Speciality Services

Specialty Surgery

TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy ) STABILIZATION AND THR (Total Hip Replacement )

Some of the more advanced orthopedic procedures we offer include TPLO stabilization for cranial cruciate injury and total hip replacement.

The option to proceed with TPLO stabilization will be directed by your pet’s lifestyle as well as the owner’s. This is a newer procedure which utilizes a plate to correct the lameness associated with this ligament injury. Once believed to be a procedure offered for only large breed dogs, our surgeons may recommend this procedure for your pet based on activity level or body conformation. Some of the smaller breed dogs that can benefit from this procedure versus traditional repair include jack russell terriers, cocker spaniels, poodles and medium sized mixed breed dogs. Our doctor’s recommendations will be made to ensure your pet returns to maximum function post-op.

Total hip replacement is a procedure designed to offer the larger breed dog relief from potentially debilitating pain due to hip dysplasia. The decision to perform a total hip replacement is a difficult one due to both the financial and time commitment necessary to ensure maximum success following the procedure. Your pet will have a detailed orthopedic examination and specific radiographs will be obtained to see if he/she is a candidate for the procedure. Not all pets are candidates for THR and if not an alternate surgical plan will be suggested. Once your pet is deemed a candidate, the surgeon and nurses will speak with you to go over pre-operative preparation (kennel training and sling walking) as well as what to expect when you get him home. Given the level of commitment needed to ensure success, we strive to ensure owners are fully educated and committed to the requirements needed for aftercare.

We utilize the Biomedtrix non-cemented, biological fixation (BFX) implant system as the primary option for total hip replacement. This system has proven to have a lower incidence of post-operative infection, implant failure or loosening and faster return to normal activity.