Ready to schedule your appointment?

Call today

What to expectHow we support you:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ACL Repair Surgery?

ACL stands for the Anterior Cruciate Ligament and is also known as the Cranial Cruciate Ligament. The Anterior Cruciate Ligament, is a tough band of tissue that connects the two main bones of the knee (stifle) joint.  Specifically, the upper part of the joint is called the Femur and the lower part of the joint is called the Tibia.  The Cranial Cruciate Ligament connects the posterior (rear area) of the lower Femur, to the anterior (front area) of the Tibia.  This ligament helps prevent excessive motion between these two bones.  Rupture of this ligament is the most common orthopedic injury in dogs or cats and results in a painful, unstable joint. If left untreated, this injury leads to degenerative joint disease (arthritis).

Why Does My Dog/Cat Need ACL Repair Surgery?

Unfortunately, if your dog or cat ruptures their Cranial Cruciate Ligament, surgery is the only real option.  When the ligament is torn, there is a shearing force that results when your pet tries to bear weight on their leg. This shearing force makes the femur slide backwards on the surface of the tibial plateau. This abnormal movement sets up excessive wear and tear on the cartilage surface, which induces further arthritic change in the joint.

Additionally, this abnormal motion frequently damages the cartilage pads in the joint, known as the menisci.  Damaged menisci also leads to further arthritic change.  Many pets develop such severe arthritis that their leg is in constant pain.  Pain is certainly not what we want for our pets! Call us today for a consultation or to schedule your pet’s ACL Repair appointment at (985) 626-5615!

Schedule an Appointment Today at Lakeshore Veterinary Hospital in Mandeville

ACL repair surgery in Mandeville is scary enough if they were for you. It can be even more scary for you if your pet needs it. Call us today at (985) 626-5615 or more information and options. We want to help you make the decision with all the information possible so it’s less scary.

Keep your pet healthyVisit our office today

MON - Fri:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday:
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
sunday:
Closed