While surgery may seem like a drastic measure, sometimes it is simply the best option for addressing our pets’ physical injuries and ailments. While many veterinary hospitals refer clients to outside specialists for surgical treatments, Central Animal Hospital has skilled surgical staff on-site. They can perform a variety of surgical procedures, from routine spay and neuter to corrective and lifesaving surgeries.
One of the most common surgeries our staff performs is the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy, commonly known as TPLO. TPLO is the most reliable treatment available for treating rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL.
ACL ruptures are a very common orthopedic and athletic injury in dogs. When a dog’s ACL is ruptured, the knee becomes destabilized. As the dog puts weight on the injured leg, the femur and the back of the tibia rub together, causing pain and inflammation. For this reason, dogs with an ACL injury will avoid putting weight on the affected leg.
A cruciate rupture is not only painful, it permanently damages the cartilage and surrounding bones, ultimately causing osteoarthritis. Surgery should be performed as quickly as possible following the injury, in order to minimize the damage and relieve the dog’s suffering.
There are several methods for treating ACL rupture, but TPLO is widely considered the most effective and long-lasting approach. TPLO surgery alters the physics of the dog’s knee to enable stabilization of the joint without the injured ligament. The results of a TPLO repair typically outlast those of other methods, particularly in large breeds. Additionally, the reliability of this method decreases the likelihood of re-injury.
Once the knee is stabilized, the dog will typically begin putting weight on the leg within a few days. At Central Animal Hospital, healing is also facilitated with the Companion Laser. Central Animal Hospital is one of the few facilities in the Bay Area to offer laser therapy. This advanced treatment speeds recovery and reduces inflammation in a painless and medication-free manner. Laser therapy is used post-operatively by our Certified Rehabilitation Specialist, Dr. Catherine Hedden.
If surgery has been prescribed for your dog’s orthopedic injury, talk to our staff about the option of having the procedure performed at Central Animal Hospital. Even if you have consulted with a specialist, our doctors will be happy to provide a free second opinion. You will very likely find our in-house option to be significantly more affordable than having the same procedure performed at a specialty clinic, and you’ll have nearly all of the pre- and post-operative services your dog could potentially require available under the same roof.