Book Appointment
Pet PortalOnline Pharmacy
Pet PortalOnline Pharmacy

TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) Surgery

by | Jul 12, 2023 | Uncategorized

dog with cast

Did you know? We can offer TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) surgery at Renton Veterinary Hospital in partnership with Dr. Jeff Mayo.

If you have a big dog, TPLO (or TTA) are usually better options, resulting in better clinical outcomes and return to function of the limb when compared with the lateral suture techniques.

If you aren’t sure and want to make a prompt decision, or need more info we suggest to please call our office at (425) 255-8676.

Here are some FAQs on TPLO to get you started on understanding the details of the procedure.

WHY DO DOGS NEED TPLO SURGERY?
  • A dog’s CCL, which is similar to a person’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in their knee, can degenerate or weaken over time for various reasons. Because the CCL weakens over time, it can rupture with seemingly minimal trauma. A CCL rupture is the leading cause of hind limb lameness in dogs and can cause instability in the stifle (knee) joint. TPLO is often recommended for medium- to large-breed dogs, as well as canine athletes, as it restores them closer to normal function.
WHY TPLO INSTEAD OF ANOTHER SURGERY?
  • The TPLO is most likely procedure to restore near-normal limb function, particularly for medium- to large-breed dogs and canine athletes. TPLO is also one of the best-studied surgeries. Not every dog is a candidate for surgery for various reasons so we suggest to schedule a consult appointment.
WHAT IS THE SUCCESS RATE OF TPLO?
  • TPLO success rate is extremely high. 90-95% of dogs return to near-normal function and most of them achieve about 95% of their normal limb function within 10-12 weeks post-TPLO surgery.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I WAIT TO DECIDE ON SURGERY?
  • Yes and no. As a general rule, most surgeons feel by addressing the injury sooner we have a better chance of slowing the progression of arthritis. Also longer a pet goes with an unstable knee higher the risk of a meniscal injury. Performing the surgery faster will also make your pet comfortable and return to normal activity sooner. If you are on the fence about deciding between medical or surgical path we suggest to schedule a consult appointment to help make an informed decision.
CAN THE TPLO ALSO BE PERFORMED IN SMALL DOGS?
  • Yes, it can be. We also offer TPLO down to a weight of about 20 pounds.
ARE X-RAYS REQUIRED?
  • Yes. Radiographs (x-rays) of the knee are required prior to surgery.
IS BLOOD WORK REQUIRED?
  • In most cases, yes. This is to ensure that your pet is healthy to undergo anesthesia and to assess overall health of the pet before procedure.
WILL MY DOG BE IN PAIN?
  • The TPLO is an invasive surgery, however, there are plenty of post-operation pain management options to keep your pet comfortable.

We’re here for all of your pet’s needs. Renton Veterinary Hospital now offers TPLO surgery in Renton, Seattle, Tukwila, Kent, Newcastle, Sammamish, Issaquah, Bellevue, Redmond, and the surrounding communities. Please schedule a consult appointment if your dog needs TPLO and you want to assess if this is right path forward for your dog.

References: www.jeffmayodvm.com and https://tploinfo.com.