Your dog might need TPLO surgery if they have persistent limping, difficulty jumping/rising, awkward sitting, or pain in a hind leg, usually due to a torn knee ligament (CCL), especially if they are a larger, active breed where non-surgical options often fail, requiring a vet's diagnosis of instability and X-rays to confirm the need for this bone-cutting procedure. A vet consultation is essential to assess signs like swelling, clicking, or reduced activity, as TPLO offers predictable outcomes for stability and function.

What happens if I don't get TPLO surgery for my dog?

What happens if I don't get my dog TPLO surgery? Because the CCL cannot heal on its own, the knee joint will remain unstable without surgery. The instability results in pain, inflammation, arthritis, and possible meniscal damage. The associated discomfort results in more severe lameness and subsequent muscle atrophy.

Is TPLO surgery for dogs worth it?

Is TPLO Surgery Worth It? While TPLO is an elective procedure, it is often the best option for dogs with a CCL tear. It allows for meniscal evaluation, faster recovery, and long-term stability. The benefits typically outweigh the risks, especially for active or larger dogs.

How to tell if a dog needs TPLO?

Signs Your Dog Might Need TPLO

1. Limping or favoring one hind leg.
2. Stiffness or difficulty standing up after sitting or lying down.
3. Visible discomfort when walking, running, or jumping.
4. Swelling or instability around the knee joint.
5. Decreased activity or reluctance to play.

Is a TPLO necessary?

While TPLO surgery can be beneficial for many dogs, it's often recommended for larger breeds or those above a certain weight threshold. This is because larger dogs place more stress on their knees, and non-surgical options may not provide sufficient stability.

CCL Surgery Complications: When to Remove Your Dog's TPLO Plate

Is there an alternative to TPLO surgery for dogs?

Conservative Management. Conservative management refers to a non-surgical alternative to TPLO surgery for dogs and includes methods to manage a dog's CCL injury. This approach focuses on minimizing pain and inflammation while promoting stability by strengthening the muscles around the knee joint.

Is TPLO the gold standard?

Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) The Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) is considered to be the best repair option for canine cranial cruciate ligament (ACL) tears by the majority of board certified veterinary surgeons. In fact it has been considered the gold standard for nearly two decades.

Can a dog live a normal life after TPLO?

Will my dog be able to enjoy life after TPLO? There is a reported 90-95% good to excellent outcome with TPLO, and 5-10% of patients don't return to an optimal level of function. Even with minor complications, they can still have a good to an excellent long-term outcome, but there could be hiccups along the way.

What is the #1 cause of death in dogs?

The leading cause of death in dogs overall is cancer, especially in older dogs, affecting about one in four dogs, with specific breeds like Golden Retrievers, Boxers, and Bernese Mountain Dogs being highly susceptible. However, causes vary significantly by age and breed, with younger dogs often dying from trauma, while older dogs and larger breeds face higher risks from organ system failures like neurological, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal issues.
 

Can a dog be ok without ACL surgery?

A torn ACL requires rest, immobilization, and sometimes surgery. It is entirely possible for a dog to recover from an ACL tear without surgery. Many dogs heal through surgery alternatives like orthopedic dog braces and supplements.

What is the 7 7 7 rule for dogs?

The "7 7 7 rule" for dogs is a puppy socialization guideline, originally by Pat Hastings, suggesting exposing puppies to 7 different people, 7 different locations, and 7 different surfaces/objects/sounds/challenges (variations exist) by about 7 weeks old to build confidence, resilience, and prevent fear or anxiety as adults. Key experiences include meeting diverse individuals, visiting different places like a vet's office or friend's house, walking on various substrates (grass, tile, carpet), and encountering new objects and gentle challenges (like tunnels or boxes).
 

What are the downsides of ACL surgery?

When performing reconstruction of the ACL, the major complications that can arise include missed concomitant injuries, tunnel malposition, patellar fracture, knee stiffness, and infection. We review the complications that can occur as a result of errors made before, during, and after surgery.

Should I put my dog down if I can't afford ACL surgery?

First, DON'T; euthanasia is NOT the answer for this injury. There are several options to help a dog with a torn ACL.

How urgent is TPLO surgery?

Yes and no. An ACL injury is not an emergency surgical procedure. However, our biggest concern is your pet's quality of life. As a general rule, we strongly feel the earlier we can address the injury, the more we can slow the progression of arthritis and the faster we can improve comfort in your pet's knee.

What are the alternatives to surgery for ACL tears?

Whereas Grade 1 and 2 tears usually don't require surgery, surgery is more common for Grade 3 tears. Alternatives to ACL surgery can include physical therapy, using a brace, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and stem cell therapy.

What is the 7 second rule for dogs?

The "7-second rule" for dogs is a simple test to see if pavement is too hot for their paws: press the back of your hand to the ground for seven seconds, and if it's too hot for you to hold comfortably, it's too hot for your dog's paw pads, which can easily burn on surfaces like asphalt, concrete, and even artificial turf. This helps prevent paw burns by prompting you to walk during cooler times (early morning/late evening) or stick to grass, as tarmac can get extremely hot even on moderately warm days.
 

What is the most fatal thing to dogs?

Below are the top 10 deadliest pet toxins to beware of:

• Metaldehyde is the active ingredient used in some slug and snail baits. ...
• Blue-green algae (BGA) contains harmful toxins that cause either rapid seizures or liver failure. ...
• Methomyl is an active ingredient found in some fly baits.

Is TPLO the best option?

TPLO surgery is often the best option for dogs with partial or complete CCL tears, particularly if they are: Large or Active: Larger dogs and those with an active lifestyle tend to benefit more from TPLO's durable, long-term stability.

Can I leave my dog home alone after TPLO surgery?

Can a dog be left alone after TPLO surgery? Yes, your pet can be left unattended, but we recommend that they are crate-rested so that they can't get into any mischief while you are out.

How do dogs go to the bathroom after TPLO surgery?

Controlled leash walks

Short leash walks only to the bathroom. A sling or folded bath towel under the belly should be used for support especially on slick surfaces and will allow you to slow your pets pace if they are attempting to get away. They must still be on a leash even if a sling is used.

Does Healthy Paws cover TPLO?

Healthy Paws: Covers TPLO if the injury occurs after enrollment and the waiting period. Offers unlimited annual payouts but no coverage for pre-existing conditions.

What is the new TPLO surgery?

This surgery changes the angle and relationship between the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia). The overall intent of the surgery is to reduce the amount that the tibia shifts forward during a stride.

Which is better, TPLO or TTA?

TTA may offer a quicker initial recovery, with your dog being able to put weight on the leg within a few days, but TPLO provides a more stable long-term outcome even though it may take several weeks before they start bearing full weight on the leg.

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