CCL Treatment

Cranial cruciate ligament disease is a common orthopaedic problem in dogs caused by deficiency in the ligament inside the knee joint. It results in symptoms such as limping, stiffness, swelling of the knee joint, or holding up the affected leg, among others.

Modified Maquet Procedure

Rolesville Veterinary Hospital is pleased to be able to provide the Modified Maquet procedure to our canine patients as a way to repair and treat cruciate ligament disease. The procedure is less expensive and less invasive than the TPLO (tibial plateau leveling) procedure and has allowed us to treat our larger and more active canine friends in a local setting. The Modified Maquet procedure has allowed us to offer a procedure that requires less rehabilitation post op therefore allowing busy owners and family members less stress associated with the post op period. Long term outcomes of this procedure have been favorable and positive for return to full activity for dogs when compared to the TPLO and TTA procedure. It offers a more stable repair as compared to the extracapsular cruciate repair.

The MMP was developed in 2005 and more than 30,000 dogs have undergone the surgical procedure. The technique uses a wedge-shaped implant of titanium foam to advance and fix the tibial tuberosity angle allowing the dog to stand on the knee more comfortably. Gradually over time the bone will grow into the titanium foam wedge allowing the knee to become more stable.

Typically, dogs are walking on the leg the day following surgery or a few days post operatively. They will spend a minimum of 1 night in the hospital and it is recommended that they spend 2-3 nights in the hospital to minimize any complications in the days immediately following the surgery.

Without using the plate, fork and measurement system of the TPLO the surgery time is greatly reduced aiding in the speed of recovery and reducing the cost to the client. Dogs are restricted to leash walks only for the first 6-8 weeks. Radiographs are taken at 4 & 8 weeks. They are gradually reintroduced to exercise once adequate bone healing has been seen. They are expected to be back to off leash exercise by 8-10 weeks post op. Some stiffness and lameness may still occur while the healing is taking place as as they begin to exercise, however the stiffness should be short lived and should resolve within a day or so following.

Patients are typically back to full exercise with minimal to no lameness at 6 months post-surgery. Typical cost is $1803-$2,211. This fee includes laser therapy for 8 sessions following the surgery, acupuncture if needed to help with the healing of the bone and post-operative rechecks and X-rays. Most patients will spend 2 nights in the hospital following surgery.

Do you suspect your dog has a cruciate ligament problem? For a thorough examination, diagnosis, and answers to any questions you might have about treatment call or text us at 919-562-0100 to make an appointment.