We are open and COVID-19 SAFE. Click here to find out more

Cruciate ligament injuries are a common problem in dogs and many require surgical intervention. Our surgeons are highly experienced in cruciate ligament surgery and regularly perform TPLO and TTA procedures - having performed in excess of 1500 cruciate procedures within the last decade. They will advise on the most appropriate management- usually surgical, after assessment of the pet’s condition and radiographs. For TPLO locking plate technology is used to provide greater mechnical stability thus reducing the risk of complications. A recent study at Cornell University confirms that TPLO returns dogs to better limb function than extra capsular stabilistation in the short and medium term.

Cranial cruciate ligament surgery
Extra capsular stabilisation

Cranial cruciate ligament surgery

We recommend Tibial plateau levelling (TPLO) or Tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament injury. These techniques change the geometry of the tibia to amend the forces that are responsible for the instability- resulting in an early return to function in all sizes of dog, even very active or large/giant breeds. The majority of dogs are expected to weight bear the day after surgery.

Extra capsular stabilisation

Placing a restraining suture to promote functional fibrosis, is also available but tends be be reserved for small dogs and cats. Support provided by the prosthetic suture diminishes after several weeks. As patient size increases there is a much greater risk of premature failure with extra capsular techniques -which can result in persistent instability and lameness. Small dogs with very steep tibial plateau angles (terrier breeds) do much better with TPLO.

Return to Services