Hi, My name is Lizzie, I'm raising money for Milo's 2nd leg operation.
Milo has a cranial cruciate ligament disease which is in both of his back legs. This disease is very common in Labradors. Milo is only 6 years old, so I was taken back about finding out that he would need 2 operations at £4000 per leg. My insurance won't cover all of the money for both operations.
He is currently recovering from his 1st operation and will not be able to go for long walks for 8 weeks.
I plan to have yard sales outside my house selling pet food and my daughters toys etc to help towards the cost.
What is the cranial cruciate ligament?
In dogs, the knee or ‘stifle’ is a complex joint that works as a hinge. As well as the top of the shinbone (tibia) and the bottom of the thigh bone (femur), the knee joint is made up of many other components. These include other bones such as the fibula, the knee cap (patella) and small ‘sesamoid’ bones behind the thigh bone, and menisci (cartilaginous cushions within the joint which work as shock-absorbers).
Additionally, there are multiple ligaments (tough bands of tissue that attach the bones to other bones) within the knee joint, which help to provide stability during movement. Two of these ligaments, that connect the femur and tibia, are the ‘cruciate’ ligaments, so-called as they cross over each other. In humans, these are known as the ‘anterior’ and ‘posterior’ cruciate ligaments, but in dogs, the same ligaments are named the ‘cranial’ and ‘caudal’ ligaments.
The main function of the cruciate ligaments is to prevent the tibia from sliding backwards and forwards in relation to the femur. This is important to ensure normal, pain-free function of the knee joint. The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) prevents the tibia from sliding forwards in relation to the femur. The caudal or posterior cruciate ligament is only very rarely damaged due to its more robust nature and the different forces which act on it.
Any funds donated will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance
Lizzie,Mark,Abigail & Milo