Tight Rope Surgery

[punch]

My 2-year old dog Sam is scheduled to have a ‘tight rope’ surgery on his back knee within the next week or two. I researched about "tight rope surgery" but I gathered that there are better surgical procedures now-- TPLO and TTA are the most widely used procedures now but my vet says he feels more confident with the tight rope. A specialist is beyond my financial capabilities now and i feel fortunate that my vet has agreed to do the surgery herself. What are your feelings on the type of surgery and should my post op expectations be similar to TTA and TPLO surgery?

[jlp8cornell]

I cannot give any advice regarding the tightrope procedure as I had a TPLO done on my dog. What I know is that it is a cheaper, much less invasive surgery that more veterinarians can do vs. TPLO.

The biggest factor on return to function that you have control over is proper post-op rehab. Shoot me an email or PM with your email address and I can send you the protocol that I used. (jlp8@cornell.edu)
My dog rehabbed beautifully and is sound as can be in that limb. She was 9.5 yrs old when she had surgery.

It is crucial to follow rest/icing recommendations immediately after surgery as well. It's a long slow rehab process but if done correctly, will provide great results.

Jen

[dog dr]

i heard a doc from U of Minn talk on ACL repair last spring. cant remember his name, but he is considered the expert on the subject right now. he has done hundreds of ACL repairs, utilizing every technique you can imagine, and says there isnt one technique that is better than the others. they all have advantages and disadvantages. also said no matter what procedure you use, best you can hope for is 90% return to normal, and that will take 5-6 months after surgery. FWIW

[MATT4126]

I found myself faced with the same dilemma in late fall. Based on the activity level our dogs require he didn't think the tight rope method would be the best choice. It is a newer method and not yet proven, but his main concern was he didn't feel it to be a 'robust' fix and the likelihood of it stretching in the future was all but a given. That said if your vet isn't comfortable doing the TTA or TPLO by all means don't let him do it. They are both complex surgeries requiring bones to be cut and drilled and should be done by a specialist. We opted for the TTA, and now 4 mos later my GSP is running, training and chasing balls. Like dog dr said she isn't 100% and probably never will be, but she is a great pet and will continue to be my bird dog.

Good luck and be prepared for some long rehab months ahead. We took it real slow and were committed to her rehab and feel it has been well worth it.

[rsummer]

TightRope is the lastest surgery for torn ccls like previously mentioned. It is a newer form of the older methods that essentially use a strong fish line that most local vets can peform. TightRope must be done by a vet certified and trained by the inventor from Mizzou vet school, Dr. James Cook. Here is an article about him and the surgery. http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stori ... w-surgery/ I spoke to a trialer who had a dog that had both TightRope and TPLO, and he loved the TightRope. Said much faster recovery times and much cheaper. He was able to take dog home same day of surgery for TightRope and said around day 3 dog was putting weight on leg while walking. He had his surgery in Michigan and it was $1200. Here is the guys website and has some good information about the different surgeries. http://www.owossovet.com. My pointing lab has torn ccl and I have appointment with Dr. Cook next week and probably surgery the next day. Took me two months to get appointment with him but wanted to have the best. He is supposed to be a rock star on campus, google his name and a ton of things come up. Will cost $2000 at Mizzou for TightRope and $2800 for TPLO. They will peform surgery on Thursday then I will be able to get dog Saturday. They like to keep a couple of days to limit complications and owners not giving proper care. Can give update next week after appointment.

[Petra]

My 5year old GSP had the TTA on her first knee at 1 and half and had the tight rope surg. last year, both knees doing well, same recovery time, would of done the tight rope the first time , I watched the second surgery being done, I like the fact that the bones were not cut, she seemed to have less pain after the tight rope. Each dog and knee are different need to do the best surgery that is needed for that specific dog. The vet. I used for the tightrope has done quit a few of them, with alot of success. Good luck with your dog, send a message if you would like the name of my vet.

[punch]

Hi....

good to be back...the last few weeks were a hub of activity for the whole pack. Sam's surgery was successful and we are now in the process of rehabilitation. My vet gave me specific take home instructions and recommended an e-book home rehabilitation guide which I was able to download free.

Sam's mobility is still restricted for now and his post rehab therapy is going on smoothly. I am praying that he'll be able to regain his old rambunctious self one hundred percent.