TPLO surgery

[Becky Wolfe]

A friend of mine has her dog scheduled for TPLO surgery this Thursday.  Just wondering if there was anyone out there that has had TPLO surgery  performed on their dog.  This dog doesn't play in agility, but very active with hiking and outdoor activities.  So if anyone has any insights/hints on the surgery and recover it would be appreciated.

[Maureen deHaan]

My dog Kody had TPLO on both knees - first knee was at 7 years old second knee was at 9 years old - she came back to play agility until the age of 12    

My best advice is to follow all rehab protocol as if it were gospel - when allowed if she could get to an underwater treadmill that would be great. (those weren't around when Kody had her knees done) - When they say crated except for out to potty, they mean it - when they say no jumping up on furniture etc - they mean it - No stairs without assistance - they mean it -  I can't stress how *to the letter* she needs to follow rehab protocol

TPLO surgery is very invasive - but with great results if you rehab the dog well and follow protocol - Kody died at age 16 with no arthritis in her knees and walked until the day she died - if any of my dogs needed it in the future, I would do it without hesitation

[Dave Worldsbesjrts Dad]

Read this before you decide.

http://tiggerpoz.com/

[TheQuestKnight]

Hi Becky,

While none of our dogs have undergone TPLO surgery, we have several friends with dogs that have.  In ALL cases, the dogs used the services of a local rehabilitation/alternative therapies vet. 

The MOST important therapy was using the "underwater treadmill" because it permitted the dog to use it's treated leg and joint while reducing the weight pressure on that joint.

The dogs also benefitted from acupuncture/laser acupuncture to help with the associated pain of rehabilitation . . . and periodic chiropractic adjustments also helped to keep the dog's musculo-skeletal system as normal as possible as the dog progressed through it's rehabilitaion.

In ALL cases, the dog returned to normal activities following rehab.  FWIW, there really shouldn't be a "timetable" . . . age of the dog, condition of the other joints that will bear extra "work" to compensate for the treated joint while it heals, the dog's temperament, etc. all need to be factored in.

By far, in talking with friends . . . and also talking with our rehab vet, since my young dog was teetering on the edge of TPLO surgery . . . the underwater treadmill is key.  In my own dog's case, Pelli has a "hitch" in his left knee; but according to the surgeons, it's not considered "statistically significant" and requiring surgery . . . yet he would still come up lame at times.  We used underwater treadmill therapy with Pelli for almost a year . . . first 2X weekly, then weekly, and then once every two weeks . . . not only did it stabilize his gait, it also toned and "bulked up" his muscles . . . and that significantly helped his knee joint . . .

Acupuncture and chiropractic treatments are nice adjuncts; but if $$ are a factor, choose the underwater treadmill FIRST!!!

Al & Pelli in Ohio

A friend of mine has her dog scheduled for TPLO surgery this Thursday.  Just wondering if there was anyone out there that has had TPLO surgery  performed on their dog.  This dog doesn't play in agility, but very active with hiking and outdoor activities.  So if anyone has any insights/hints on the surgery and recover it would be appreciated.

[Maureen deHaan]

I would just like to add that *I* rehabbed my dog through 2 TPLO surgeries without the use of any other therapeutic services. We did lots of walking therapy when she was allowed to - Those other types of things were just not available back then - but they are now and are great great great! (I am not knocking them, I am just saying that I was successful without them).

Additionally, my dog had a completely ruptured CCL so it needed to be repaired - the second one was partially torn and I ELECTED to have it repaired due to the significant stifle angle that, if she kept playing like she did, would end up in a complete rupture.

I was lucky enough to have one of the pioneers of that type of surgery as my orthopaedic vet.

Finally, my dogs go to the chiropractor every month. We did this even before Kody's knee injuries. But I truly believe that chiropractic aided in Kody's recovery and sustained ambulation until her passing.

[Becky Wolfe]

Thank you everyone!  I have passed on your information to my friend.

[ebgilly]

My Ninya had TPLO surgery 7 years ago.  She came back from that to complete a breed CH title and oddles of agility titles.  She is still running in agility and last year was the #1 boxer in NADAC Reg, touch and go and #2 in tunnelers.

We did do rehab with a specialist at the University and followed the instructions to a T.