A Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy, or TPLO, is the preferred technique for correcting cranial cruciate ligament, or CCL, injuries in dogs and cats.
The CCL is one of two ligaments that cross within the stifle, or knee. This ligament is similar to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans.
When the CCL is torn or injured, it can create a ‘cranial drawer’ motion, where there is excessive sliding between the tibia and femur bones.
This joint instability can then lead to inflammation and pain, a reason why you might see your pet favoring a leg with a CCL injury.
Left untreated, osteoarthritis caused by inflammation in the joint, will irreparably damage the joint cartilage, including the meniscus, which acts as a cushion between the femur and the tibia.
Dr. Simon always recommends repairing an injured CCL .
Unfortunately, if it is not treated, you can expect your pet to have progressive severe arthritis, accompanied by chronic knee pain, decreased activity level, and an overall diminished quality of life.
TPLO Surgery prevents further pain.
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Dr. Simon always puts the welfare of her patients first and she knows that this is best achieved by providing the highest quality medicine available. Her standard practice always includes low stress handling methods, the most advanced pain control, and comprehensive post-operative care.
Dr. Simon only recommends procedures that are in the best interest of the patient. Her goal is to get your pet back to their healthy, playful self, so her medical advice will always be made with that in mind.
In addition to orthopedics, Dr. Simon also has a background in preventative health; she obtained her Master’s in Public Health and is Board Certified in American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine.
When you bring your pet to Dr. Simon, you can be sure that every aspect of your pet’s health is assessed and evaluated.
As scientific research and technology advance, Dr. Simon makes a point to stay up to date with the latest techniques and equipment. She regularly engages in continuing education courses with top surgeons, on a global-level, to fine-tune her skills.
In fact, Dr. Simon often receives compliments on her careful incision lines, which can be important for post-operative wound healing, not to mention the enhanced cosmetic aesthetics.
And, on a personal note, Dr. Simon is an avid cat-lover who loves spending time with her two rescues, Jelly Bean and LBK (short for Little Boy Kitty). She also has a big rescue pit named Stoopy (stands for “Stupid Happy”).
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She is now considered an expert at the "locking TPLO technique" and is also frequently complimented because of her excellent incision lines.
At the recheck appointment(s), our team will also use Cold Laser Therapy on the surgery site to accelerate the healing process.
The total recovery time after a CCL repair typically takes about 6 weeks.
During this time, physical rehabilitation will be necessary to combat muscle atrophy, joint scar tissue, and reduced range of motion.
We will also ask you to bring your pet back for recheck appointments, so we can monitor their progress.
At the recheck appointment(s), our team will also use Cold Laser Therapy on the surgery site to accelerate the healing process.
If you are interested, we also offer Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy to encourage further healing.
Dr. Simon always puts the welfare of her patients first and she knows that this is best achieved by providing the highest quality medicine available. Her standard practice always includes low stress handling methods, the most advanced pain control, and comprehensive post-operative care.
Dr. Simon only recommends procedures that are in the best interest of the patient. Her goal is to get your pet back to their healthy, playful self, so her medical advice will always be made with that in mind.
In addition to orthopedics, Dr. Simon also has a background in preventative health; she obtained her Master’s in Public Health and is Board Certified in American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine.
When you bring your pet to Dr. Simon, you can be sure that every aspect of your pet’s health is assessed and evaluated.
As scientific research and technology advance, Dr. Simon makes a point to stay up to date with the latest techniques and equipment. She regularly engages in continuing education courses with top surgeons, on a global-level, to fine-tune her skills. In fact, Dr. Simon often
receives compliments on her careful incision lines, which can be important for post-operative wound healing, not to mention the enhanced cosmetic aesthetics.
And, on a personal note, Dr. Simon is an avid cat-lover who loves spending time with her two rescues, Jelly Bean and LBK (short for Little Boy Kitty). She also has a big rescue pit named Stoopy (stands for “Stupid Happy”).
to make sure your pet is healing properly.
So you know exactly what it will take to get your pet back in the game
to make sure your pet is healing properly.
