Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Treatment in Melbourne
At our clinic in Melbourne, we specialize in diagnosing and treating Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries in pets. With over two decade of experience, we are dedicated to restoring your pet’s mobility and ensuring their long-term health and comfort.
Diagnosing ACL Tears in Dogs
The process of diagnosing an ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) tear in dogs at our clinic is comprehensive and thorough, ensuring we accurately assess the extent of the injury and any underlying conditions.
- Physical Examination: The first step is a detailed physical exam. We look for signs of instability in the knee, particularly through the cranial drawer test. This test helps us detect abnormal movements between the tibia and femur, which are indicative of an ACL tear.
- Radiographs (X-rays): X-rays are a crucial part of our diagnostic toolkit. They not only help in identifying signs of an ACL tear, such as joint effusion and arthritic changes, but also in ruling out other conditions like bone cancer. While some signs on the X-ray are not specific to ACL tears alone, they provide valuable information about the overall health of the knee joint.
- Gait Analysis: Observing how your pet walks or runs can also offer insights. We assess for any lameness or difficulty in movement that could point towards an ACL injury.
In cases where a complete ACL tear is not evident, such as when there’s no significant knee instability or pain in other joints like the back, hock, or hip, the issue might be a partial tear or a ligament strain.
Treatment Options for ACL Tears in Dogs
In cases of complete ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) tears in dogs, surgery is often the necessary course of action to restore function to the affected limb. Understanding the complexity and nuances of such injuries, our clinic offers several surgical options, each tailored to suit the individual needs of your pet:
- Cora Based TPLO (CBLO): The CBLO procedure, a variation of the traditional Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO), focuses on realigning the knee for enhanced stability and function
We recognize that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to ACL surgery.
Cost
- Surgical Treatment: The cost will depend on the type of surgery and the extent of post-operative care required.
Payment Options
We offer several payment solutions to help manage the costs of ACL treatment:
- GapOnly: Helps in reducing upfront costs by covering the gap not paid by pet insurance.
- VetPay: A financing option to pay for veterinary expenses in manageable installments.
- Zip Money: Offers flexible payment plans, allowing you to spread the cost over time.
Aftercare
Post-treatment care is crucial for a successful recovery:
- Post-Operative Care: Detailed guidance on caring for your pet after surgery, including pain management and wound care.
- Rehabilitation: Customized rehabilitation plans to aid in recovery and strengthen the affected limb.
- Follow-Up Visits: Regular check-ins to monitor healing and adjust the treatment plan as necessary.