Introduction: The anterior cruciate ligament tears in many dogs as it does in many humans. Most owners do not know exactly how it occurs, but notice lameness. Usually, the tear will need repair in larger dogs that are going to lead an active life. The repair that I usually recommend is the TPLO. In my practice, I have found few procedures with as high a success rate.

Clinical Signs: Signs will vary from intermittent lameness with exercise to complete carrying of the leg. The tears can be partial, complete or complete with a damaged meniscus. The partial tear will be intermittently lame with the leg out to the side while sitting. The complete tear will be three-legged lame for a few days with some improvement as the inflammation resolves. The last phase of a tearing ligament is the damaged meniscus, which will cause the dog to bear very little weight on the leg.

Does my dog need surgery? Most partial tears will progress to complete tears. Nothing has been discovered to prevent continuing of the tear. Sometimes other decisions are made when patients are old or have multiple problems that may lead to more conservative treatments. Because dogs have more cranial tibial thrust than humans do, they usually do not heal with rest. They may function well enough to get along, but they will continue to be lame without surgery.

Will my dog be able to run again? Most dogs return to normal or near normal function within six months of surgery. Patients can return to field trial, jogging or any other work they were performing prior to surgery.

Why does it tear? There is no exact answer available at this time. The current theories include immune mediated disease, narrow intercondylar notch or an infectious disease.

How does the surgery work? The bone is cut, moved and a bone plate is inserted, making the ligament unnecessary. The medial meniscus also is examined.

Before and After		Before and After

How are we certain about the diagnosis? All dogs are examined the day of surgery; x-rays are taken of the hips, low back, and both knees. With this information the best treatment for your dog is determined. Because some dogs have multiple problems, we ask that you are present when these decisions are made.

Is it safe and how painful is it? The anesthesia used is Isofluorane gas, which is very safe even for long surgeries. Pre-operative blood work is performed on all patients to determine their general health and to determine that they can tolerate anesthesia. Patient's vital signs are continually monitored throughout the surgery and pain is managed with Morphine, local anesthetic, Rimadyl, and Fentanyl patches.

Does my dog have to spend the night? Most patients go home on the day of surgery, walking on three legs. Rarely do we hospitalize any patients over night. What are the complications? The good thing about this surgery is that the complication rate is very low - at a level of less than five percent. Potential problems include future meniscal damage, patellar tendon insertion fracture, infected plates, dislocated kneecaps and others. In some patients the other knee also will rupture.

REHABILITATION: TPLO SURGERY (ACL REPAIR)

How do we schedule? Please call 208-726-7777 to schedule a TPLO with the receptionist.