I have discussed the aforementioned surgery and the importance of pre-surgical blood testing with the referring veterinarian. I understand that there are risks and hazards involved with the recommended surgical procedure, including anesthetic risk. I realized that no guaranty or warranty can ethically or professionally be made regarding the results or cure.

I authorize the surgeons and/or associates (Dr. Reynolds) On the Spot LLC to perform surgery on my pet. I am also aware that Dr. Reynolds is not board certified. I understand that there are other board-certified surgeons in small animal available in the area.

Your pet has been diagnosed with a ruptured ligament that needs surgical repair. Orthopedic surgery is a combination of both art and science and the orthopedic surgeon will evaluate your pet’s radiographs and determine the best method of repair given your pet’s age, extent of injury, underlying arthritis, and the home environment for post-surgical rehabilitation. The surgeon may utilize one or more methods of repair depending upon the extent of damage seen inside the joint. This can include other torn or stretched ligaments, osteophytes growing along the joint, and meniscal damage (cartilage). The goal of any orthopedic surgery is fast return to function of the injured joint. In most cases, there will be no complications and your pet’s joint will heal fully in 8-12 weeks, although with this severe injury the joint will never be good as new. Unfortunately, in some cases, complications can arise, especially in our animal patients where bed rest and crutches are never an option.

After fully discussing the planned surgical procedure and associated risks with your doctor or the surgeon, please sign the consent for surgery below:

The undersigned owner or authorized agent of admitted patient hereby authorizes the admitting veterinarian (and his/her designated associates or assistants) to administer such treatment as is necessary to perform the below-mentioned procedure. The nature of the procedure(s) has been explained to me and no guarantee has been made as to results or cure. I understand that there may be risk involved in these procedures. I consent to the administration of such anesthetics or tranquilizers as are necessary.

Anesthetic Risks: (Although every effort is made to make anesthesia as safe as possible including vital sign monitoring and use of the most up to date anesthetic agents and equipment, understand that anesthesia has inherent risks). The incidence of complications from anesthesia is extremely low and we do not anticipate any in your pet but on rare occasions the following can occur: 1. Allergic reaction to the anesthetic agents 2. Heart rhythm abnormalities 3. Untoward reactions to the gas including drops in blood pressure or respiratory difficulties 4. Just like in humans, on very rare occasions, general anesthesia can result in death.

I consent to the following surgical procedure(s): Arthrotomy of the stifle, inspection of meniscus and removal if damaged, meniscal release if needed, ruptured ACL repair with large Fiberwire, nylon, monofilament or Tightrope extra-capsular.

Surgical Risks and Complications (5-8% of cases):
1. Infection (less than 3%) which may require additional testing and medication at an additional cost.
2. Blood clots that can lodge in major organs causing stroke or rarely death both during or after anesthesia.
3. Artificial ligament rupture (especially if your pet is overactive). See note below.
4. On occasion, a “second look” surgery is needed if you pet fails to improve after surgery or suddenly stops using the leg after initial improvement. Complications that can lead to a second surgery include fabellar bone avulsion, bone anchor failure if utilized, meniscal tears, infection, autoimmune disease, suture reaction, and loosening of the suture (most common if your pet is overactive).
5. Advancing arthritis that makes the joint stiff and sore, especially after exercise or in cold weather.
6. Nerve injury (extremely rare) which can be temporary or permanent.
7. Allergic reaction to the suture material utilized in the repair or surgical manipulation can cause a seroma to form (small pocket of fluid) which usually resolve over +me without drainage or surgery (about 10%). Rarely, some patients develop a suture reaction right after surgery or months to years later that requires suture removal.
8. In extremely rare cases, some larger pets with an abnormal tibial plateau slope will not respond well to a lateral suture repair and need a more expensive and difficult procedure called a TPLO.
9. Pivot shift which results in stifle turning out while walking. In most cases, this is temporary and causes no problems if it persists.

Strict adherence to post-surgical care and medicating of your pet will minimize these potential complications and serious problems that require additional surgery are very uncommon.