A total knee replacement is an invasive surgery that comes with serious risks. It can, however, be a life-saving procedure for dogs with a bad knee that doesn’t respond to other treatments.
Do keep in mind there is the potential for serious complications including:
- ligament damage
- joint dislocation
- prostheses issues
- implant infections
Further information: Total Knee Replacement Surgery
It is amazing what veterinary medicine can do these days. But just because one can do something, it doesn’t mean they should. I would want to exhaust all other options before considering such a dramatic intervention in my dog’s body. That doesn’t mean I cannot be amazed by the strides veterinary medicine is taking.
This procedure is still relatively in a cradle, but there are specialty hospitals that perform it. It is, of course, a major procedure only suited for dogs with severe problems where other treatments failed.
Case studies
Cornell University
Cornell University’s first total knee replacement was done in 2011 on a young Chocolate Lab, Jake, who ran in front of a truck and fractured his knee. At the time the dog came to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals, Jake’s knee was in such bad shape they were looking at likely amputation.
College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida
College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida has performed their first total knee replacement earlier that year.
Mica, a nine-year-old Labrador Retriever, was suffered an injury at a young age. Both her anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments were severely damaged and cartilage almost completely warns away. Mica was suffering from severe osteoarthritis and was in a lot of pain.
After her surgery, Mica underwent extensive rehabilitation and is now doing great also.
Source article:
First canine total knee replacement at University of Florida a success
Related articles:
Talk to Me about Arthritis
Further reading:
Canine Total Knee Replacement
Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery