TPLO Orthopedic Surgery
Expert orthopedic surgery for your pet
Pet owners are surprised to find out that a dog knee is similar to a human knee. Similar to when we tear an ACL, pets can tear the animal-equivalent ligament (called the CCL) in an injury, with excessive weight gain, or in old age.
If you ever see your dog limping after playtime in the park, it could indicate a CCL tear, as is the following:
- Lameness or inability to bear weight on a leg
- Swelling, particularly on the inside of the knee
- Yelping, whimpering, or overt signs of pain
- Difficulty walking on stairs
If your pet has a CCL tear, it's important to treat right away to avoid the tear worsening over time. Our surgical team can help to promptly diagnose your pet and evaluate treatment options.
Meet our board-certified veterinary surgeon
The surgery team of Animal Emergency & Specialty Center of Chattanooga is lead by Jessica J. Leeman-Goepp, DVM, DACVS-SA and her passionate surgery team.
Recognized as a leader in performing effective tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) surgery for our patients, this procedure helps repair cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears in and around the knee joint for pets.
Why Choose Animal Emergency & Specialty Center of Chattanooga for TPLO?
If your pet is a candidate for TPLO surgery, our specialized surgical team will prioritize pet safety and follow our standard surgery protocol, including:
- Diagnostics and tests—To ensure a complete picture of your pet's health on surgery day, we'll conduct pre-operative complete blood count and blood chemistry tests. We may also take x-rays to view the injury before surgery.
- Anesthesia and monitoring—Your pet will be put under anesthesia and kept warm throughout the surgery. Our trusted team will monitor your pet throughout the procedure to ensure vital signs are good.
- Surgical procedure—During surgery, we'll identify tears and repair as needed. As with most TPLO surgeries, the procedure will be secured with a mini TPLO plate and screws to keep surgical repairs in place.
- Post-operative radiographs—We'll obtain additional digital X-rays after the surgery to ensure a successful surgery.
- Recovery—Our team will comfort your pet as he or she wakes from anesthesia. If necessary, we may keep your pet overnight so a trusted professional can monitor him or her. When your pet is ready to go home, we'll provide you with clear post-surgical care instructions, including pain management medications, so recovery is as smooth as possible.
- Post-surgery follow up—We'll see your pet again during recovery to monitor healing and make note of progress. We'll also make recommendations for a physical therapy regimen to strengthen ligaments and nearby muscles.
Is your pet limping?
Call Animal Emergency & Specialty Center of Chattanooga to schedule an appointment with our board-certified surgeon, Dr. Jessica Leeman-Goepp.
You can also contact us for more information about TPLO and to schedule a surgical consultation through our TPLO Information Form.