Nathan took my call on a weekend while at a wedding.
I was panicking and he was able to give me a sense of reassurance that they could not only save the babies, but do it for $10,000 less than we had been quoted at VCA, yet VCA wasn’t even sure if they would be willing to perform the surgery needed. They (VCA) seem to care more about money.
Nathan put me at ease, and I knew I was in good hands. Pun intended as our kitten they saved is named Hands :)
I trust Dr. Simon more than I would any emergency vet. We care so deeply for our babies and our rescue babies, and I see the same care from Dr. Simon and her staff.
Thank you Nathan, thank you Dr. Simon.
We will always turn to you for the honest and knowledgeable level of care you’ve provided us. ♥️
We sure do.
Though dogs require TPLO surgeries more frequently, Dr. Simon is very experienced with cat TPLO surgeries as well.
Dr. Simon usually recommends a TPLO technique over any other, as it has the highest success rate.
However, there are other options for CCL repairs for which Dr. Simon might consider when evaluating your pet’s particular case.
1) Cora Based Leveling Osteotomy (CBLO)
2) Extracapsular Lateral Suture Stabilization
Unlike the TPLO, the bone cut is outside of the joint and the rotation is inverted to adjust the weight bearing axis. It can be performed on young patients because the surgery does not involve the growth plate. It could also be good option for dogs with excessive tibial slope, which Dr. Simon will assess during her evaluation.
To counter act the ‘cranial drawer’ caused by an injured CCL, a specifically placed suture is used as an anchor. The suture material is passed around the pea-sized fabella bone, through a bone tunnel created at the front of the tibia, looped back, and attached to itself.
This technique is typically reserved for smaller dogs, under 25 pounds, because there is less weight and stress placed on their joints. However, for dogs of any size, a TPLO would still be the preferred methods, as stabilization of the joint through an osteotomy and bone plate will always be more secure than placing a suture.
The total recovery time after a CCL repair typically takes about 6 weeks.
During this time, physical rehabilitation will be necessary to combat muscle atrophy, joint scar tissue, and reduced range of motion.
We will also ask you to bring your pet back for recheck appointments, so we can monitor their progress.
At these recheck appointment, our team will also use Cold Laser Therapy on the surgery site to accelerate the healing process. If you are interested, we also offer Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy to encourage further healing.
After 6 months, we typically see our patients return to full function, minus the degree of arthritis that is already present.
You can expect your pet to have uninhibited, unrestricted activity for the rest of their life.
Though we don’t expect any complications, SVS offers as many free recheck appointments as needed.
We want to make sure your pet has a full, healthy recovery.
Nathan took my call on a weekend while at a wedding.
I was panicking and he was able to give me a sense of reassurance that they could not only save the babies, but do it for $10,000 less than we had been quoted at VCA, yet VCA wasn’t even sure if they would be willing to perform the surgery needed. They (VCA) seem to care more about money.
Nathan put me at ease, and I knew I was in good hands. Pun intended as our kitten they saved is named Hands :)
I trust Dr. Simon more than I would any emergency vet. We care so deeply for our babies and our rescue babies, and I see the same care from Dr. Simon and her staff.
Thank you Nathan, thank you Dr. Simon.
We will always turn to you for the honest and knowledgeable level of care you’ve provided us. ♥️
Sammi had an old injury, a broken femur. After reviewing his x-rays, Dr Simon found that his leg could be repaired by a surgical procedure inserting a plate and screws into his leg.
I was quoted an amazing price that was not only for the surgery but also included all aftercare.
The quote was half of what other vets wanted for the surgery alone.
Although Sammi had some setbacks, Dr Simon never gave up on saving his leg.
Her entire staff of Veterinary Assistants and Technicians are professional, knowledgeable and devoted to the well being and full recovery of their patients. They truly care and are supportive of both their patients and their family.
I cannot say enough about the care my Sammi received.
I highly recommend Simon Veterinary Surgical to anyone who is seeking outstanding Surgical Veterinarian services, I am beyond grateful to Dr Simon and her incredible staff.
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