I have a 2 year old Rottweiler bitch which I got from Rottie Welfare.

She has a damaged cruciate ligament and I am waiting for a referral
regarding a TPLO operation.

However I am completely confused as to what to do. I had a Rottweiler bitch previously which had 1 cruciate go at 18months which was repaired with a
carbon filament. This healed quickly and lasted her throughout her life with no trouble whatsoever.
The same bitch had the other cruciate go at 7years years of age and I was persuaded by a Specialist Vet to have this one treated with a TPLO operation.

The bitch suffered terribly- the bone was slow to heal and she was in a great deal of pain. However, after about 5-6 months it was ok. But I swore that I would NEVER put
another Rottie through a TPLO again.

Now I am being told that I should have one on my latest Rottie. I did look up on the web and have found an article which says that the new carbon filaments are three times stronger than they were and that, considering the risks with TPLO, the less invasive op of ligament replacement should be the first choice.

As you can see I do not know which way to go regarding the ops.If it IS true that the carbon filament is now much,much stronger then surely the repair would be less stressful, less invasive and have less risks than the TPLO ?

Can anyone advise me as to what to do.

Many thanks

Hi,

I have no experience of using carbon fibre fo replacing a torn anterior cruciate ligament, but I understand that in the hands of a skilled and experienced surgeon this procedure gives excellent results.
I personally always used a strip of tendon from the edge of the patellar ligament for the prosthesis, with good results.
I have the gut feeling that the simplest procedure, if it works, is the best, and I think a straightforward ligament replacement with the material of choice is preferable to TPLO, though many veterinary surgeons more skilled than I may disagree.

W

Thank you so much for your reply.
You have reiterated what I want to
have done.

She has to go to Cambridge University Vet School hospital
on the 23rd September.

I shall let you know what happens !

Best Wishes

Pauline Truman

She could not be in better hands!