TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) is a surgical procedure that stabilizes a dog’s knee after a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear by leveling the tibial plateau to reduce forward tibial movement and restore mobility.

What TPLO Surgery Involves

TPLO surgery is designed to correct instability caused by a torn CCL, which is similar to an ACL injury in humans. The procedure involves making a curved cut in the top of the tibia, rotating the bone segment to adjust the slope of the tibial plateau, and securing it with a metal bone plate. This realignment reduces mechanical stress on the knee, stabilizes the joint during movement, and helps prevent future arthritis and joint inflammation. The goal is to create a more normal knee configuration, allowing the dog to walk and run without pain

Fracture repair involves a range of techniques to stabilize and realign broken bones, ensuring proper healing and function. The main methods include:

• Internal Fixation: Implants like plates, screws, or rods are placed inside the body to stabilize the bone. This method is best for fractures that are stable and not too severe. 

• External Fixation: A surgically applied device attached to the bone with pins that come out through the skin. This method is effective at resisting bending, compression, and torsion forces. 

• Splinting: Temporary immobilization of the fracture using a splint or cast to prevent movement and allow healing. 

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Surgery for medial luxating patella (MPL) in dogs is recommended for moderate to severe cases to restore proper kneecap alignment, prevent arthritis, and improve mobility.

When Surgery is Needed

Medial patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap slips toward the inside of the leg, causing intermittent or persistent lameness. Surgery is generally indicated for:

• Grade 1: Dogs with Grade 1 luxation often do not require surgery and can be managed with weight control and anti-inflammatory medications. 

• Grade 2: Occasional luxation with mild lameness; surgery may be considered if lameness is frequent or persistent.

• Grade 3: Patella is out of place most of the time and can be manually repositioned; surgery is recommended to correct deformities and prevent progression.

• Grade 4: Patella is permanently dislocated, causing severe difficulty in leg extension; surgery is necessary, though outcomes may vary due to accompanying bone rotation or deformities. 

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BOAS surgery is a procedure aimed at alleviating breathing difficulties in brachycephalic dog breeds by correcting anatomical abnormalities in the upper airway.

What is BOAS?

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) affects breeds with short skulls and muzzles, such as French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs. This condition leads to breathing difficulties due to excess soft tissue in the airway, which can cause obstruction and turbulence during breathing.