Back in December 2017, out experienced team began offering Modified Maquet Procedure (MMP) as a method of treating ACL tears. Since then, we have performed more than 40 of these procedures.
Whilst Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO) is currently the ‘gold standard’ method for stabilising ACL tears, research has shown that MMP actually produces equivalent results. By 12 weeks post-surgery, there is no difference between the two methods. In fact, many dogs who have undergone MMP experienced a more rapid return to full function in their affected leg.
Whilst many dogs try to start running only two or three weeks post-surgery, owners must try to keep them as quiet and rested as possible for at least four weeks (walking on a leash, however, is fine straightaway) to allow the bone time to grow into the implant. Between weeks four and 10 following the surgery, your dog’s on-leash walks can be increased from 10 to 30 minutes at a time. The aim is for your pet to return to full off-leash freedom by 12 weeks post-surgery. Given the nature of an ACL injury, this is an incredibly short recovery timeframe.
In the videos below, you can see the range of dogs that MMP can be performed on – both big and small – as well as an idea of what to expect during the recovery period:
Another major difference between the MMP method used at Melbourne Pet Surgery and other types of procedures is that we only charge between $1600 and $1900. When treated at other clinics, owners can generally expect to pay between $2000 and $2500. This could increase to a massive $4800 if TPLO is performed at a specialist hospital. Since starting to offer MMP , we have already saved our clients a cumulative total of somewhere between $35,000 and $130,000. Not only is this a truly enormous amount of money, we are delighted to have been able to help our clients’ four legged friends return to good health as quickly as possible.
We feel that it’s important to note that NO surgical method of stifle stabilisation to repair an ACL tear currently exists that guarantees arthritis will not occur in the future. Whilst surgery markedly slows the onset of arthritis and can lead to a quick return to normal activity levels, it will not completely stop arthritis from developing. Arthritis is joint inflammation and pain that occurs as a result of excessive cartilage wear and exposure of the bone. It can also lead to new bone growth as your pet’s body attempts to stop the pain. To look after your pet’s cartilage health, we recommend giving them pentosanpolysulphate injections four times a week for at least 6 months following the surgery.