At Village Vet, we are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care for your pets. As such, our specialised orthopaedic treatments can support our patients, your pets, to help improve mobility and quality of life.
Surgery for Cranial Cruciate Rupture
One of the specialised orthopaedic procedures we offer is Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery, which is commonly performed to treat dogs with a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL)—the equivalent of the ACL in humans.
What is TPLO Surgery?
A torn CCL is a prevalent injury in dogs, especially in active or large breeds, leading to instability and pain in the knee (stifle) joint. TPLO surgery aims to stabilise your dog's knee by altering the biomechanics of the joint, rather than repairing the torn ligament directly. This advanced surgical technique can significantly improve your dog's mobility and quality of life.
How Does TPLO Work?
- Changing the Tibial Angle: During the procedure, our skilled veterinary surgeons make a precise, curved cut in the top of the tibia (shin-bone). The tibial plateau is then rotated to change the slope of the knee joint, which prevents the femur from sliding backwards over the tibia during movement—a problem that occurs when the CCL is torn.
- Stabilisation with Plates and Screws: Once the tibia is repositioned, a specially designed metal plate and screws are used to secure the bone in its new alignment, ensuring stability while it heals.
- Healing Process: Over time, the bone heals in its new position. This structural change effectively stabilises the knee joint, allowing your pet to regain normal leg function without relying on the damaged ligament.
Benefits of TPLO Surgery
- Improved Joint Stability: By altering the tibial plateau angle, TPLO restores stability to the knee, reducing pain and improving function.
- Faster Recovery: Many dogs begin to bear weight on the affected leg within days of surgery, with most returning to normal activity levels within a few months.
- Long-Term Success: TPLO is considered one of the most effective surgical options for CCL injuries, offering excellent long-term results and reducing the risk of developing arthritis in the joint.
Why Choose Village Vet for TPLO Surgery?
- Experienced Surgical Team: Our veterinary surgeons have extensive experience in performing TPLO surgeries, utilising the latest techniques and equipment to ensure the best outcomes for your pet.
- Comprehensive Care: From pre-operative assessments to post-operative rehabilitation, we provide complete care throughout the entire process. Our team will guide you through every step, ensuring you and your pet feel supported.
- 24/7 Emergency Support: As a 24-hour facility, we're always available to address any concerns you may have before or after the surgery, providing peace of mind when you need it most
Post-Surgery Care
Proper post-operative care is crucial for a successful recovery. Village Vet will provide you with detailed instructions tailored to your pet's specific needs, which may include:
- Restricted Activity: Limiting your dog's movement to allow the surgical site to heal properly.
- Physiotherapy: Recommending rehabilitation exercises to improve muscle strength and joint flexibility.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Scheduling regular check-ups, including X-rays, to monitor healing and ensure the bone is stabilising correctly.
Our team at Village Vet is committed to supporting your pet's recovery, offering guidance and assistance throughout the rehabilitation process.
Is TPLO Right for Your Dog?
TPLO surgery is particularly beneficial for active, large, or athletic dogs due to its high success rate and the quick return to normal activity levels. It is also recommended for dogs who have not responded well to non-surgical treatments or whose anatomy makes other surgical options less effective.
If you suspect your dog has a CCL injury or would like to learn more about TPLO surgery, please don't hesitate to contact Village Vet. Our compassionate and knowledgeable team is here to provide expert advice and the highest quality care for your pet, 24 hours a day, every day of the week.
Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) Surgery for Dogs
Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) is another surgical procedure designed to treat cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries in dogs, which are similar to ACL injuries in humans. When a dog suffers a CCL rupture, it can cause pain, lameness, and instability in the knee joint. TTA surgery addresses this by adjusting the alignment of the knee, stabilizing the joint, and reducing pain during movement.
The procedure involves advancing the tibial tuberosity (a part of the shin-bone) to reduce the abnormal forward motion in the knee, creating a more stable joint. TTA is especially beneficial for active dogs, as it helps them regain mobility faster compared to other surgical options.
What to Expect
- Pre-surgery: Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical exam and may recommend diagnostic imaging to confirm the injury.
- Surgery: During the procedure, the surgeon makes a precise cut in the tibial bone, then uses a special implant to advance the tibial tuberosity.
- Recovery: Post-operative care includes restricted activity for several weeks, along with follow-up visits to monitor healing. Rehabilitation exercises may be recommended to help your dog regain strength.
Benefits of TTA
- Faster recovery times compared to some other knee surgeries
- Restored joint stability, allowing your dog to return to normal activities
- Improved long-term comfort and quality of life
If your dog is experiencing knee pain or limping, contact us today to discuss whether TTA might be the right solution.
Lateral Suture Stabilisation for Canine Knee Injuries
Lateral suture stabilisation, also known as extracapsular repair, is also another surgical technique used to treat cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries in dogs. The CCL is crucial for stabilizing the knee joint, and when it ruptures, it can lead to pain and lameness. Lateral suture surgery helps restore joint stability by mimicking the function of the damaged ligament.
How Does It Work?
During the procedure, a strong suture material is placed outside the joint to stabilise the knee and limit abnormal movement.
The suture acts as a temporary "scaffold" to support the joint while scar tissue forms, which provides long-term stability.
This technique is often recommended for small to medium-sized dogs or those with less active lifestyles.
What to Expect
- Pre-surgery: A full examination, including diagnostic imaging, will be conducted to confirm the injury and assess your dog’s overall health.
- Surgery: The surgeon will place the suture material in a specific pattern around the knee to restore stability.
- Recovery: Your dog will need restricted activity for several weeks, with gradual reintroduction to exercise. Follow-up appointments will help monitor the healing process.
Benefits of Lateral Suture Stabilisation
- Effective for many small to medium-sized dogs
- A less invasive option compared to other surgical techniques
- Helps reduce pain and restore mobility
Contact us today to learn more about how lateral suture stabilisation can help your dog get back on their feet!
