The most common orthopedic injury that occurs in many VOSM canine patients is a rupture of the Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL).  A rupture of this ligament can cause pain and lameness, injury to other structures of the knee, such as the meniscus, and lead to long term osteoarthritis of the knee.  Surgical options for this injury are the Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) and the Extracapsular Stabilization.  We recommend the TPLO to treat this injury. 

 - Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) - The TPLO procedure stabilizes the knee by leveling the tibial plateau.  Contrary to popular belief, TPLO surgery is not reserved for large breed dogs, patients weighing as little as 10 pounds can benefit from TPLO surgery.  TPLO surgery provides a more rapid recovery, improved range of motion, reduction in the progression of arthritis and can return the patient to complete pre-injury performance as compared to other surgical options.  

 
 - Extracapsular Stabilization - This procedure stabilizes the knee joint through the use of materials that may include: monofilament nylon, suture material, stainless steel wire or the use of the strong tissues surrounding the muscles in the outside of the leg.