The Incident
Millie, a 13 year old poodle, recently had a mishap when she jumped off the sofa and landed awkwardly. She immediately showed signs of distress, and her owner noticed she was holding up one of her back legs and struggling to use it properly, even after some rest and pain relief.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Millie’s X-Ray
Vet’s Klinic Swindon were able to offer Millie a same-day appointment, where, after examination and x-rays, our team identified that she had likely ruptured the cranial cruciate ligament in her knee joint. Following this initial diagnosis, further assessment confirmed the need for an advanced surgical procedure known as Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO), a common treatment for this type of injury in dogs.
Our highly skilled advanced surgeon, Maider, performed Millie’s TPLO surgery with precision and care. The procedure involved adjusting the knee joint to stabilise it, helping Millie regain proper function and the use of her leg.
The Road to Recovery
Millie takes a comfy ride home
Post-surgery, Millie needed to relearn how to use her injured leg. With the support of our dedicated team and her owners commitment, Millie made remarkable progress, also bearing in mind that she is 13 years old and has underlying health conditions, but her owner followed the expert advice, and healed well. Just two months after the surgery, they are now able to walk to the village centre and back every day.
Millie’s owner has kindly allowed us to share her journey to recovery to offer hope and guidance to other dog owners who might face similar challenges. He is grateful for the expertise and compassionate care provided by Vet’s Klinic Swindon.
Millie finds a way to get around, even when walking is difficult.
Why Choose Vets Klinic?
Cruciate ligament ruptures are not uncommon in dogs, and many will require TPLO surgery. Here at Vet’s Klinic Swindon, we not only have the necessary expertise and state-of-the-art equipment to perform such advanced procedures, but we also offer one of the best value-for-money packages in the area.
Our commitment to providing exceptional care and support to both pets and their owners is unwavering. If your pet is in need of surgery or specialised care, trust the team at Vet’s Klinic to offer reasonably priced solutions, your pet’s health is primary concern.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact us.
Click to see Millie walking during her post op physio
FAQ’s
What is TPLO surgery?
TPLO (Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy) is a surgical procedure used to treat full or partial cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture in the knee (stifle) joint. During the surgery, the top of the tibia (shin bone) is cut and rotated to change the joint angle, helping stabilise the stifle. The bone is then secured in its new position with a metal plate and screws while it heals.
What happens if I don’t get my dog TPLO surgery?
The knee join becomes unstable with a CCL (Cranial Cruciate Ligament) injury. In some cases, in particular with smaller dogs, conservative treatments may help to manage the injury, however the joint will most likely remain unstable, which is why surgery is often recommended.
What is the prognosis for a dog with TPLO?
The success rate for TPLO surgery is very high-between 90% and 95%. Compared to any other procedure, dogs who undergo TPLO surgery recover more quickly and get back on all four feet sooner. With TPLO surgery and proper rehabilitation, your dog will be able to recover completely from a CCL tear and regain full mobility
How much does TPLO surgery cost for a dog?
At Vet’s Klinic the price for this surgery is between £2350 to £2850 (prices correct January 2025). You can find more information here https://vetsklinic.co.uk/pricing
