e.One of the most difficult aspects of confinement is that the animals will frequently feel better long before they are healed. At this point your pet will start being more careless of the operated limb and is then more likely to be overactive and injure itself. Until the bone is healed, you must adhere strictly to the confinement guidelines and not allow your pet to do more.
f.If your pet is jumping or bouncing in its confined area, it is being too active. Tranquilizers may be required to help alleviate your pet's anxiety or control its activity.
g.If at any time during your pets recovery and healing it does anything that causes it to cry out or give a sharp yelp, contact your veterinarian.
h.Following surgery your pet should always maintain at it's current level of function, or improve. If at any time during your pet's recovery and healing it has a set back or decrease in function, contact your veterinarian.
The TPLO is an extremely technique sensitive procedure requiring formal surgical training and exceptional orthopedic expertise, obligatory training and a substantial orthopedic caseload for proficiency.
We at Atascadero Pet Center are proud to have Aaron Schechter DVM , who is a Certified TPLO Veterinarian.
Why would a dog need a TPLO surgery?
Cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) insufficiency is considered the most common orthopedic problem in dogs. Dogs can rupture or strain their anterior cruciate ligament spontaneously, which causes the dog pain. The pain comes from an unstable joint that tends to slide each time weight is put on that leg. The tibia slides forward on the femur and irritates the tender cartilage.
How does a TPLO surgery work?
The surgeon makes a round cut in the top (plateau) of the tibia. The surgeon rotates this round portion so that the femur comes down on a stable tibia. TPLO surgeries take 1-2 hours. Dogs having this surgery are usually more comfortable just 2-3 wks after the surgery is performed and can go back to full and pain-free activity in 12 weeks.
What happens after a TPLO surgery?
Slocum® Post-operative Care for Orthopedic Surgery
1.Your pet can be inside, on carpeted surfaces, under your direct supervision. It can wander around the room at a slow walk as long as it is not constant. Running, jumping, bounding, playing, etc., are not allowed.
2.Your pet must be on a leash at all times when outside for airing and going to the bathroom. If the animal has to cross slick floors or uneven ground, you need to use a "belly-band" in case it slips or stumbles. The "belly-band" is not used for support but rather as a safety net to protect your pet. Your pet is not allowed to be off lead when outside or to go for an actual walk.
3.When not under your direct supervision, your pet is to be confined in an airline kennel or equivalent.
General Information:
a.Playing with other animals is not allowed during confinement. If there are other pets in your household, you will need to keep them separated.
b.During confinement, your pet's food intake needs to be reduced to help prevent weight gain. Most dogs will maintain their current weight if their food intake is cut in half. Water consumption should remain normal.
c.The first two weeks following surgery you will need to monitor your pet's incisions. Licking or chewing can cause infection or sutures to loosen. If you notice that your pet has started licking, you will need to take steps to discourage it from doing so.
d.It takes a minimum of six to eight weeks for bones to heal.
What kinds of dogs have TPLO surgeries?
TPLOs are mainly performed on large dogs. Small dogs may be able to have a less expensive surgery but some small active dogs will benefit from TPLO surgery.
Does my dog need a TPLO?
If you are concerned about your dog, please call and make an appointment for an evaluation. When you come in, the veterinarian will watch your dog’s gait, feel the leg, and take an x-ray. This will enable the veterinarian to determine if a TPLO will help your dog or not.
i.It is imperative that you inform your veterinarian at once if your pet does something that is potentially harmful to the surgery. If something has occurred which jeopardizes the outcome of surgery, it is usually less difficult to correct if it is caught right away, which leads to a better outcome for your pet.
j.If your pet is too active during it's confinement it may injure itself or slow healing which increases the amount of time your pet must be confined.
k.Follow up appointments are usually needed two weeks post-operatively to monitor incisions and healing. At six to eight weeks post-operatively radiographs are taken at which time your pet is started on a regulated activity regime. A final appointment at four months post-operatively is needed for additional radiographs and final instructions before returning your pet to normal activity.
For eight to twelve weeks following surgery, a strict confinement regime is required with three important principles.
Please call (805)466-3880 for an appointment or stop by if there is an emergency
One of the most difficult aspects of confinement is that the animals will frequently feel better long before they are healed. At this point your pet will start being more careless of the operated limb and is then more likely to be overactive and injure itself. Until the bone is healed, you must adhere strictly to the confinement guidelines and not allow your pet to do more. 
