08/24/2024
Cranial cruciate ligament injury is the most common cause of lameness in our canine companions. I believe that the TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy) procedure is the best technique to address this condition.
Naturally, the femur (top bone) wants to slide backwards off of the tibia due to the slope, but the cranial cruciate ligament prevents this motion, unless it is degenerating/ ruptured. Visualize a ball rolling down a hill.
Once the ligament ruptures the knee joint is unstable and luxates/ dislocates with every step- producing severe pain and arthritic changes to the joint that will worsen over time.
Synthetic ligaments/ lateral sutures often break after several weeks. Leveling the tibial slope is the superior technique. The ball (femur) is now on a flat surface and will not roll. This provides a rapid and consistent return to normal function in patients.
Healing is usually rapid from TPLO:
- Most patients will begin walking on the operated knee within 24 hours.
- Most patients will bear most/ complete weight on the repair at 2 weeks and are more comfortable than before surgery.
- Generally, it takes 8 weeks for bone to be completely healed. Once the bone is confirmed to be healed by your vet, most patients are released back to normal pup activities and will have lifelong relief from this painful condition.
TPLO is the most common procedure that NAVO performs. We utilize advanced planning software to plan every pup's procedure to ensure your pup is able to run and jump painlessly for years to come.
If you would like to schedule a consult with NAVO about a knee issue or other orthopedic concern give us a call. Orthopedics is all we do and you are in the best hands here.
Reid L Pearlman DVM
256-541-9279
North Alabama Veterinary Orthopedics LLC
