Orthopedic Surgery & TPLO
Orthopedic Surgery & TPLO in Plattsburgh, NY
When your pet is struggling with mobility or a painful orthopedic injury, timely surgical care can make all the difference. At Plattsburgh Animal Hospital, we are proud to offer advanced orthopedic surgery for dogs and cats—including TPLO surgery for dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears.
Our skilled veterinary surgeons have extensive experience performing both Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) procedures and extracapsular CCL repairs, helping pets regain mobility and enjoy an improved quality of life.
If your pet is limping, favoring a leg, or showing signs of joint pain, schedule a consultation with our team today: (518) 566-7387.
Understanding CCL Injuries in Pets
A cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear is one of the most common orthopedic injuries we treat—especially in active dogs, older dogs, and overweight pets.
The CCL is the canine equivalent of the human anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and is located in the knee joint. When this ligament tears, it causes instability, pain, and lameness. Many pets will begin to limp or avoid bearing weight on the affected leg.
Without surgical repair, a torn CCL will not heal on its own and may lead to arthritis, chronic pain, and permanent joint damage. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention give your pet the best chance of a full recovery.
Advanced Orthopedic Surgery Services
At Plattsburgh Animal Hospital, we offer two proven options for CCL repair, tailored to your pet’s size, age, and individual needs:
Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO)
TPLO is considered the gold standard for treating CCL tears in larger dogs (typically over 20 pounds). In this procedure:
- The geometry of the knee joint is modified by making a precision cut in the tibia (shin bone).
- The tibial plateau is rotated and secured with a surgical plate to restore stability to the joint.
- Once the bone heals, the repair is permanent, and most pets experience excellent long-term function.
- High success rate in large, active dogs
- Early return to weight-bearing and mobility
- Long-term joint stability and reduced risk of arthritis
Recovery: Most dogs begin using the leg shortly after surgery, but a period of restricted activity (10-12 weeks) is required for full healing.
Extracapsular (Lateral Suture) Repair
Extracapsular repair (also known as lateral suture repair) is often the preferred surgical technique for:
- Small dogs under 20 pounds
- Cats with CCL injuries
In this technique:
- The knee joint is stabilized with a strong, synthetic suture placed outside the joint capsule.
- The suture mimics the original ligament, restoring stability while allowing natural healing.
Benefits of extracapsular repair:
- Less invasive option for small pets
- Effective restoration of knee stability
- Faster surgical procedure and recovery
Recovery: A strict period of rest and controlled activity is required following this surgery to ensure optimal healing.
Why Choose Plattsburgh Animal Hospital for Orthopedic Surgery?
Pet owners throughout Plattsburgh and surrounding North Country communities trust our team for orthopedic and CCL surgery because of our:
- Experienced surgical team with advanced training in both TPLO and extracapsular repair
- Compassionate, personalized care—we treat your pet like family
- State-of-the-art surgical suite and advanced diagnostic tools
- Clear communication and guidance through every step of your pet’s surgical journey
Is Your Pet Limping or in Pain? Don’t Wait—Call Us Today
A torn CCL won’t heal on its own—and delaying treatment can lead to chronic pain and arthritis. The sooner your pet receives expert orthopedic care, the better their long-term outcome.
Call Plattsburgh Animal Hospital today at (518) 566-7387 to schedule a consultation for orthopedic surgery or TPLO surgery for dogs in Plattsburgh, NY. We’ll help your pet get back on their feet and back to the life they love.
Veterinary Services in Plattsburgh, NY
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Orthopedic Surgery & TPLO
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