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Torn or frayed ligaments and torn cartilage are removed at surgery, normal structures are left intact. The TPLO is based on the premise that abnormally steep slope of the tibial plateau puts abnormal stress on the cruciate ligaments hence they stretch, fray, and/or tear. Correcting the slope of the tibial plateau allows the normal ligaments to function as they should. There is no attempt to stabilize the joint as biomechanically that is unnecessary.Quote:
Originally Posted by claimsadj
Quote:
Originally Posted by claimsadj
I think you need to spend some time reading about the various repairs available for the cruciate - TPLO, DeAngelis, TTA - and get yourself educated about the repairs. Then I think you should talk to some orthopedic surgeons about the pluses and minuses of each.
As for rehab, if you have the money, you can send to a rehab specialist. But, if money is an issue - and when isn't it - you can do most of the work itself. I did all of the walking, stretching, movement, ice, heat, etc. for my dog. Then took her once a week for underwater treadmill work. The repaired joint gave me no issues. A year later she blew the other and I started all over again.
Again, anyone poking around in this area should consult with a specialist. But, if I had a dog that I really liked, I would probably do both.
In 2007, Freeridin Vampire Slayer got her FC/AFC (all points earned by me) at four years of age. She was a finalist in the National Am that year. Blew cruciate in summer of 2007. TPLO. I spent fall rehabbing. Came on hard in winter of 2008. Was running great in 2008 pre-National training. During training, started favoring her other leg. I immediately took her to orthopedic surgeon in New Jersey - he diagnosed partial tear. I scratched her from National Am. Did another TPLO.
She was never the same. Retired her in 2010 at seven years of age in her competitive prime with 60 All Age points.
I think if I had been more aggressive with surgery and rehab, she would have retired with Mootsie this year, and like her, would have had 80 or so All Age Points or more.
But, it is alot of work to rehab a dog. I had a promising young dog, who at a year of age, had an on/off limp. I washed him out immediately and found a nice home for him. Because I was not going to invest in the time, emotion, and money of another rehab for an unproven dog.
I have also done cruciate surgery for a dog that was seven at the time of surgery (eventually both joints) and another at less than a year of age (eventually both joints). So I am more knowledgeable than I want to be about cruciates, and am very leary of getting another. And which I why I now research cruciates together with hips, elbows, eyes, and EIC when I get a puppy.
Download these two pdf files Part I and Part II written by a good ortho surgeon about ccl injury. Should get you started on your education.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...7qohZLV5e3O71Q
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...g6-dufCsmvcGtg
This is interesting technical stuff for tplo technique from Synthes the mfg of surgical equipment and plates for tplo.
download pdf...
https://productlit.synthes.com/prod_...lateJ6544B.pdf
If you're the mechanically inclined type you'll be interested to read about the saw and how that part of the job works.
http://sites.synthes.com/MediaBin/In...36.000.042.pdf
Thanks for the links. Ted do you have someone willing to do both at once when one leg is still fine? I have read numerous threads where people say next time I'll gave both done but can't find any evidence it's been done on this situation. I'm willing to look at going that route if I can build a strong enough case to twist the docs arm.
Juice is back in my care now. Surgery went well according to Dr. Milton. He had a complete tear and tore off a small piece of bone as well when it tore. Dr. Milton feels like the surgery went as well as you could ask for and with proper rehab juice should be able to return to normal activity. He was amazed that juice was not favoring the leg--acccording to him the acl was destroyed. We have aired twice so far, with a lead and a sling under his belly. Its not very glamarous, thats for sure. He said juice should begin to bear weight on the let within a week or so but to keep it moderate. Wish me luck with this beast!! Thanks again for all of the helpful advice.
Glad to hear surgery went well. With careful rehab he'll be good as new. Pay particular attention to and recognize when aspects of rehab are going well so you can move on to the next step and also recognize when things are not going so well where you might need to back up a step. The chart in the Part II pdf might help.
Thanks Breck, the links you provided have some very good info. I also have Dr. Ed's rehab plan in hand to use.
Hang in there...one day at a time, he'll get better and better.