We definitely understand that making the decision to have a TPLO surgery for your pet is no easy feat. It requires a big commitment on your part to ensure your pet is provided the proper aftercare and rehabilitation, not to mention the cost.

These are valid concerns which often leads to the question: What happens if my pet doesn’t get the TPLO surgery?

Before we answer that question, let’s start by setting the stage…

When and why is a TPLO needed?

The CCL is one of two ligaments that cross within the stifle, or knee. When the CCL is torn or injured, it can create a ‘cranial drawer’ motion, where there is excessive sliding between the tibia and femur bones. This joint instability can then lead to inflammation and pain, a reason why you might see your pet favoring a leg with a CCL injury.

A TPLO is a way of stabilizing the joint by changing the angle between the femur and tibia. This realignment decreases the mechanical stress - and pain - by reducing the amount that the tibia shifts forward during a stride. It also reduces future joint inflammation, pain, and osteoarthritis.

What happens if your pet doesn’t get a TPLO? 

So essentially, a TPLO stops the inflammation in its tracks. If left untreated, inflammation in the joint will lead to osteoarthritis, which in turn, will irreparably damage the joint cartilage, including the meniscus. This cartilage acts as a cushion between the femur and the tibia, so the longer the inflammation is present, the more damage that is being done. As time goes by, you can expect your pet to have progressive severe arthritis, accompanied by chronic knee pain, decreased activity level, and an overall diminished quality of life.

That is why Dr. Simon always recommends repairing a CCL injury. Though there are a few other surgical options for correcting CCL injuries, Dr. Simon usually recommends a TPLO technique over any other because it has the highest success rate. 

If you have any questions, reach out to us today and our team will be happy to walk you through our TPLO process.