What are Tibial Tuberosity Avulsion Fractures?
Tibial tuberosity avulsion fracture usually occurs in younger dogs due to the area of the tibia not being fully fused to the rest of the bone. Puppies diagnosed with this type of fracture usually have had some sort of trauma such as falling from a couch or bed and landing with the knee flexed. This can tear the bone fragment from its normal position. If left untreated, a tibial tuberosity avulsion fracture can result in poor function of the knee joint or the entire leg.
Young puppies of any breed can be susceptible to tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures. Small breed dogs, especially toy breeds of any age can also have a tibial tuberosity avulsion fracture occur if they fall or jump off of furniture or steps.
The tibial tuberosity attaches the patella to the tibia with a strong tendon of the quadriceps muscle group. A fracture of the tibial tuberosity can result in an avulsion fracture and pull the quadriceps muscles. An avulsion fracture happens when a bone has been broken and a fragment of the bone is being separated by the pull of an attached muscle or tendon.
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Symptoms of Tibial Tuberosity Avulsion Fractures in Dogs
Dogs, especially puppies, can come up with bumps and bruises from any number of causes. However, if you notice that your puppy or young dog has taken a spill and is not acting like his normal self, call your veterinarian for an assessment. Any of the following symptoms should be taken seriously and your dog should immediately see a veterinarian.
- Sudden onset of lameness on a hind leg
- Refusing to bear weight on a hind leg
- Pain in the joint or leg on a hind leg
- Swelling around the front of the knee joint on a hind leg
Causes of Tibial Tuberosity Avulsion Fractures in Dogs
Tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures are caused by some form of trauma. They can be difficult to prevent, however, some preventative measures can be taken such as not allowing puppies or small dogs on furniture unsupervised.
Be careful not to drop puppies or small breeds of dogs when holding them and never allow them to jump on or off furniture. If you have a lot of steps in your home, pick your puppy up and carry them up or down the stairs.
Diagnosis of Tibial Tuberosity Avulsion Fractures in Dogs
When you take your dog in for an examination by your veterinarian, provide as much information as possible including medical history and if you witnessed falls or stumbles. Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam and an orthopedic evaluation to determine the extent of damage that has been done.
Your veterinarian will palpate the injured leg. The leg will be painful to your dog when it is flexed or extended. Swelling may be present and the patella may be higher than usual since it is no longer attached firmly to the tibia.
X-rays and other imaging scans will give a definitive diagnosis. Both legs will be x-rayed so a comparison can be made and the exact displacement of the bone fragment can be found.
In most instances, the tibial tuberosity avulsion fracture is the only medical problem, therefore, blood work will only be needed in the event of surgery. Any dog undergoing general anesthetic should have blood work completed to ensure that they are healthy enough to undergo surgery.
Treatment of Tibial Tuberosity Avulsion Fractures in Dogs
Generally, for a tibial tuberosity avulsion fracture, surgery is the best treatment. Some veterinarians may opt to rest the leg if the avulsion fraction does not look severe to give the swelling a chance to subside. Casting the leg may also be an option if the displacement is minimal.
Surgery will entail putting the bone back into its correct position to keep the quadriceps muscles from continuing to pull the bone fragment out of place. Your dog will be placed under anesthesia and pins and/or wire will be used to correct the fracture. After the bone has been put back into place x-rays will be taken to ensure that the realignment of the bone is correct.
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Recovery of Tibial Tuberosity Avulsion Fractures in Dogs
Post surgery care will be required and some veterinarians will expect your dog to remain at the hospital overnight or for a few days for close monitoring. A padded bandage on the leg will be required to keep the incision site clean. Anti-inflammatory medications and antibiotics may be prescribed as well as pain medications.
During recovery from surgery, swelling or redness need to be watched for and any abnormal drainage from the incision site to ensure that the wound is healing properly. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately. Stitches or staples will be removed about 10 – 14 days following surgery. Exercise should be kept minimal for about 6 weeks following surgery. Your veterinarian will give you detailed instructions that need to be followed exactly to ensure that your dog fully heals from the tibial tuberosity avulsion fracture and the consequential surgery.
Tibial Tuberosity Avulsion Fractures Average Cost
From 431 quotes ranging from $1,800 - $4,000
Average Cost
$2,500
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Tibial Tuberosity Avulsion Fractures Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Maremma Sheepdog
One Year
7 found this helpful
7 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pain When Lifted
Hi, my Dog has just been diagonised with possible Tibial Avulsion Fracture. It is only quite small but he is a large dog. The vet recommeded two options surgery and conservative treatment. What exactly is the conservative treatment and what would be recommended over the two?
