MMP vs. TPLO

 

Did you know your pup can tear ligaments in their knees just like humans? The canine version of the ACL is called the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL). Partial and complete tears of the CCL can affect dogs of all shapes, sizes, and breeds. Jumping, running, and other movements can easily lead to tears if the behavior is nonstop. Thankfully, there are ways to help reconstruct your pup’s leg and get them back up and running!

 

How does a CCL tear happen?

A cranial cruciate ligament tear in dogs is a gradual injury. Oftentimes it will start with a quick sudden movement such as a jump while playing or running. Over time, the tear will progressively get worse and can lead to worsening symptoms. If your dog is displaying any of the following symptoms, they might have a torn CCL:

  • Limping
  • Pain
  • Lameness in the hind legs
  • Clear favoritism of one leg 
  • Lack of activity 
  • Lethargic

Without attention, a torn CCL can result in arthritis and poor joint health in the future.

 

What are my options?

There are a few procedures that can help correct your dog’s CCL injury. Modified Maquet Procedure, also referred to as MMP and Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy, also known as TPLO, are the two main procedures best recommended for CCL tears. 

 

MMP vs. TPLO

While MMP and TPLO are both effective procedures, MMP surgery is less invasive, less expensive, quicker to perform, and the recovery time is usually faster. Breed, size, and age are all factors that your vet will consider before performing either surgery. 

 

What’s the recovery time?

Oftentimes, dogs don’t understand why they’re injured or how to take care of an injury, so a quick recovery time is crucial. Your pup just knows something hurts, and the less time they have to spend in pain, the better. TPLO usually has a recovery time of ten to twelve weeks, while MMP recovery time is significantly shorter. Within two days of having an MMP, your dog will start putting some weight on their leg while walking. Two weeks after the surgery, you can begin taking your pet on slow walks of 5-10 minutes periodically throughout the day. After three or four weeks, you’ll be able to increase activity gradually. At the five or six-week mark, your vet will take an x-ray to make sure everything is healing according to plan. If everything looks good, you can walk your dog for up to 30 minutes a day. Twelve weeks after surgery, your dog should be fully healed and ready to play full time!

 

If your dog is experiencing signs of pain, limping, or another injury, be sure to talk to your vet or visit our site to learn more. Our experienced staff can recommend the best course of treatment to keep your dog active and healthy! Contact us for an appointment today! 

 

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