Damage to another structure in the knee, the medial meniscus, is also very common. If you notice any of the above signs a veterinarian should examine your dog. In many instances a second opinion from a surgical specialist is useful. Evaluation will include a complete physical examination, detailed history, and often X-rays of one or both knees are recommended. Sedation or anesthesia is often required to perform a complete physical examination or for obtaining the X-rays.
Complications can occur after any surgical procedure, and the cost of the operation is significant.
Conservative care is definitely indicated in cats, because the great majority will do very well without surgical intervention. There are numerous surgical techniques for stabilizing the knee joint in dogs with CCL rupture. No one technique has been proven to be better than any other. You are strongly advised to seek opinions from more than one surgical specialist before deciding on surgery. Recent evidence, and our experience at the VMTH, indicates that techniques that alter the tibial plateau angle may be more effective than conventional procedures.