Cruciate Repair and TPLO Surgery

TPLO SURGERY is considered the gold standard in corrective surgery for cranial cruciate ligament tear.
Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear is one of the most common injuries to the stifle (knee) of dogs. The injury is similar to the injury of the anterior cruciate ligament in people. The tear can be a complete rupture or a partial tear to the ligament. 

There are many options for the repair of torn cruciate ligaments. At Kalamunda Veterinary Hospital we offer TPLO surgery using the radial cut method (Gold Standard) and a cheaper alternative for small dogs called the extra-capsular repair.

TPLO Surgery

This involves stabilising the knee joint, so your dog can use the limb without needing the cranial cruciate ligament. It involves using an orthopaedic saw to create a cut in the top of the tibia (shin bone) and realigning this part of the tibia to reduce the angle of the tibial plateau. This leads to a decrease in the sliding motion of the joint while the joint is in use. To stabilise the cut made, a locking bone plate is used with the screws to stabilise the bone.

Post op care

Most of our patients are touching their foot to the ground within a few days. By 1 week after the operation they are using the leg but limping and two weeks after the operation they are beginning to walk well. It is essential that all pets recovering from TPLO surgery are kept confined for 8 weeks after their operation to allow the bone time to heal. Short walks on a lead are allowed several times a day. 

Prognosis

After 8 weeks repeat X-rays are taken to check that the bone has healed. Once your pet is given the all clear you can begin working them back up to their normal levels of exercise. They can start walking and playing normally, with restrictions placed on stressful physical activity for one more month. Studies suggest 93% of pets can return to full normal function.

Please contact the clinic and book an appointment to discuss whether this would be an appropriate treatment option for your pet. We can provide the estimate for the procedure during the consultation depending on the size of your pet and whether other diagnostic procedures such as x-rays are undertaken.
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