torn ligament in knee

Question
My dog has just been diagnosed with a torn cruciate ligament in RR knee after being treated for hip dysplasia for the past 6 months(hip x-rays were taken). It is recommended she have surgery immediately. She is 4 years old. A heavy golden mix. 91 pounds. TPLO surgery or ACL? Your opinion on this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Answer
Denise,

I'm sorry for you and your puppy.  It sounds like you have had a trying year.  I always recommend surgery for ruptured cruciate ligaments.  The TPLO is one option and the other I call extracapsular repair  (I'm assuming that that is the ACL which you refer to. To me ACL means Anterior Cruciate Ligament not a surgical procedure)  

There are pros and cons to each surgery.  The pros to the TPLO is faster return to function, and possibly (although hasnt been proven) reduced arthritis in the knee at a later date.  The con is, of course, price. The pro to the extracapsular repair is cost (not that it is cheap, but cheaper than the TPLO).  The cons are longer recovery period (although some will argue that it is the same).  And possibly worstening of arthritis in the joint later on.  

I tend to recommend the TPLO over the extracapsular repair if my clients can afford it and the extracapsular repair if the TPLO is not a financial option.  

I have had several clients opt to not have surgery at all.  I do NOT recommend this, but have seen small dogs and some cats stabilize the knee in about a year or 2.  I think that arthritis will be a BIG issue in these pets when they are older.  I have also seen a few of them blow out the other knee while they are waiting and end up with bilateral sugeries.

In addition, I will always warn parents that whether they have the surgery or not there is a high probability that the other knee will rupture within the next few years.  So start saving now for the second knee ;-)