New treatment for CCL deficiency

A new method to treat cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) deficiency in dogs has been developed at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine.

"Other current techniques require major surgery that involve cutting the bone, which can potentially lead to severe complications, such as fracture, implant failure and damage to the joint," said Dr James Cook, professor of veterinary medicine and surgery.

"This new technique is minimally invasive, relatively easy to perform and cost-effective compared to other techniques. The dogs in the preliminary trial study experienced fewer and less severe complications with outcomes that were equal to, or better than, those seen with the bone-cutting technique."

The new technique, called Tightrope CCL, is a modification of a technique used to treat ankle injuries in humans, and allows placement of a device that stabilises the CCL-deficient knee through bone tunnels drilled using very small incisions.

The dog must weigh at least 18 kg because surgeons must be able to drill tunnels into the bone. There is a mandatory 10- to 12-week rehabilitation period. Dogs that cannot follow a physical rehabilitation regimen after surgery, and those with limb deformities, are also unsuitable for treatment.

For more information, visit the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine's website at www.cvm.missouri.edu

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