Veterinary Services
TPLO Surgery for Pet ACL Repair at Brown Creek Animal Hospital in Polkton, NC
Explore TPLO surgery for pet ACL repair at Brown Creek Animal Hospital, where we specialize in excellent care for your pet’s joint health and mobility.
Advanced TPLO Surgery for Pet ACL Repair at Brown Creek Animal Hospital
At Brown Creek Animal Hospital in Polkton, NC, we provide expert TPLO surgery for treating ACL (Cruciate Ligament) rupture in pets. This condition is a common cause of rear limb lameness in dogs, affecting their mobility and causing pain. The Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CrCL) is crucial for stabilizing the knee joint, similar to the ACL in humans. When this ligament ruptures, it leads to joint instability and accelerated arthritis due to the sliding of the femur down the tibial plateau during weight-bearing.
What is Cruciate Rupture?
A Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CrCL) rupture is a common cause of hind limb lameness in dogs. It’s one of two ligaments that cross within the knee joint, similar to the human anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). These ligaments stabilize the femur and tibia, preventing excessive sliding during weight-bearing.
The top of the tibia, known as the tibial plateau, supports the femur during these movements. The CrCL specifically prevents the femur from sliding downwards, maintaining stability under constant weight-bearing stress. This biomechanical stress gradually wears down the ligament, causing it to fray and potentially tear over time.
Consequences of Cruciate Repair
When the CrCL deteriorates, it releases inflammatory factors from the ligament. This, combined with the increasing instability of the joint due to the weakened ligament, leads to the rapid development of arthritis. Each time the pet puts weight on the affected leg, the femur slides down the tibial plateau without resistance. This sliding action damages the meniscus, a cartilage cushion in the joint.
Once the meniscus is torn, arthritic changes accelerate, and the perceived pain worsens. Studies show that dogs with a damaged CrCL bear only about 20-30% of the normal weight on the affected leg, shifting the burden to the other rear leg and putting additional stress on that leg’s CrCL.
TPLO Surgery: A Reliable Solution
TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) surgery is a proven method for stabilizing the knee joint after CrCL rupture. Unlike traditional methods that rely on restricting joint movement, TPLO alters the biomechanics of the knee to eliminate the need for the CrCL. This surgical technique involves reshaping the top of the tibia to change its angle, thereby stabilizing the joint and preventing the femur from sliding down the tibial plateau.
Benefits of TPLO Surgery
- Stabilizes the Knee Joint: Restores stability without relying on a compromised ligament.
- Reduces Pain: Minimizes discomfort associated with joint instability and arthritis.
- Improves Mobility: Helps pets regain normal limb function and mobility.
- Prevents Further Joint Degeneration: Slows down the progression of arthritis and minimizes the risk of meniscal damage.
Why Choose Brown Creek Animal Hospital?
At Brown Creek Animal Hospital, our veterinary team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for pets with orthopedic conditions like ACL rupture. We combine advanced surgical techniques with compassionate care to ensure the best possible outcome for your pet. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how TPLO surgery can help your pet regain mobility and comfort.