Carina from Animal First Foundation passed along the news that Penny needed two ACL surgeries to her network of volunteers and caring individuals. A few people emailed and suggested I check out other veterinarians, mainly in Stanwood.
This week, I'll be calling these doctors' offices. I am not absolutely committed to Seattle Animal Surgical Center, but I am committed to her getting TPLO. There are two kinds of surguries for torn ACLs.
During the most inexpensive kind, basic ACL repair, what the surgeon does is drill a hole in the lower part of the leg and thread a thick piece of “string” through it and attach it to the top of the leg. It is the scar tissue around the string that actually stabalizes it. They no longer recommend this for heavier, active dogs because the stress on the replacement is just too much in large dogs. Since Penny is only two and 88 lbs, she is not a good candidate.
During TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy), the tibial bone is precisely cut and slightly rotated downward, then held in place with screws and a special plate, until healing occurs. It is recommended for large breeds and active breeds and requires that the vet go through special training, buy special tools, etc.
Healing time for both is a long time. TPLO also requires two sets of x rays for each knee.
A blog for a sweet red dog
Who's Penny
Penny's a sweet, two-year-old pitbull mix with long legs and a heavy body. She was diagnosed with bilateral cruciate ligament degeneration. She had her first knee surgery on Feb 29, 2008 and her second knee surgery on August 20, 2008.
More from Penny's mom
Penny's mom also has another blog, where she highlights paintings and other art work that she's completed. Proceeds from the art work that she's sold go to support Penny and her feline brothers and sisters.