Upcoming TPLO surgery with Dr Frey

[trexkerry]

Hi, I am hoping to get in contact with Flyballmom or anyone else who has taken their dog to Dr. Andy Frey for TPLO surgery. My vet here in Tracy, CA referred me to Dr. Frey and having no idea what TPLO was I did exhaustive searches on the web trying to research the condition and this particular doctor. During my searches on google posts from Flyballmom from these forums came up indicating that she had taken her dog to Dr Frey for TPLO on both legs in the past.

I don't own a rottie and I don't mean to intrude on your forums- my baby is a 5 year old 60 pound shepherd mix - but I am so glad I found this site because of the great information that I have already found dealing with TPLO. I know I will use many of the great suggestions as I try to bring Sierra back to the active dog she was before. The nice thing is I don't think the surgery will be that different for her than for rotties - she is smaller but the rehab and the care that goes into the process seems pretty much the same. Anyway, what I am really hoping for is confirmation that Dr. Frey is a great doctor and I can trust Sierra with him. Her consultation is scheduled for March 10 and I am told that surgery that day is likely.

I won't continue to post progress updates unless people ask me to as I understand this is a rottie forum and I respect that. Thanks for any help or advice you anyone may have to give.

[hennie400]

Hi, one of my girls has had both legs done successfully with TPLO. I dont live in the US so cant comment on your surgeon. I found the yahoo group orthodogs very helpful.

orthodogs : Discussion of canine orthopedic issues

The moderators are very experienced with cruciate injuries and they or some of the members will be able to help you with your questions as they seem to know most of the surgeons.

They will also be able to give you detailed information on TPLO surgery which requires cutting the tibia in the leg and repositioning it so that the head of the bone is level and acts as a stop to the bone above it which is what the cruciate ligament does when it is functioning properly.

This is different from the traditional method where artificial ligaments are used to stabalise the knee untill scar tissue has developed. There is often heated discussion to the pros and cons of each surgery.

I am happy with my TPLO surgeries and my dog is back competing in agility. This particular dog by the way is an Australian cattle dog.

Anyway goodluck and remember that the first 8 weeks till bone healing are key to the success. It took my dog 3-4 months to recover fully and 8 months till I trialed her again in agility.

[trexkerry]

Thank you for the advice hennie400, I will join that forum as well!

[flyballmom]

HI! Goodness, I was surprised at the call out...too bad PM's are no longer an option here since my forum time is limited. YES. Andy Frey did both my girlies TPLO's, and I could NOT have been happier with either him, his staff, or more importantly, our outcomes. He'll tell it like it is, tell you what you need to do, and bring you back for followup when needed. I'm in Fresno so it was almost a 2 hour drive each way for me to Manteca...but if I have another dog in need of ortho surgery, that's where we'll be. Dr. Frey doesn't know Charleigh is gone. I think he'll remember us...if he does...please give him a big hug.

Clarification: It was my Charleigh who had both knees TPLO'd by Dr. Frey. One girlie, two knees. If you mention Blitz (who so far knock on wood is as sound as they come) to him he won't know her for sure. Char was a favorite there.

[trexkerry]

Thanks flyballmom, I am really glad things worked out well for you and your dog. I was a little afraid that I was being referred to Dr. Frey because he was the nearest surgeon rather than one of the best. Manteca is very close for me (only about 20 minutes) and I feel a lot better now about Dr. Frey performing the surgery. Hearing how good he was with Charleigh takes away a lot of the uncertainty I was having. I'll let ask him if he remembers Charleigh, he probably does!

I spent the day ordering lots of Kong toys, treats and rawhide chews to keep Sierra busy, I am feeling more prepared and your confidence in Dr. Frey helps a lot. Thank you for sharing your experience!

[trexkerry]

Flyballmom, I wanted to let you know that I met with Dr. Frey today and he was great. I told him that I had researched TPLO and in that time I had come accross a woman from Fresno who had seen him for 2 TPLO's for her Rottweiler named Charleigh. He totally remembered you and then left the exam room for a minute. When he came back in he had a framed collage of pictures that you had sent him along with your thank you note to him! Just thought you'd like to know that!

By the way, Sierra is scheduled now to have TPLO surgery tomorrow.