TPLO surgery in Chilliwack for cruciate ligament injury

The cranial cruciate ligament, often called the ACL, holds the knee steady. When it tears, partly or completely, the knee slides as your dog walks. Owners usually notice:

• Sudden limping on a back leg, often after running or jumping
• Toe-touching, or holding the leg up
• Sitting with the leg stuck out to the side
• Stiffness after rest that eases a little with movement
• Swelling around the knee
• Muscle loss on the thigh of that leg over time

Other problems can cause a back-leg limp, including a slipping kneecap, which is covered on our orthopaedic surgery page. That is why the first step is an exam. Our veterinarians examine the knee and take digital X-rays in-house to confirm what is going on; see diagnostics and imaging.

If TPLO is the right repair, we arrange for the surgery to be performed at our clinic by a visiting specialist, so your dog has it here in Chilliwack rather than being referred elsewhere. TPLO changes the slope of the top of the shin bone, called the tibial plateau, so the thigh bone no longer slides on it, and a plate holds the bone while it heals.

You receive a written estimate you approve before any procedure begins. We accept pet insurance. We provide the invoices and documentation you need to submit your claim.

Some dogs, often smaller and lighter ones, can be managed without surgery, using rest, weight control and pain relief. Larger and more active dogs usually do better with a surgical repair, because the knee stays unstable and arthritis builds up if the ligament stays torn. A partial tear often goes on to tear completely, so it is worth deciding on a plan before that happens.

Our veterinarians will talk through both paths with you, including cost. Whichever you choose, keeping your dog lean takes load off the knee; see nutrition and weight management and pet pain management.

After the surgery, we look after your dog's recovery here in Chilliwack: several weeks of restricted activity while the bone heals, short leash walks only, and no running, jumping or stairs. We usually check healing with follow-up X-rays, and we offer therapeutic laser therapy as part of post-operative recovery.