At Our Pet Vets In San Diego, CA, we perform tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) surgery on dogs that have torn their ACL. Learn more about the procedure below.
Causes of ACL Tears in Dogs
The most common cause of an ACL tear in dogs is playing too much and not getting enough rest. Other causes include injury, obesity, and genetics. If you are unsure if your dog has an ACL tear, consult our office to book an appointment. Common symptoms of ACL tears include limping, unwillingness to walk or play, pain, and a general lethargic demeanor.
Benefits of TPLO Surgery
TPLO surgery is a common surgery to fix an ACL tear. It returns the dog’s leg to its original state and gives the animal full use of its leg again. This type of surgery has a very high success rate and most dogs that undergo the procedure return to normal within a short time. If your dog is active, this surgery will allow it to return to its prior activity level.
Risks and Complications Associated with TPLO Surgery
There are always risks associated with any surgery, but our doctors will go over all the risks with you before the procedure is performed. Some common complications that can arise are infection, reaction to anesthesia, and bleeding. However, our hospital takes every precaution to avoid these complications.
How does the Surgery Work?
TPLO surgery works by correcting the angle of the dog’s tibia. This, in turn, takes the pressure off of the ACL and prevents it from tearing again in the future. The surgery is performed using an arthrotomy, a small incision in the joint. Once the incision is made, the surgeon will level the tibia and insert a bone plate and screws to hold it. The incision is then closed up, and the dog can go home the same day.
Recovery After TPLO Surgery
After surgery, your dog will need to stay at our hospital for a few hours so that we can monitor his recovery. When you take your dog home, he will need to be on crate rest for at least four weeks. After four weeks, your dog can start slowly going on walks and build up his activity level as tolerated.
Contact Our Pet Vets in San Diego for TPLO Surgery
We are proud to offer TPLO surgery as one of our many services at Pets. Contact a veterinarian today at our office to schedule an appointment for tplo surgery in San Diego.
