Everything You Need to Know About TPLO: The Solution for Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Dogs

As pet owners, we always want to provide the best possible care for our furry companions. Unfortunately, sometimes injuries happen that require more than just a bandage or some rest. Cruciate ligament injuries in dogs can be particularly challenging to deal with as they often lead to limping, pain and reduced mobility. But don’t worry, there is a solution: TPLO surgery! In this blog post, you will learn everything you need to know about TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy), including how it works, who is a candidate for the procedure, its pros and cons, and much more! So let’s dive into the world of TPLO and discover how it can help your dog get back on their paws again! Visit: https://velvetsurgicalservices.com/ccl-repair-and-tta-surgery/ What is TPLO? TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) is a surgical procedure that aims to stabilize the knee joint in dogs suffering from cruciate ligament injuries. The cranial cruciate ligament, which connects the thighbone and shinbone, is crucial for proper leg function. When it tears or ruptures, it causes instability and pain in the knee joint. During TPLO surgery, an orthopedic surgeon cuts the tibia bone near the knee joint and rotates it to change its angle. This alteration helps level out the top part of the tibia plateau where your dog’s femur bone rests. By leveling this area, there will be less movement between bones when your dog uses their limb. This stabilizes your pet’s leg and eliminates pain caused by abnormal movements. Although TPLO surgery may sound like a complicated process, most surgeries are completed within 2 hours under general anesthesia with minimal invasive techniques used today making recovery much quicker than ever before! How does TPLO work? TPLO, or Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy, is a surgical procedure that aims to stabilize the knee joint of dogs suffering from cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries. The CCL is one of the most important stabilizing structures in the canine knee and its rupture can cause lameness and pain. During TPLO surgery, the surgeon makes an incision on top of your dog’s tibia bone and removes a crescent-shaped piece of bone. This creates a new plateau on which the femur bone can rest without sliding backwards. Once this new plateau has been created, a metal plate and screws are used to hold everything in place until it heals. By repositioning the tibial plateau, TPLO surgery changes how forces are transmitted across the knee joint during weight-bearing activities such as walking or running. This reduces stress on damaged ligaments and promotes healing while also reducing further damage to surrounding tissues. While TPLO may sound quite invasive, it offers several benefits over other surgical techniques that aim to repair CCL injuries. For instance, it allows for faster recovery times compared with traditional methods like extracapsular stabilization (ECS). It also provides better long-term results as studies show that up to 90% of dogs treated with TPLO regain normal limb function after surgery. Who is a candidate for TPLO surgery? TPLO surgery is a common procedure used to treat dogs with cruciate ligament injuries. However, not all dogs are candidates for TPLO surgery. The suitability of a dog for the procedure depends on several factors. Firstly, the severity of the injury is considered before recommending TPLO surgery. Dogs with partial tears or mild injuries may recover with conservative treatment such as rest and physiotherapy. On the other hand, dogs with complete tears or severe injuries may require surgical intervention like TPLO. The age and breed of your dog will also be taken into account when determining whether they are suitable for TPLO surgery. Younger, larger breeds that are more active tend to benefit most from this procedure because their bodies need adequate stability during activities like running and jumping. Additionally, any underlying medical conditions must be properly addressed before considering TPLO surgery. Your veterinarian will assess your dog’s overall health status during pre-surgical consultations to ensure they can withstand anesthesia and heal properly post-surgery. It is best to consult with an experienced veterinary surgeon who can evaluate your dog’s specific needs before deciding if TPLO surgery is right for them. Pros and cons of TPLO surgery TPLO surgery is one of the most common procedures performed on dogs with cruciate ligament injuries. While it can be an effective treatment option, there are both pros and cons to consider before deciding if TPLO surgery is right for your dog. One significant advantage of TPLO surgery is that it allows for a quick recovery time compared to other surgical options. Dogs typically start using their leg within a few days after the procedure, making it easier for pet owners to care for them post-surgery. Another benefit of TPLO surgery is its high success rate in restoring normal limb function and reducing pain caused by the injury. This means that dogs who undergo this procedure have better long-term outcomes than those treated with non-surgical methods. However, TPLO surgery also has some drawbacks. It can be expensive and may not be covered by insurance plans. Additionally, there is always some risk associated with any surgical procedure, including infection or complications during anesthesia. While TPLO surgery can offer significant benefits in treating cruciate ligament injuries in dogs, it’s important to weigh these advantages against potential risks and costs before making a decision about how best to care for your furry friend. How to care for your dog after TPLO surgery After your dog has undergone TPLO surgery, it is essential to take proper care of them during their recovery period. The first step in ensuring a smooth recovery is providing your furry friend with a comfortable and clean space to rest. You will also need to monitor their incision site daily for any signs of infection or inflammation. Check the area for redness, swelling, discharge or foul odor. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately. During the first few weeks after surgery, it is crucial to limit your dog’s activity level as much as possible. You can use a sling or harness when taking them outside to prevent them from jumping or running around. It’s also important not to skip any prescribed medication doses and keep up with all follow-up appointments with your veterinarian. They may recommend physical therapy exercises that you can do at home with your pet. As time passes and healing progresses, gradually increase your dog’s exercise level under the supervision of a professional. With patience and dedication on both sides, you’ll soon see improvements in their mobility again! Alternatives to TPLO surgery While TPLO surgery is a highly effective treatment for dogs with cruciate ligament injuries, it may not be the best option for every dog. There are several alternatives to consider before deciding on TPLO surgery. One alternative is conservative management, which involves rest and rehabilitation exercises to help the injured ligament heal naturally over time. This approach can be successful for some mild or partial tears, but it requires strict adherence to a recovery plan that may take several months. Another alternative is extracapsular repair, which involves placing an artificial ligament outside of the joint to stabilize the knee. This technique is less invasive than TPLO surgery and can be effective in smaller dogs or those with less severe injuries. A newer option gaining popularity among veterinarians is stem cell therapy or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. These treatments use regenerative cells from your dog’s own body to promote healing in damaged tissues like the cruciate ligament. Ultimately, choosing an alternative treatment versus TPLO surgery will depend on your dog’s specific injury and overall health status. It’s important to discuss all options with your veterinarian and make an informed decision together based on what’s best for your furry friend. Conclusion TPLO surgery is an effective solution for dogs suffering from a cruciate ligament injury. It works by changing the angle of the tibia bone to stabilize the knee joint and restore normal function. Dogs who are active and have large breeds are ideal candidates for this procedure. While there are some potential risks associated with TPLO surgery, careful consideration and proper aftercare can help minimize them. If you’re concerned about your dog undergoing surgery, there are alternative treatments available such as physical therapy or braces. Regardless of what treatment option you choose, it’s essential to provide your furry friend with plenty of love and support throughout their recovery process. By following these guidelines and working closely with your veterinarian, you can help ensure that your pup gets back on their feet in no time!