ACL Stabilisation Surgery in Dogs
MMP is shorthand for Modified Marquet Procedure which is a method of Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) osteotomy that we offer at Melbourne Pet Surgery.
MMP surgery in dogs involves the use of a titanium wedge to move the tibial crest at the top of the tibia forwards to increase the tension on the patella tendon and, as a result, keep the stifle more stable, despite the torn ACL.
This technique works well in most dogs, and we currently use this in our small and medium-breed dogs.
The Modified Marquet Technique (MMP) is a minimally invasive orthopedic procedure to repair a ruptured or torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in the knee joint of your dog.
MMP cruciate surgery for ACL tears in dogs is based on a surgical method for human knees established over 50 years ago by orthopaedic physician Dr Marquet.
MMP surgery helps compensate for the dog's ruptured cruciate ligament (CCL) by diverting the quadriceps muscles' impact. This surgery enables the patellar tendon to assume control and function similarly to a new ACL/CCL tendon.
One of MMP's objectives is to modify the angle of the tibia (one of the bones between the knees and ankles) using a titanium Orthofoam wedge, bringing it forwards to a 90-degree angle with the patellar tendon. Titanium implants not only give stability but also encourage healing and rapid bone attachment to the implant.
There is a low risk of fracture after surgery, almost always during the 2nd/3rd week after surgery, so strict cage rest and on lead when not in the cage is a must, for the first 4-6 weeks.
The technique relies on maintaining strong thigh muscles, so walking post-surgery, often as much as three by 20min walks per day as soon as the second week after surgery is ideal.
In most cases, dogs will gain 80-90% functionality back in just four weeks after an MMP stabilisation procedure. Some patients will go from being completely lame to mobile the day after the treatment, and by 8 to 10 weeks post-MMP surgery, your dog can spend some time off lead, with full off-lead play expected twelve weeks after the surgery.
Cases are usually sent home the same day and do not need to stay in the hospital overnight. Most owners prefer having their pets with them after surgery, and dogs are quite safe to recover at home.
MMP is very affordable as the procedure is shorter than CBLO/TPLO style procedures, allows rapir return to walking (3 X 20 min walks as soon as the 2nd week after surgery) where owners prefer & are able to accommodate this level of owner involvement. It allows return to off lead inside as soon as the 5 weeks after surgery & off lead outside as soon as 8 weeks after surgery.
Our current cost for MMP surgery is approx. $2,600 - $2,800 (based on weight) depending on the size of the dog and the complexity of the ACL injury.
Optional pre-anaesthetic blood test available for all surgeries (additional cost)
BVSC(HONS)
Dr Plummer has always had a deep love for animals and graduated from the University of Queensland with Honours. in his Bachelor of Veterinary Science. After the success of his Brisbane clinic, Dr Plummer has launched Melbourne Pet Surgery with the goal of lowering the cost of high-quality pet care for all Melburnians.