Aug. 6, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
7 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
Tibial avulsions will likely not heal with conservative therapy, and surgery is typically recommended. With the constant force of the ligament pulling on the fracture, it doesn't heal on its own.
I hope that all goes well for him.
Aug. 6, 2020
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Australian mix
Four Months
6 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bilateral Tibial Tuberositu Avulsion
Is surgery the only option we have in terms of his fracture? It’s just too much to pay and we don’t want to have to put him down.
July 19, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
6 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, the treatment for that type of fracture is surgery, as there is too much tension on the bone to be able to splint it. Since I don't know anything about your dog's fracture or situation, it would be best to seek a second opinion from another veterinarian, if you're not sure, as that is a big decision. I hope that everything goes well for your dog.
July 19, 2020
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Chihuahua
Kujai
5 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Discomfort
I have a chihuahua long hair 5 months old and recently she fell backwards trying to jump on a chair. She was diagonised with a tibial avulsion fracture and the vet gave me two options conservative treatment or surgery to put three pins. She is her normal self and she has been lifting her leg a bit but the majority of the time walking on it. Do you still recommending the surgery? I am worried because of all the anastetics and procedure and she hasn't been in great deal of pain.
Sept. 13, 2018
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Yorkshire Terrier
Rooster
8 Months
5 found this helpful
5 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Limp,
Limp, Aggresion,
Hello All! My 8 month old Yorkie suffered from this injury (tibial tuberosity.. ). I've read thru everyone else's questions about recovery and it's a relief that I'm not the only one with a million questions. However, my concern is the long term effects of all the tranquilizers and sedatives I'm having to put Rooster on to keep him quiet. Some days they work great, some days he seems a little aggressive and not my sweet puppy he usually is. Its breaking my heart to see him so glassy eyed and confused. He is on trazodone and Ace. Is there a chance of long term side effects from all this medication for 6 wks? Thank you for your time
July 21, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
5 Recommendations
Sedatives can alter dogs behaviors dramatically, but don't tend to have any long lasting effects. Once Rooster is healed and off these medications, your sweet puppy will return!
July 21, 2018
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Beagle boxer
Bella
7 Months
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Limping
My dog had a tibial avolsion fracture at 4 months old on her left hind leg with surgery. She has healed and is 7 1/2 months old. What is her risk for having the same injury on the other leg? Are certain breeds predisposed to this injury? We don’t know exactly how she sustained the injury as she was in a crate at a kennel when it happened but it was likely from jumping. She had an episode of sudden limping with her right leg this Sunday when playing with another dog at a dog park, but she recovered from this by the next day but we are still worried. Should we limit her activity until she is a little older until her bones are completely fused? She is a mix breed likely boxer and beagle mix and is currently about 35 lbs, thank you for your help!
April 25, 2018
4 Recommendations
Typically tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures occur in larger breed dogs between four and eight months of age (although it may occur up to twelve months), it would be good to keep an eye on Bella’s activity especially if she has been showing signs of pain or limping. Giving her gentle exercise may be best until she is over a year old. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
April 26, 2018
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Pit bull
Hazel
6 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lameness
My 6 month old pit bull Hazel was diagnosed with a Tibial Crest Avulsion a few days ago, but the doctor wants to wait a week to see if the fracture moves at all since it’s minimal. She was prescribed trazadone as a sedative so that she won’t be jumping off the wall. She’s never showed any signs of pain and has actually been very playful and kept the same energetic and fun attitude through it all. I noticed her limp to go away. Do you think a cast will suffice in this matter?
Pit bull
Glow
16 Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lameness
Hi - My 16 week old puppy has just been diagnosed with a tibial tuberosity avulsion fracture. She is a very large breed and growing at an exponential rate. She already weighs 36 lbs. I have been referred to an orothopedic surgeon for discussion by my vet but I am deeply worried about a surgical fix on such a young dog with so much remaining growth potential. Her mom is 70 lbs and as she is a rescue mutt, I have no way of knowing the other side of her parentage. But I have had her since she was two weeks old and her growth rate has been astonishing. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Tibial Tuberosity Avulsion Fractures Average Cost
From 431 quotes ranging from $1,800 - $4,000
Average Cost
$2,500
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
