It’s extremely common for dogs, especially older and overweight dogs, to rupture their cranial cruciate ligaments (CCL). This ligament is found in the knee and its human equivalent is the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL. When a dog ruptures this ligament, their knee joint becomes unstable and they can no longer walk on the affected limb. Because CCL tears cause such significant mobility issues for pets, it’s important to get these injuries treated as quickly as possible.
Hometown Veterinary Hospital has partnered with Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeons at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine to provide the TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) procedure here in Southwest Missouri. The surgeons travel to Springfield regularly to provide the expertise of this surgery without the pet owner having to make the trip Columbia, saving valuable time and reduces stress on your pet.
The TPLO method of CCL repair procedure rearranges the bones of the knee joint to eliminate the need for the CCL. The cut is made in the weight-bearing portion of the tibia, so this surgery requires more postoperative recovery time and rehabilitation. However, research shows that dogs return to weight bearing faster, regain muscle mass better, and have less arthritis long term compared to other procedures offered in our area.
To schedule your dog for a TPLO consultation, call us at 417-208-5491.