Our pet surgeons at Eagle Animal Hospital in Kansas City are pleased to offer Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy, or TPLO surgery, for your furry best friends. This advanced orthopedic surgery can repair a full or partial tear, or a complete rupture, of the Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) in a dog’s knee. When compared to other surgical techniques, a TPLO procedure offers many great benefits for your canine companion. Keep reading to learn about the advantages of TPLO surgery for dogs, and contact our Client Care team to schedule a consultation with our veterinarian.
Less Invasive
TPLO surgery is less invasive than other similar surgeries because we use specialized laser instruments and make smaller incisions that create less tissue damage. This means your dog will experience less pain and a quicker recovery. The TPLO procedure involves making an incision in the front of your dog’s leg, and then rotating the tibia, reorienting the bone, and stabilizing the stifle joint so that it no longer slides forward excessively. This can also prevent the CCL from tearing again in the future
Faster Recovery Time
Another great benefit of TPLO surgery is that it results in a faster recovery time when compared to other surgeries. This is because our animal surgeons use innovative laser surgery tools that are less invasive, resulting in less tissue damage and reduced pain. Our techniques result in quicker healing times, as most dogs are able to put minimal weight on their leg in as little as three weeks after surgery, and can typically return to normal activity levels by eight weeks post-op. That being said, it’s important to remember that all dogs respond differently, so it’s important to be vigilant during their recovery time, following your veterinarian’s post-op instructions closely.
May Prevent Progression of Arthritis
TPLO surgery may also prevent the progression of arthritis. This is because TPLO surgery corrects the biomechanical problem that caused the CCL to tear in the first place. By correcting this problem, TPLO surgery can help to prevent further damage to the knee joint that could lead to arthritis.
Allows for Normal Movement
After TPLO surgery, your dog will be able to move and play normally once again. This is because the procedure helps to stabilize the knee joint, allowing for a full range of motion. TPLO surgery also allows for normal movement because this procedure does not change the way your dog’s leg moves or functions. The surgery simply corrects the biomechanical problem that caused the CCL to tear, which means your dog will be able to move and function normally after surgery.
If you think TPLO surgery may be right for your dog, contact our Client Care team to schedule a consultation with our veterinarian. Our pet surgeons at Eagle Animal Hospital in Kansas City are experienced in performing this advanced procedure and will work with you to ensure that your dog receives the best possible care. Contact us today!