TPLO Surgery

The TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) surgery has become one of the most common orthopedic surgeries performed on dogs who have torn their cranial cruciate ligament, also commonly referred a dog’s torn ACL.

The philosophy behind the TPLO surgery is to completely change the dynamics of the dog’s knee so that the torn ligament becomes irrelevant to the stability of the knee itself

When a dog tears its ACL, every time the dogs stands or puts weight on the leg, the femur slides/rubs on the back of the tibia. This rubbing causes pain and inflammation, which is very uncomfortable. This is why most dogs with a torn ACL will not put any weight on the leg, or if they do, they will just toe touch the leg to the ground.

TPLO surgery works by altering the geometry of the knee, shifting the forces to the caudal cruciate ligament and eliminating the need for the ACL. The tibia osteotomy allows the tibial plateau to be rotated, then secured with a bone plate and locking screws that are sized for each individual pet.  The new tibial plateau angle provides immediate stabilization to the knee and most patients are walking on the affected leg at discharge from the hospital.

Recovery 

A common complication from TPLO surgery is due to OVER-ACTIVITY TOO EARLY.

Often with the TPLO surgery the dogs “feel” good. Whatever you do…don’t be one of these statistics. Over-activity can be devastating with regards to the TPLO. Remember this surgery involves cutting bone, therefore essentially there is a broken bone that needs to heal.

Primary healing of the osteotomy usually takes 8 weeks.

How much does a TPLO surgery cost?

The all inclusive fee is $3,400.00

This includes:

• Intake Physical Exam
• Pre-anesthetic bloodwork
• EKG
• I.V. Catheter & I.V. Fluids
• Pre-anesthetic analgesia drugs
• Preoperative imaging (radiographs)
• Anesthesia induction drugs tailored to the individual patient
• Local or regional pain control (epidural)
• Anesthesia maintenance on isoflurane
• Anesthesia monitoring by: EKG, CO2 end tidal, O2 saturation, blood pressure, body temperature
• Surgical draping with DuraPrep and Ioban to completely isolate the skin from the surgical site
• TPLO surgery with the latest Elite locking plates and screws
• State of the Art Acculan 3TI drill and saw specifically designed for TPLO
• Postoperative imaging (radiographs)
• Post-surgical recovery monitoring
• Post-surgical therapy laser treatment
• Hospitalization as required
• Take home medications
• Recheck appointments

Does not include 8 week post-surgical radiographs.

Radiographs required to confirm healing at eight weeks post-surgery are an additional $200.00 or can be performed at your referring veterinarian and sent to us for review at no additional charge.