Knee Injuries & Conditions
CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURIES
In dogs and cats the stifle or knee is in a constant state of partial flexion. It is stabilized by several ligaments but the most common ligament injured is called the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), which correlates to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans. If the CCL completely ruptures it is typically diagnosed during a physical exam. It is not uncommon that during the complete tear of the CCL, the medial meniscus can also be damaged. The medial meniscus is a "C" shaped cartilage stabilizing cushion that the bottom of thigh bone rests on primarily. Surgical repair of a CCL is the best way to return a pet to soundness. We recommend the tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) procedure due to the decreased risk of complications and because there is less osteoarthritis post operatively. Dr. Brown has received special training and has performed multiple TTA surgeries.
PARTIAL CRUCIATE TEAR
Sometimes the CCL doesn't completely rupture and only a percent of the ligament tears. This can be diagnosed definitively only by an MRI or surgery.
LUXATING PATELLA
Luxating patella, or trick knee, is a condition in which the patella, or kneecap, dislocates or moves out of its normal location. This can be caused by some form of blunt trauma, or may be a congenital defect. Patellar luxation is a common condition in dogs, particularly small and miniature breeds. There are several stages in patellar luxation, ranging from minor to very serious. When a luxating patella is accompanied by lameness in the same hind limb, even if only a few steps, surgery may be the best option. The surgery involves deepening the groove where the patella sits. Weight management is essential to keep low grade luxating patellas from worsening. Sometimes surgery can be avoided if the pet shows no signs of lameness with low grade luxations.
REGENERATIVE STEM CELL THERAPY
Canine stem cell therapy is an exciting new area of veterinary medicine and is offered at the Tampa Bay K9 Rehabilitation Center. Mark C. Brown, DVM, CCRP is the first veterinarian in Pinellas County to become credentialed for harvesting and administering stem cells to aid in the treatment of canine osteoarthritis. Dr. Kalen Faber is also credentialed to perform stem cell therapy for her patients. All cases that have received stem cell therapy in our facilities receive a special savings on follow-up physical rehabilitation services. Call our office to learn more about this new technological advancement.
ORTHOPEDIC POST-OPERATIVE RECOVERY THERAPY
As in humans, post operative rehabilitation allows the patient to heal faster and more completely with less pain and greater long standing beneficial effects. Typical post operative sessions last from 3-12 visits.