Knees are something tough to live without, especially if you're a dog. While many dogs can get by on three legs, there are surgeries for dogs that repair the knee, just as with humans. However, as some humans, some dogs' knees can't be repaired, due to severe arthritis or a serious injury. When that happens, the dog owner can opt for a total knee replacement (TKR) just as in humans.
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Dogs and TKR
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Total knee replacement has been around for a while in humans, but is a relatively recent development with dogs. The first dog who received a TKR was a Finnish Karelian Bear Dog in 2007. The dog was a working dog, not just a pet, who hunted moose with his master. Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists in Houston, Texas performed the first surgery and within three months, the dog was hunting moose again.
Since then, about 50 dogs each year receive TKR from various veterinary clinics and schools across the country.
What Happens in a TKR
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Just as a human knee replacement, the surgeons use a CT or MRI scan to image the knee, so they can custom-make a proper knee suitable for the patient. During the surgery, the knee is cut open and the damaged or diseased joint is removed and replaced with an artificial knee constructed from metal and plastic. Once the knee is tested, the dog is sewn up, and the tough part of physical therapy begins.
Physical Therapy
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Once the knee is replaced, the dog must undergo physical therapy, just as his human counterparts. This may include running on an underwater treadmill, range of motion exercises and ice therapy, as well as other exercises. Recovery time depends on the dog and may take one to three months.
Cost of a Total Knee Replacement
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The cost of a total knee replacement isn't cheap, but when compared to the human surgery, it's a bargain. The total for surgery and rehabilitation can cost $6,200 to nearly $7,000. That's not including complications.
Complications
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Potential infection and normal surgery risks are included in the possible complications.
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