About Canine TPLO Surgery
Has your dog exhibited signs of lameness in one of its hind limbs? It could be indicative of a tear in the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), a crucial component of a dog's knee that connects the tibia (shin bone) to the femur (thigh bone), ensuring proper bone alignment.
This ligament is susceptible to tearing during activities like running, jumping, or encountering obstacles, with genetics playing a significant role in predisposing it to injury. Additionally, a luxating kneecap may increase the likelihood of a CCL rupture.
Once torn, the ligament lacks the ability to self-repair or heal, potentially causing damage to other structures within the joint and contributing to the development of arthritis.
Symptoms of a Torn CCL
Should your dog suffer a CCL rupture, it might manifest the subsequent symptoms:
Limping or lameness
Preference for using one leg over the other
Stiffness in the affected leg post-exercise
Swelling in the knee region
Challenges in lying down or getting up
Pain or tenderness in the vicinity of the injured knee
Typically, these symptoms manifest gradually and intensify over the course of time.
Canine TPLO Surgery, Treatment & Recovery
Our mission is to assist pet owners in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the advantages associated with TPLO surgery. Discover the reasons behind our endorsement of TPLO as the preferred solution for addressing your dog's torn CCL.
Diagnosis of CCL Surgeries
To diagnose a CCL injury, a physical examination and radiographs are necessary. Your veterinarian will also review your pet's medical history with you. Anesthesia may be employed to evaluate joint stability. The outcomes of these assessments aid your vet in gauging the extent of the injury.
Is the TPLO surgery necessary?
Injuries to the CCL can vary from partial tears to complete ruptures and may necessitate surgical intervention. TPLO surgery (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy) is a common procedure conducted on dogs with a torn CCL. Your veterinarian may recommend this surgery to restore knee mobility in your dog.
Expectations for Dogs Undergoing TPLO Surgery
TPLO surgery involves modifying the angle of the tibial plateau to stabilize the bone in its new position. The recovery duration for the surgery spans approximately 12 weeks. The initial 8 weeks is strictly on-leash activity, while weeks 9 to 12 gradually introduce and increase off-leash activities. Post-surgery, your veterinarian will recommend a period of restricted rest and limited exercise to ensure optimal healing of both bone and soft tissues.
General Postoperative Guidelines for Canine Knee Surgery
Control your pet's movements.
Ensure limited activity for your dog during the initial months of recovery.
Avoid licking or chewing of the incision.
Your veterinarian may recommend the use of an E-collar or cone for the first two weeks post-surgery.
Apply ice packs.
This helps reduce inflammation after your dog undergoes TPLO surgery.
Implement rehabilitative exercises.
Follow your vet's recommendations for specific exercises designed to restore the range of motion in the affected leg.