Cruciate and TPLO Surgery

[Highlife]

Hi eveyone,
My 2 year old Newf (Travis) was just diagnosed with a torn cruciate in his left knee. My vet referred him to see a specialist (Dr.Carb) and he is recommending TPLO surgery. In the past, my labrador had both of her cruciates repaired and healed fabulously with no arthritic changes. I am not familiar with this surgery and was wondering if any other Newfs have had it. If so, what was the outcome. I feel so bad since he had shoulder surgery at one year. Travis is a big boy who stands almost 32" at the shoulder according to my wicket and weighs 164lbs. He is not obese just very big.

I learn a lot of helpful information on this board and I hope that you can help me once again.
Thank you

 

[ozzysma]

i have no advice just sending healing vibes your way!!! poor travis!!

 

[2newfs4now]

Max had the repair at about a year old and has had no problems since. I am told that the recuperation time is much longer with the TPLO. Sorry couldn't be more helpful, but there are many on this board who can give a more detailed comparison.

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

Sorry to hear Travis has to go through this, Pam. If you do a Search above for TPLO , you will find quite a bit of information about this, as it has been discussed quite a few times on this board. I hope he gets through this quickly and easily.

 

[mudji]

With the exception of the cost of the surgery, my vet recommends TPLO as it's a permanent repair. Our Weezie has had both knees operated on with TPLO on both. She had the last one last June and is fit and ready. We never found that the recoup time was all THAT long, you just needed to be careful and have a crate. She was about 3 months crated most of the time.

Check here, there's been lots of discussions on this topic. And make sure your vet, should you choose TPLO, has had lots of experience. It can make all the difference.

hannah

 

[Sailorgirl]

I've sent you a PM. If you decide to go the TPLO route, please note that only vets who are certified can do the surgery and the only way to get certified is through Slocum Enterprises, which invented the surgery. www.slocumenterprises.com

 

[Diana]

I have sent you a pm...we are just going through the recovery of a cruciate repair. Hope Travis is feeling better soon.

 

[Pam G]

Oh NO...Just seeing this now Pam. I am so sorry this happened to poor Travis. So many cruciate injuries lately. Did they say if it was just a partial tear..or complete? Jane's Roger has tears in both knees and is being treated by Dr. Wen who is a holistic vet in the Hamptons. May be worth it to talk to her.
I've known many people who have gone with the traditional repair on their dogs with good results..but most were females and not near as big as Travis...so that may make a difference.
Good luck with whatever you decide..and please keep us posted.

 

[Highlife]

Travis had his TPLO surgery last Thursday and came home on Saturday. He is resting comfortably at home now and feeling better. He can walk on the leg and barely has a limp. Although he is being weaned off the pain medication he seems happier now than before the surgery. Thanks for all the good thoughts and advice.

 

[Angela]

Glad to hear he is doing well. I found a large ex -pen was good for keeping my Emma confined during the long rehab period.

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

Glad to hear Travis is done with his surgery and home resting now! Sending good thoughts for a speedy recovery!

 

[jane]

Glad to hear Travis is doing good...Hope he heals quickly..

 

[2Paws]

Sending good thoughts for a complete recovery for Travis. Give that big boy a big hug from us. There sure have been a lot of cruciate injuries lately.