WE ARE EXPERIENCED IN
ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY
TLPO
Tibial-Plateau-Leveling Osteotomy
TPLO, or tibial-plateau-leveling osteotomy, is a surgery performed on dogs to stabilize the stifle joint after ruptures of the cranial cruciate ligament (analogous to the anterior cruciate ligament [ACL] in humans, and sometimes colloquially called the same.
Why is TPLO performed on dogs?
The TPLO procedure is a method to repair a cruciate ligament rupture. TPLO surgery helps to stabilize the stifle and reduce the likelihood of further osteoarthritis progression. The TPLO is the most common procedure for dogs with a cruciate tear. It requires a specialty surgeon to perform this procedure.
How long is the recovery?
Regardless of how the patellar luxation is repaired, recovery is essentially the same. In the early post-operative period, exercise should be limited to controlled leash walking and rehabilitation exercises under the direction of your veterinarian. Return to normal activity should be done gradually over the course of 6 weeks. If a tibial tuberosity transposition is done, post-operative x-rays may be required to assess healing.
PATELLA LUXATION
What is the surgery?
The surgery is performed to correct the luxation, or “popping out” of the kneecap (called the patella). A luxating patella is caused by a congenital malformation which creates abnormal forces on the kneecap, causing it to slide out of the groove (called the patellar groove) in which it normally sits. There are different degrees, or grades, that a patellar luxation can occur:
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- Grade I – the patella pops back into place spontaneously
- Grade II – the patella comes out of place occasionally but can be manually put back into position
- Grade III – the patella is out of place most of the time, but can be manually put back into position
- Grade IV – the patella is always out of place, and cannot be put back into position
How long is the recovery?
Regardless of how the patellar luxation is repaired, recovery is essentially the same. In the early post-operative period, exercise should be limited to controlled leash walking and rehabilitation exercises under the direction of your veterinarian. Return to normal activity should be done gradually over the course of 6 weeks. If a tibial tuberosity transposition is done, post-operative x-rays may be required to assess healing.
HELPFUL HINTS
to make your trip to the clinic a better experience for your pet
1. Leave your anxiety at home!
Pets can sense when you are stressed, from the tone of your voice to how you are gripping the leash. Make sure to keep your tone of voice pleasant, cheerful and relaxed. Telling your pet you know how much he hates coming in, a stressed voice, only reinforces to the pet that there is something to be anxious about.
2. Don’t reinforce the behavior
Pets get nervous and our first instinct is to pick them up, hug them as tight as possible and tell them it’s ok. Doing this, however, only reinforces the nervousness in the form of a reward.
3. Don’t scold your pet in the office
Sometimes, pets get nervous and don’t behave as they would at home. It’s ok. Cut your pet some slack. Even the most well trained of pets may inadvertently urinate or defecate, or not want to get on the scale. We all understand we’ve have all been there ourselves. Punishing the pet for out-of-character behavior in this setting will only worsen the anxiety.
4. Familiarize Your Cat W/ His Carrier
We’ve all done it. Grabbed the crate out of the garage, swooped the cat up and stuffed him in the carrier. How terribly stressful for both parties involved. Instead, keep the crate in the house with your pet’s favorite blanket and toy and allow them to explore it on their own. Even feed him in the carrier. Make it a place where good things happen, not just visits to our office. The more your cat is used to his carrier, the smoother your trip.
5. Try some calming pheromones.
Before loading your cat in the carrier or throwing your dog in the car, why not try some calming pheromones for cats or D.A.P collars and spray for dogs can help take the edge off. If your pet is extremely anxious, let us know. There are many options we can try to reduce their anxiety.
6. Pillows?
When loading cats into a car, placing a pillow underneath their carrier can absorb some of the road vibrations. Also partially covering the carrier with a towel to lessen the visual stimuli can help as well.
7. Bring your pet on an empty stomach, if possible.
We aren’t above bribery. We use a lot of different treats to make pets more comfortable. (We have popcorn, cookies and coffee to make you comfortable.) If your pet has a favorite treat, bring it with you and let us know.
8. Wait Outside or In the Car
If your pet remains highly anxious, or simply doesn’t like other pets, simply wait outside or in your car. Come in and tell the staff you are there. We can signal to you or call you when the doctor is ready. Letting us know when we schedule the appointment can help us schedule a time when we can control what other animals are in the building.
9. Bring your pet’s favorite toy
Sometimes a favorite toy in the hands of someone new can be enough to bring a stressed pet out of his shell. We love to get on the floor and play!
MORE HELPFUL HINTS
for puppies and kittens!
Puppies and kittens:
Puppies and kittens need a series of vaccines to be properly vaccinated. Call and ask us about our Puppy & Kitten Plans, we’ve set them up to cover everything your newest addition will need to stay healthy at an affordable price.
1 year to 6 years:
Your pet should routinely see their doctor once a year for a full body wellness check. This can help us catch conditions early and keep your pet healthier longer.
7 Years to ???:
Did you know pets age an average of 2-3 years to our 6 months after the age of seven? A lot of things can change in a short period of time.
We recommend once a year examination. Bloodwork may be necessarily uncover underlying conditions, such as kidney or liver deficits, diabetes, thyroid conditions, as well as, infections. Conditions such as these caught early can be medically managed. Our goal is to keep your pet healthy as they slide gracefully into their golden years.
Most orthopedic procedures:
Most orthopedic procedures will require that your pet over night at our clinic. Your pet’s comfort is our main concern, we are in the clinic to observe his/her recovering and pain level. We handle their pain immediately for a better recovery.
Routine surgical Procedures:
Routine and elective surgeries are performed in order to prevent future injury as well to treat or correct certain conditions or situations
Your pets are monitored closely and go home the same day. Most sutures are buried and absorbable, giving the added benefit of not having to bring your pet back in for suture removals. Also, most pets do not require an Elizabethan collar, removing extra stress for you and your pet.
Behavioral
Behavioral issues can be frustrating. Before diagnosing a behavioral issue we need to rule out any physical causes. Many diseases can cause behavior changes-things such as metabolic changes, infection, pain or aging processes. After these are ruled out, we can look at the behavior and come up with a plan to help both you and your pet.
Seniors
Seniors come with their own set of issues. Arthritis, cognitive dysfunction and urinary incontinence are just a few issues we see as aging sets in. We are here to help your pet live comfortably in their golden years. There are many medications on the market specifically made for animals to help with the aches and pains of growing older.
WE WANT WHAT’S BEST FOR YOUR PET
A healthy pet makes for a happy home!
