Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) surgery
At Veterinary Referral Hospital of Hickory, we're proud to be a recognized leader in performing effective tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) surgery for patients. Most commonly conducted on dogs, this procedure helps repair cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears in and around the knee joint.
Call Veterinary Referral Hospital of Hickory at (828) 328-6697 to schedule a surgical consultation or for more information on TPLO orthopedic surgery, or send us a message through our TPLO Information Form and a member of our veterinary staff will get back to you.
Details about TPLO surgeries
Many pet owners are surprised to find out that a dog knee is similar to a human knee. Similar to when a human tears an ACL, pets can tear the animal-equivalent ligament (CCL) in an injury, with excessive weight gain, or in old age. If you ever see your dog limping after playtime in the park, it could indicate a CCL tear.
In a CCL tear, the dog or cat's knee joint becomes unstable, and it's no longer able to bear the normal weight of day-to-day walking. TPLO surgery helps to repair any CCL tears to promote quick healing. It's a highly specialized surgery that, with the right veterinary team, can have a very high success rate.
Is your pet limping? Contact our hospital for more information about TPLO surgery and how we can help your pet have a quick and safe recovery.
Signs of CCL tears
Your pet might be suffering from a CCL tear if they display any of the following:
- Lameness or inability to bear weight on a leg
- Swelling, particularly on the inside of the knee
- Yelping, whimpering, or overt signs of pain
- Difficulty walking on stairs
If your pet has a CCL tear, it's important to treat right away to avoid the tear worsening over time. Our surgical team at Veterinary Referral Hospital of Hickory can help to promptly diagnose your pet and evaluate treatment options.