Rupture of the cruciate ligaments is a common pathology in large and medium dog breeds. The symptoms are constant lameness in the affected hind limb, worsening with exertion or climbing stairs, swelling of the knee joint, and a positive joint-instability test. If treatment — surgery — is not undertaken, the consequences are the development of arthrosis in the joint and an increased risk of rupturing the cruciate ligament of the other limb, as the animal spares the painful leg and shifts its weight onto the healthy one.
The TTO operation is a corrective orthopaedic procedure that changes the angle of the tibial plateau and restores stability to the knee joint.
The recovery period is 1–3 months. There is no possibility of recurrence after the operation.
A case of a patient with a torn cranial cruciate ligament treated surgically at City Veterinary Clinic.
