Cruciate Ligament Disease & Post-Operative Care

Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) in Dogs

Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) is a surgical procedure that stabilizes the stifle (knee) joint in dogs following a rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), which is similar to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans.

Ruptured CCL

When the CCL is compromised, there is pain and swelling in the joint, but also increased forward sliding motion (cranial drawer) which leads to slipping of the femur (thigh bone) on the tibia (shin bone) when weight bearing. The TPLO adjusts the angle of the tibia so that there is no forward slipping, even in the absence of a functional CCL. This new angle is accomplished by cutting through the tibia, rotating the top portion, and holding it in its new position with a metal plate. Inflammation in the joint will go down over time, but it is important to keep in mind that a knee that has sustained a cruciate injury will develop arthritis.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation for TPLO or other stifle (knee) surgeries or injuries will include a variety of modalities both to address pain and build strength around the affected joint. For more information on these individual modalities please see Rehab Modalities and Packages.

Mobility & Geriatric Care

With at least 80% of dogs over eight years old experiencing osteoarthritis, recognizing early signs like reluctance to walk or difficulty rising is crucial. Our goal is to enhance your aging pet's comfort and mobility, ensuring they can enjoy an excellent quality of life every day.

Joint Injections

Medication can be injected directly into the joint to provide long lasting anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. These injections are performed under sedation in sterile fashion.

Braces & Orthotics

Braces, orthotics, and prosthetics are part of a comprehensive treatment plan for a variety of conditions.