Our hospital offers a wide range of Orthopedic Surgery services to cope with a wide range of injuries and conditions. In the case of a broken leg, for example, our surgeons may perform such procedures as bone plating, pinning and/or wiring to successfully mend the fractured bones. On the other hand, if your pet experiences a knee ligament injury, procedures such as a TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) or extracapsular repair may be recommended. Dislocated knee caps may sometimes require surgery to minimize pain and improve your pet's quality of life.
If there is a problem inside a joint, surgeons may recommend minimally invasive arthroscopy to remove the source of your pet's pain. In any case, be assured that our orthopedic surgical team will do their best to achieve the best outcome possible for your pet.
Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy – TPLO
Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) is a procedure that surgically corrects the cranial cruciate ligament tears (CrCL) in the knee – very similar to the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in humans. This procedure was developed in the 1990s and has become the preferred method of treatment in medium to large dogs. TPLO is typically used on animals that do not have correct angles of their knee joint.
Injuries to the ACL in dogs run the gamut from young to old, small to large. In most cases, the causes include trauma, obesity, abnormalities, genetics, or any combination of these. Certain breeds are known for long-term degeneration, where the ligament fibers weaken over time. Genetic factors possibly predispose Labradors, Rottweilers, Boxers, West Highland White Terriers, and Newfoundlands.
When surgery is necessary, these are the steps. While the patient is under anesthesia the doctors will cut the top of the tibia (lower main supporting leg) horizontally and reposition it to help correct the angle of the patient’s knee joint. The patient will have permanent implants in the knee to provide long-term stability. The bone will heal in 8-10 weeks, but total recovery is generally around 4 months.
Physical therapy is key to full recovery
The patient will have exercise restrictions for eight weeks and physical therapy recommendations with our certified therapists. Consistent physical therapy is a key ingredient to helping your dog recover fully. If you observe lameness in your dog, please schedule an exam.
VCA Tiara Rado Animal Hospital Veterinarians have been performing this operation for more than 15 years. Upon consultation, our doctors will help provide you with the treatment option that is best for your pet. Please call 970-243-4007 or request an appointment online.
