‘Put a spring back in their step’-The benefits of TPLO Surgery.
It is very common for dogs to experience knee pain and one of the most significant causes is because of a full or partial tear to the cranial cruciate ligament. This is one of the most common causes for hindlimb lameness in dogs and therefore a very prevalent orthopaedic procedure performed in the UK. Was your dog was running around the park chasing the ball and suddenly they were lame or developed a limp? There are a variety of factors that can mean that certain dogs are more prone to this condition however it is generally more common in older or larger-breed dogs especially if they are overweight.
What does TPLO mean?
TPLO stands for Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy, which is a surgical procedure for dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury in their knee. The CCL is a key stabilising ligament in the knee and its tear or rupture leads to knee instability and pain.
How do I know my dog needs TPLO Surgery?
A full veterinary examination should be conducted and a discussion about your dog’s lifestyle and the events leading up to them developing issues with that limb. On examination the presentation of a swollen knee and instability of the joint would suggest a rupture of the cruciate ligament. This suspected diagnosis can be confirmed by taking x-rays of the limb under anaesthetic or sedation.
Symptoms include:
Partially or completely non-weight bearing on effected limb
Pain and yelping when touched in that area
Sudden onset lameness
Noticeable muscle loss on that limb
‘Toe-touching’ when at rest standing (intermittent resting on limb and a hesitance to stand on limb)
What does the surgery involve?
A TPLO procedure involves cutting and repositioning the tibial plateau, the upper part of the tibia bone that articulates with the femur, to alleviate stress on the damaged CCL and restore normal knee stability and function. The surgery can be done in one day visit to the hospital and in some cases the vet may recommend that your dog has overnight care to monitor their comfort levels and for extra pain relief if necessary.
How long is the recovery period?
The recovery period for this operation is anywhere from 6-10 weeks. This includes periods of very strict rest to ensure the bones have time to heal. Your dog will be given pain relief and anti-inflammatories to keep them comfortable post operatively and in some cases, anti-anxiety medication can be prescribed to keep them calm post-op.
Are there other treatment options other than surgery?
There are a few approaches to treating cruciate disease, including weight management, anti-inflammatory medications and nutritional supplements. However, surgery is often indicated and one of the most popular techniques is a TPLO. You can read more about the procedure and the recovery here