Hoffman Estates Animal Hospital

Meet our new Pet of the Month : Bentley!

"Cruciate Ligament":

The Disease of the Knees!

Meet Bentley, a four year old Rottweiler, who was rescued by a client of ours after he had two surgeries for severe hip dysplasia as a puppy. Back in January, 2008, Bentley was outside playing with his other canine siblings and began limping. Three days later, he jumped off of the bed, screamed and would not put his right hind leg down! On physical examination, he was not bearing weight on his right hind leg, his knee was swollen and he had a positive "drawer" sign (forward movement of the lower limb); all indicating an anterior cruciate ligament tear.

Cruciate ligament tears are one of the most common orthopedic problems in dogs. Rottweilers and Pit Bulls may be predisposed. Obesity, bowed legs, knock knees or "luxating patellas" (knee cap pops in and out) can also result in a weakening of the cruciate ligament. Usually, the pet presents with a non-weight bearing hind leg lameness with a history of sudden onset, usually following a "yelp"! Often the dog is out chasing squirrels or playing and turns too quickly, causing the lower portion of the leg to go in the opposite direction of the upper portion and tearing the ligament. Once a dog tears one knee, there is a 50% chance that the other cruciate ligament can tear at a later date--that is why weight management and prompt surgical repair is so important. Luckily, surgery can correct this problem. The important thing is getting the dog to use the leg as soon as possible, minimizing the amount of arthritis that may develop in the future.

There are two different types of surgery available. The "lateral suture technique" mimics the crucuate ligament itself, to give stability. We have a surgeon, Dr. Cynthia Charlier, who travels to our hospital and does this procedure here. The other procedure is called a "tibial plateau leveling osteotomy". The tibia is actually cut and then repaired with a metal bone plate to correct the angle of the knee. This type of surgery is only done at a specialty hospital by a board certified surgeon. Post-operatively, a six week period is required for rehabilitation with either surgical option.

Bentley had the lateral suture surgery with Dr. Charlier on his right knee and did well with his physical therapy at home. Six months later, Bentley DID tear his left cruciate ligament. Surgical correction went well. Today, Bentley is doing great and is on long term Glucosamine Chondroitin to help with his joints. Luckily for Bentley (and his mom) he has no more ligaments to tear!