Veterinary Highlights: Canine Total Knee Replacement (TKR)

Not that long ago, in Veterinary Highlights, I included the news about the first total knee replacement in a cat. I don't blog about cats but it was just too cool not to mention.

You didn't think dogs were left behind, did you?

This procedure is still pretty much in a cradle, but it has been done.

It is, of course, a major procedure and it is only done for dogs with severe problems where other treatments were unsuccessful.



Cornell University's first total knee replacement was done on a young Chocolate Lab, Jake, who ran in front of a truck and fractured his knee. At the time the dog came to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals, Jake's knee was in such a bad shape they were looking at likely amputation.

The surgery team removed pieces of bone around Jake's knee and constructed components to recreate the joint. Jake is doing really well.
Source: Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida has performed their first total knee replacement earlier this year.

Mica, a nine-year-old Labrador Retriever, was suffered injury at young age. Both her anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments were severely damaged and cartilage almost completely warn away. Mica was suffering with severe osteoarthritis and was in a lot of pain.

After her surgery, Mica underwent extensive rehabilitation and is now doing great also.


The university's small animal hospital is currently seeking dogs for a clinical study on total knee replacement. 

Dogs with severe osteoarthritis may be eligible for participation. More information about the study can be obtained by contacting the university staff at (352) 392-2235.

Source article:
First canine total knee replacement at University of Florida a success

Further reading:
Total knee replacement surgery
CVS is the First in the World to Perform Double Knee Replacement in a Dog
Surgery STAT: An inside look at total knee replacement