Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy

Our Veterinary Team in Omaha Discusses ACL Injury and Repair in Dogs

Our staff at Sirius Veterinary Orthopedic Center does everything they can to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of surgery in order to minimize pain and reduce recovery time for your pet. When it comes to an ACL injury, more accurately known as Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CrCL) injury, the Sirius Veterinary Team can take one of several surgical approaches, including the tibial-plateau-leveling osteotomy (TPLO) technique.

German Sheppard sitting in a field.

What Is Cranial Cruciate Disease?

Canine cranial cruciate disease is similar to an ACL rupture in a human knee. While both result in decreased knee stability, pain, and dysfunction, cranial cruciate disease tends to happen more gradually, where as a human ACL injury tends to present with a sudden onset. The CCL also tends to be under greater tension and stress even in relatively sedentary activities, and if your dog suffers from degradation of the ligament in one knee, it's likely that the same thing may occur in the other knee.

If an injured CCL is not surgically repaired, your dog may be at risk for other problems including hip pain, meniscal tear, significant arthritis, and general lameness, weakness, and pain. We strongly recommend that you consult with our orthopedic veterinarian in Omaha if your dog is showing any signs or symptoms of an orthopedic injury, CCL rupture or otherwise.

Surgical Repair of an ACL Injury from Our Orthopedic Veterinarian in Omaha

Your veterinarian may have referred you to Sirius if your dog is struggling with cranial cruciate disease. If so, our staff will take all the time necessary to determine not only if surgery is necessary, but which type of surgery is best to help maximize outcomes for your animal companion.

The Sirius Veterinary Team may elect to perform the plate technique to repair your dog's torn CCL. A Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO), is technique that includes a circular cut in the top of the tibia (shin bone) followed by a turn of the articular surface of this bone until it is level to the long axis of the tibia. The newly arranged bone is then stabilized with a plate and screws. This technique maximizes the stability of the knee and reduces the load on the CCL.

The plate technique is often the surgical repair of choice if your dog:

  • Is active
  • Is young
  • Weighs over 40 lb
  • Has a relatively stable knee to begin with

  • The CCL/ACL recovery after surgery is generally very good, provided that the pet owner is diligent about significantly restricting the dog's activity level for about 3-4 months as the surgical site heals. Our vet team will be sure to answer any questions you have about your dog's recovery and how to maximize its healing.

    Contact Our Orthopedic Veterinarian Near Omaha for More Information Today!

    If you've been looking for the professional opinion and input of an orthopedic veterinarian near Omaha who can help your dog recover from cranial cruciate disease, call to request a consultation with Sirius Veterinary Orthopedic Center today at 402-934-1332.

    Location

    Find us on the map

    Office Hours

    By Appointment Only

    Office Hours

    Monday

    8:00 am - 5:00 PM

    Tuesday

    8:00 am - 5:00 PM

    Wednesday

    8:00 am - 5:00 PM

    Thursday

    8:00 am - 5:00 PM

    Friday

    8:00 am - 5:00 PM

    Saturday

    Closed

    Sunday

    Closed

    Office Hours

    Monday
    8:00 am - 5:00 PM
    Tuesday
    8:00 am - 5:00 PM
    Wednesday
    8:00 am - 5:00 PM
    Thursday
    8:00 am - 5:00 PM
    Friday
    8:00 am - 5:00 PM
    Saturday
    Closed
    Sunday
    Closed