Your fur kids aren’t just pets, they’re family.
Your cherished canines and fabulous felines are a precious part of your life. They share your ups and downs, they express emotions just like you do, and they are there for you in your best and worst times. You can do the same in their time of need. Have a look at our 5 Simple Plans and see what suits you best. In this day and age, pet insurance has become a necessity as vet costs increase. Visit our website and if you have any questions, please get in touch.
www.genricpet.co.za
Your cherished canines and fabulous felines are a precious part of your life. They share your ups and downs, they express emotions just like you do, and they are there for you in your best and worst times. You can do the same in their time of need. Have a look at our 5 Simple Plans and see what suits you best. In this day and age, pet insurance has become a necessity as vet costs increase. Visit our website and if you have any questions, please get in touch.
www.genricpet.co.za
Cranial Cruciate Ligament Repair: Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) in Dogs
Friends of the Dog
The Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) is one of the most important ligaments in a dog’s knee (stifle joint), providing stability during movement. When the CCL is torn or ruptured, it can lead to joint instability, pain, and arthritis. This condition is particularly common in active dogs and certain breeds, especially large or overweight dogs. While various surgical options exist to repair CCL injuries, one of the most widely performed and effective procedures is Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO).
The CCL is a ligament in the dog’s knee that helps stabilize the joint by preventing the tibia (shin bone) from sliding forward in relation to the femur (thigh bone). When the CCL tears, typically from trauma or wear and tear, the knee joint becomes unstable, which often results in pain, lameness, and eventual arthritis if not treated.
Why TPLO?
TPLO is a surgical procedure that alters the angle of the tibial plateau to eliminate the forces that cause the tibia to slide forward, which is a direct result of a ruptured CCL. This procedure aims to stabilize the knee without directly replacing the torn ligament itself. It is considered one of the most successful treatments for CCL ruptures, especially in larger dogs or those that remain active after surgery.
The CCL is a ligament in the dog’s knee that helps stabilize the joint by preventing the tibia (shin bone) from sliding forward in relation to the femur (thigh bone). When the CCL tears, typically from trauma or wear and tear, the knee joint becomes unstable, which often results in pain, lameness, and eventual arthritis if not treated.
Why TPLO?
TPLO is a surgical procedure that alters the angle of the tibial plateau to eliminate the forces that cause the tibia to slide forward, which is a direct result of a ruptured CCL. This procedure aims to stabilize the knee without directly replacing the torn ligament itself. It is considered one of the most successful treatments for CCL ruptures, especially in larger dogs or those that remain active after surgery.
picture - https://vcahospitals.com/
How Does TPLO Work?
The TPLO procedure involves cutting the top portion of the tibia and rotating it to change the angle of the tibial plateau. By adjusting the angle of the tibial plateau, the biomechanics of the knee joint are changed in such a way that the forces that cause instability are counteracted. This allows the dog to regain stability in the knee without the need for a functional CCL.
Once the tibia has been rotated to the proper angle, the bone is held in place using a metal plate and screws, which helps the bone heal in its new position. This change in the tibial plateau angle effectively reduces the stress placed on the injured CCL and promotes normal joint function.
Benefits of TPLO
As with all surgery, do discuss the options with your vet - each and every dog is different and may need a different approach.
Risks and Considerations
As with any surgery, TPLO does have some risks. These include:
Regular follow-up appointments with the veterinarian are necessary to monitor healing and assess for any complications. In some cases, physical therapy, including underwater treadmills or passive range-of-motion exercises, can help improve recovery outcomes.
Is TPLO worth considering?
TPLO) has revolutionized the treatment of Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) tears in dogs, especially in larger and more active breeds. By altering the angle of the tibial plateau, TPLO restores stability to the knee joint, enabling dogs to recover from CCL injuries more effectively and return to a normal, active lifestyle. While TPLO is a highly successful procedure, it is not without risks and requires careful consideration and skilled surgical intervention. When performed by an experienced veterinary orthopedic surgeon, TPLO offers excellent outcomes and can significantly improve a dog’s quality of life after a CCL rupture.
If your dog is suffering from a CCL injury, consult with your veterinarian or a veterinary orthopedic specialist to discuss the best treatment options for your pet’s specific needs.
The TPLO procedure involves cutting the top portion of the tibia and rotating it to change the angle of the tibial plateau. By adjusting the angle of the tibial plateau, the biomechanics of the knee joint are changed in such a way that the forces that cause instability are counteracted. This allows the dog to regain stability in the knee without the need for a functional CCL.
Once the tibia has been rotated to the proper angle, the bone is held in place using a metal plate and screws, which helps the bone heal in its new position. This change in the tibial plateau angle effectively reduces the stress placed on the injured CCL and promotes normal joint function.
Benefits of TPLO
As with all surgery, do discuss the options with your vet - each and every dog is different and may need a different approach.
- Restores Knee Stability: TPLO helps to stabilize the knee joint effectively by adjusting the tibial plateau angle, allowing the dog to resume normal activities without excessive pain.
- Faster Recovery: Many dogs show faster recovery times with TPLO compared to traditional CCL surgeries. Within a few months post-surgery, many dogs are able to return to an active lifestyle.
- Reduced Risk of Arthritis: The TPLO procedure can slow down the progression of arthritis by stabilizing the knee joint and promoting more normal movement patterns.
Risks and Considerations
As with any surgery, TPLO does have some risks. These include:
- Infection: As with any invasive procedure, there is a risk of infection at the surgical site.
- Implant failure: The metal plate and screws used to stabilize the tibia may fail, requiring further surgery.
- Postoperative complications: Issues such as swelling, discomfort, or difficulty with mobility can occur during recovery.
Regular follow-up appointments with the veterinarian are necessary to monitor healing and assess for any complications. In some cases, physical therapy, including underwater treadmills or passive range-of-motion exercises, can help improve recovery outcomes.
Is TPLO worth considering?
TPLO) has revolutionized the treatment of Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) tears in dogs, especially in larger and more active breeds. By altering the angle of the tibial plateau, TPLO restores stability to the knee joint, enabling dogs to recover from CCL injuries more effectively and return to a normal, active lifestyle. While TPLO is a highly successful procedure, it is not without risks and requires careful consideration and skilled surgical intervention. When performed by an experienced veterinary orthopedic surgeon, TPLO offers excellent outcomes and can significantly improve a dog’s quality of life after a CCL rupture.
If your dog is suffering from a CCL injury, consult with your veterinarian or a veterinary orthopedic specialist to discuss the best treatment options for your pet’s specific needs.
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