCL procedure.

An Injury Similar to Those in Human Athletes

According to the National Institute of Health, ACL injuries occur in human athletes "coming to a quick stop with a directional change while running, pivoting, landing, or overextending the joint in either direction." Canine ACL injuries generally take place over a period of time. Overweight dogs are more at risk, but they can happen to any dog. The injury typically ranges anywhere between a partial tear to a full rupture of the cruciate ligament. The injured dog may improve with prescription anti-inflammatory drugs, nutritional support, weight loss and rest. You may elect to postpone surgery in these circumstances. However, this is now a weakened area and often surgery is needed several months later. Surgical correction is recommended when the CCL is fully ruptured. At the top of your surgery options should be the Tightrope® CCL repair.

Alpaca and Llama Veterinary Services

Alpaca and Llama Breeders/Owners are among the many special clients at Elizabeth Animal Hospital. Elizabeth Animal Hospital has become one of only a few animal hospitals on the Front Range that have a specialty in Alpaca Care and Llama Care and Dr. Leon Anderson is well known and respected by alpaca breeders throughout the region. Alpaca Breeders/Owners can haul in their Huacaya and Suri Alpacas for most services required. Camelid medicine and surgery services are primarily in-house services. Our facility allows for year round hospitalization and indoor treatment of your Alpacas and Llamas. Outpatient services include reproductive services, uterine torsions, travel paper preparation, routine health care, dental care, castration, lameness evaluation, radiology, and minor surgery. Alpaca and Llama patients can be hospitalized for more advanced medical treatment and some advanced surgery as well. Emergency cesarean sections, some fracture repairs, laceration repairs, dental extractions, and other surgeries can be performed on Alpacas and Llamas.