TPLO

TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) is a specialized surgical procedure used in veterinary medicine to treat anterior cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries in dogs. It was introduced by veterinarian Dr. Barclay Slocum in the 1990s.

The anterior cruciate ligament (CCL) is an important ligament in the knee joint that is responsible for stabilizing the joint. In dogs, especially those that are heavier or more active, the anterior cruciate ligament can become damaged, such as rupture or partial rupture, leading to joint instability, pain, swelling and loss of limb function.

The TPLO procedure involves making a cut (osteotomy) in the tibia (tibial cusp) and rotating it to change the angle of the knee joint. Specialized orthopedic plates and screws are then used to secure the bone in its new position. As a result, the knee joint becomes more stable, as stabilization no longer relies on the integrity of the damaged anterior cruciate ligament.

TPLO is one of the advanced surgical techniques to successfully treat CCL injuries in dogs. The procedure requires the experience of a veterinarian specializing in orthopedic surgery and appropriate surgical equipment. After surgery, the animal is given painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, and rehabilitation and physiotherapy are important in the recovery process to help the animal return to full function.

There are also several other surgical procedures that can be used to treat CCL injuries in dogs, such as TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement) or treatment with sutures or implants. The choice of the appropriate procedure depends on a number of factors, such as the patient's age, weight, activity and health status, so a specialist veterinarian must decide which method is best for the dog.