Dog cruciate ligament injury and surgery in Dubai
A torn cruciate ligament is the most common cause of back-leg lameness in dogs. It does not heal by itself, and most dogs over 15 kg do best with surgery. The exam costs AED 120 and the operation is quoted in writing after x-rays.
- What it isA torn ligament inside the knee
- ExaminationAED 120
- DiagnosisKnee tests and x-rays under sedation
- Recovery after surgery8 to 12 weeks on the lead
01Overview
What has happened inside the knee
The cranial cruciate ligament holds the shin bone in place under the thigh bone. In dogs it usually frays over months and then gives way on an ordinary day, often on a run or a jump off the sofa. Once it tears, the knee slides with every step. That sliding hurts, and it wears the joint into arthritis.
The typical dog is middle-aged, overweight or a large breed, but any dog can be affected. Many improve with rest, then go lame again. About half of dogs that tear one ligament tear the other within 2 years. Around 1 in 2 also damage the meniscus, the cartilage pad inside the knee, which causes a sharper pain.
Diagnosis starts with a consultation and then x-rays under sedation. Surgery is planned through our orthopedic service. There is no list price for it, because the technique and the implants depend on your dog's weight and knee shape. You get the figure in writing before you decide.
02On the day
What happens at the clinic
A cruciate injury is not a same-hour emergency, but it should be examined within a few days.
- 1
Watching and feeling
20 to 30 minutesThe vet watches your dog walk and sit. A dog with a torn cruciate often sits with the leg stuck out to the side. Then the knee is felt for swelling on its inner side and for the sliding movement called the drawer sign.
- 2
Sedation and x-rays
A tense, awake dog can hide the sliding. Under sedation the knee relaxes and the test is reliable. X-rays show fluid in the joint and arthritis, and rule out a fracture or a bone tumour. A nurse watches your dog until it is awake.
- 3
The decision
Small dogs under about 10 kg sometimes cope with 6 to 8 weeks of strict rest, weight loss and pain relief. Larger and active dogs usually need the knee stabilised by surgery. The vet tells you which group your dog is in, and why.
- 4
The surgical options
Operations fall into two families. One places a strong suture outside the joint to replace the ligament. The other cuts and plates the top of the shin bone so the knee no longer needs the ligament, as in TPLO. The vet explains which one suits your dog, and tells you plainly if it is a case we refer.
- 5
The written quote
You receive the price in writing, with the blood test, anaesthetic, implants, nights in the clinic and rechecks listed. Nothing is booked until you agree to it.
03In Dubai
Things that are different in Dubai
Marble and tile floors
Most flats and villas here have polished floors. A dog with an unstable knee slips on them, and one slip can finish off a partial tear. Put down rubber-backed runners on the routes your dog uses.
Summer weight gain
From June to September walks shrink to a few minutes. Dogs gain weight, and every extra kilo loads the knee. Ask us for a target weight at the exam and cut the food before the scale climbs.
Lead walks in the heat
Recovery needs several short lead walks a day. In summer that means before 7 AM and after sunset, on shaded or indoor ground. Hot pavement burns pads in under a minute.
Swimming comes later
Many villas and communities have a pool, and swimming is good for a healing knee. It starts only after the vet clears it, usually weeks after surgery, and never with a wound that is still closed by stitches.
Getting into a tall car
Jumping into a 4x4 is one of the worst movements for this knee. Lift your dog in, or use a ramp, before and after the operation.
04Do not wait
Call us the same day if you see any of these
Most cruciate injuries can wait for a booked exam. These cannot.
Phone answered 24 hours
- Your dog will not put the leg down at all after 24 hours of rest
- The knee is hot, very swollen, or your dog cries when it is touched
- A clicking sound from the knee with a sudden sharper limp
- Both back legs are affected and your dog struggles to stand
- After surgery, a wound that is open, wet or smells
- After surgery, a leg that was improving is suddenly not used again
05Afterwards
The weeks after surgery
Bone and soft tissue take 8 to 12 weeks to become strong. For that whole time your dog goes out only on a short lead, for the toilet and for timed walks that lengthen week by week. Off-lead running too early is the usual reason an operation fails.
Rechecks are booked before you leave. If the shin bone was cut, x-rays are repeated once healing is expected, to confirm it before free exercise.
- A pen or one small room with a non-slip floor, not the run of the house
- No stairs, sofas or beds without your hands supporting the back end
- The collar stays on until the stitches are checked
- Weigh your dog every 2 weeks and tell us the number
- Give pain relief exactly as written, and call before stopping it
06From the clinic
From the clinic
-
A cream Labrador cross stands on the examination table at Petflix, panting with its mouth open
07Owners say
Google reviews that mention this
Rana Abdelmoti8 months ago Dr. Abdalla carefully reviewed my cat's full medical history and provided valuable insights and clear explanations about her condition. Despite how aggressive my cat can be, he avoided sedation, handled her with great care, gave her treats, and managed her in a calm and professional manner. 
Aswathi c11 months ago I took my cat Sky here for her spaying surgery. She felt so comfortable and safe throughout the process. The doctor is very experienced and took the time to explain everything we asked about. 
Gretchen Baltazar7 months ago They handled my 3-month-old puppy with patience and kindness. I appreciate the clean environment and the follow up reminders. Would love even more guidance on nutrition and puppy development, but overall I feel confident bringing my pet here. 
Jona J5 months ago I would like to sincerely thank Petflix Vet Clinic for taking such wonderful care of my cat, Ginger. Every visit has been a great experience, and Ginger is always comfortable coming back and forth. The clinic itself is clean, welcoming, and very accessible from my place. 
Eirahm Canoniza year ago We took Bella to the vet for her annual vaccination and grooming session. They trimmed her coat beautifully. As for the annual vaccination, the vet was thorough in explaining the different vaccines and their importance in keeping my dog healthy. The process was quick, and my dog barely reacted to the injection. 
Amanda Lia year ago Good experience for cat castration with very reasonable prices, nice service, professional vet. Our cat recovered well. 
Fourth Rom11 months ago Ambiance is professional, cozy and clean. Assistant also very attentive. Our dogs felt safe and pet owners feel trust with the vet. Vet is very knowledgeable and friendly. 
Rubaisha Ajaz5 months ago They are very good, and understand and handle very well my kitten and not charging you extra and huge bills. The vets are professional and fast. 4.7 / 5 · on Google, from 528 reviews. Excerpts from our Google Maps reviews. Read all reviews on Google
08Questions
Questions about cruciate ligament injury
Can my dog's torn cruciate heal without surgery?
How much does ACL surgery for a dog cost at your clinic?
Do you do TPLO, or will my dog be referred?
My dog is limping on a back leg but still eating and playing. Can it wait?
How long before my dog walks normally after knee surgery?
09Related
Pages you may need next
- Orthopedics and fracture repairFractures, cruciate ligaments and kneecaps.
- X-ray and ultrasoundDigital x-ray and abdominal ultrasound, read the same visit.
- Fractures in cats and dogsBroken leg in a dog or cat after a fall or road accident. Stabilisation, x-rays and fracture repair at Petflix Vet, Ras Al Khor. Call 055 620 4085.