TPLO Questions

[drakes67]

Just a few quick questions about TPLO

1. Has anybody ever opted to not have the surgery done and how has your dog been?

2. The vet said that 40% of the time the other leg will also need surgery. I am willing to do one, but a second one would be hard on my finances. Is this an accuarte statement?

3. The vet that I went to does and arthroscopic surgery along with the TPLO (thats how I understood it anyways) but he said to give me a price break ($300) he would not do the arthroscopic and just the TPLO. Is this a wise decision on my part?

Thank You

p.s. My dog is a Rottweiler 100 lbs.

[chivas]

I had a rescued rottie who blew her ACL before we got her and it was never fixed - she actually did ok on it, slight limp but never seemed to bother her and she didnt get arthritis in it. When Chivas blew her ACL - I was going to take her to Tech to have orthoscopic done but the vet there told my vet that it didnt work well in dogs. This was 3 yrs ago, I dont know if they have refined it or not.

[BostonRott]

My surgeon told me a 38% chance of #2 tearing within 18 mos. So, it gives you some time to save up, if you need to.

[SABELLESMOM]

Arthroscopic surgery basically means viewing the site thru a tiny surgical scope, and using smaller instruments. The advantage? Less trauma to the area. Faster healing time. This surgery , however requires a l-o-n-g time to heal anyway. So will you see a significant difference?

I've known 2 dogs with TPLO's. Both are agility Rotties, neither has torn the second leg. Perhaps the fact that she conditioned for a year before returning either dog to the sport helped. My, much smaller, Cocker Spaniel, had the traditional ACL repair. Basically, the same odds given. Also no tear on the other leg.

[JD102175]

After some research here, and on other sites on the net, I decided to go with a TPLO repair for Brodie back in Oct. of '03. Tplo was more expensive and more invasive of a procedure, but in the long run I thought it was a much better choice given Brodie's size and energy level. It has been 2 years now and he has no problems with his TPLO leg and so far has not injured his other leg either.

Jaime

[dlbaab]

We are 2 days out of the TPLO surgery, female rott, 107 lbs. She is already putting some weight on that leg. Although, we are charged about the 12 wk.
recovery/rehab, it is by far the best surgery for 99% recovery compared to the older ACL surgery. With out the surgery, you are looking at the possiblity of arthritis and degenerative bone disease the longer you wait. We waited a year, and we were lucky to have neither. It's pricey, but I'm glad we went with it and I will keep you posted on the outcome. I can not even image not doing it. Maggie had gotten to where her life style was compromised. Walks were out of the question, and she was getting more and more lame. She really struggled before the surgery, her aflicted leg actually atrophied. That's what got my attention. For lack of use, her muscles were disappearing!
And, if that kind of weight is put on the other leg, that is when you are looking at the other leg blowing out. Do the surgery before the other leg becomes the main support for a 100 lb. dog! Please!!! And, good luck! Debbie