TPLO-Cruciate Repair
Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) tears are one of the most common causes to hind limb lameness in canines. It is very similar to the ACL in humans. When the CCL tears, the femur and tibia bones slide, creating a draw sign in the stifle joint (knee). This instability damages cartilage leading to osteoarthritis.
This type of an injury is a mechanical lameness and surgery is generally recommended quickly to reduce pain and prevent permanent change to the joint. One such surgical technique to help stabilize the knee joint is Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO). TPLO surgery changes the angle of the tibia to the femur, therefore reducing the sliding or draw in the knee joint, stabilizing the knee and preventing osteoarthritis.
Healing from TPLO surgery is generally quick. Most dogs are walking or toe touching on the leg 24hrs post surgery and can be back to full activity by 3-6 months after.
Included in all of our TPLO and orthopedic surgeries, we use a Class IV laser on all animals. The laser treatment reduces pain and inflammation, thus allowing for the use of less medication and it also helps decrease recovery time. Each animal stays 3-5 days post-surgery to allow for us to do laser therapy with them. Also so the animals are better recovered for when they go home.
Any questions please feel free to call us at Fort Macleod Veterinary Clinic.
