It is generally recommended that Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery for a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) should be done as soon as possible. While some dogs can lead a comfortable lifestyle with a torn ACL, the injury can cause progressive damage over time, leading to chronic pain and disability.
If TPLO surgery is not performed, other treatments and medications may be used to help manage the symptoms associated with a torn ACL, such as anti-inflammatories, pain medications, physical therapy, and weight management. However, these treatments don’t address the underlying cause of the injury, and the risk of further damage remains.
By undergoing TPLO surgery, your pet can benefit from a more long-term solution that helps to stabilize the joint, reduce pain, and improve function. Your veterinarian will be able to give you more information about the risks and benefits of the surgery and help you decide if it is the right option for your pet.
Any type of surgery carries risks, and it is not uncommon for complications to arise after TPLO surgery for pets. Common complications include infection, swelling, bleeding, and deep vein thrombosis. In some cases, the incision may also re-open or break down.
If any of these complications arise, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Your veterinarian will be able to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action. They may prescribe antibiotics or other medications, or recommend additional tests or treatments. With proper care and treatment, most pets can make a full recovery and go on to lead a happy, pain-free life.
After TPLO surgery, it is not uncommon for your pet to experience some degree of limping for the first few weeks, as the joint needs time to heal and adjust to the new stabilization.
The amount of limping can vary from pet to pet, but it should gradually improve as the joint begins to heal. During this period, it is important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions on activity restrictions and to give your pet time to rest and recover.
Most dogs will be able to return to their normal activity levels within eight to twelve weeks after the surgery. However, if your pet is still limping after this period, it is important to contact your veterinarian for further assessment and advice.
After TPLO surgery, it is important for your pet to take it easy for the first two to four weeks. During this time, you should keep activity to a minimum and follow your veterinarian’s instructions regarding exercise restrictions, pain medications, and other care requirements.
Your pet should be able to start walking on their own after four weeks, although it is important to keep activity to a minimum. As healing progresses, your pet can start to increase their activity level slowly, as directed by your veterinarian.
Most dogs will be able to return to their normal activity levels within eight to twelve weeks after the surgery. However, if your pet is still limping or having difficulty walking after this period, it is important to contact your veterinarian for further assessment and advice.
It is important to give your pet some physical activity after they have undergone TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy) surgery in order to facilitate the healing process. However, it is important to ensure that the activity level is appropriate for the recovery stage your pet is in.
In the immediate post-operative period, your pet should be kept quiet and any activity should be limited to light walking on a leash. It is important to not allow your pet to run, jump, or play for the first 2 weeks after surgery, as this can cause the bones to move and delay the healing process.
At 4-6 weeks after surgery, your pet can begin to slowly increase the level of activity. This includes light walking on a flat, even surface, such as a sidewalk or a treadmill. Swimming is also an excellent form of low-impact exercise at this stage, as it is easy on any weakened joints.
At 8-10 weeks after surgery, your pet can begin to resume heavier activities, such as running and jumping, as long as the vet has cleared them for such activities. During this period, it is important to monitor your pet and ensure that their activity level is not too strenuous.
By the 12-week mark, your pet should be able to return to their normal level of activity. However, it is important to remember that your pet may still be recovering, and they might tire more easily or be more prone to injury. It is important to continue to monitor your pet’s activity level and ensure it is appropriate for their recovery stage.
Following TPLO surgery, it is important to manage your pet’s pain with appropriate medications prescribed by the vet. However, ice or heat packs can also be used to reduce inflammation and provide some relief.
Ice packs can be applied for 10-15 minutes at a time, up to 3-4 times a day. You should only use an ice pack or frozen peas that are wrapped in a towel or cloth, as direct contact with the skin can cause damage.
Heat packs can be used to help relax the muscles, reduce swelling, and ease discomfort in the joint. However, it is important to wait until the post-operative healing period is complete before applying heat packs. Heat packs should be applied for 15-20 minutes at a time, up to 3-4 times a day. The temperature should not be too hot, as this can cause burns on the skin.
Many pet insurance companies provide coverage for CCL (cranial cruciate ligament) surgery, although the exact coverage varies from company to company. Generally, pet insurance plans will cover a portion of the surgery costs, as well as diagnostic tests and post-operative medications.
It is important to note that pet insurance plans may have specific exclusions, such as pre-existing conditions or specific breeds that are not covered. It is also important to check if there is any time limit for when the surgery must be performed in order to be eligible for coverage.
It is also important to check the reimbursement rate of the insurance company. Some companies may cover up to 90% of the total cost, while others may only cover a certain percentage. It is important to read the fine print to make sure you understand what is covered and what is not.
TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy) surgery is generally a one-time procedure, but it is possible that a dog may need to have the procedure repeated if the post-operative healing is not successful. Usually, a dog will need to be re-evaluate by a vet if they are experiencing a recurrence of lameness, instability, or pain in the affected leg after TPLO.
It is important to note that re-injury is possible, even after successful TPLO surgery. To reduce the risk of re-injury, your dog should always exercise in a safe environment and not be allowed to engage in any high-impact activities such as running or jumping. Additionally, following the prescribed post-operative care instructions is essential for a successful recovery.
It is generally recommended that if both of your dog's legs require surgery, the procedures should be performed one at a time. This approach minimizes the risk of complications and ensures that each leg receives proper post-operative care. It is also important to note that if one leg requires more complex surgery than the other, the more complex procedure should be performed first.
If both legs need the same kind of surgery, it may be possible to do both at the same time. This depends on the condition of your dog and the recommendation of your veterinarian. If your dog is in good health and both procedures can be safely performed simultaneously, the veterinarian may be able to do the surgeries at the same time.