TPLO Austin
TPLO Austin is an orthopedic surgery practice in Austin, TX. Procedures include Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery and TPLO Surgery.
About
TPLO Austin, brought to you by Mobile Veterinary Specialists and Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists, specializes in tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) surgery for dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries. The clinic is led by board-certified surgeons Dr. David Allman and Dr. Kelly Might, who have extensive experience in this specific orthopedic procedure. They focus on restoring knee mobility and addressing one of the most common orthopedic problems in dogs.
TPLO Austin serves dog owners in Austin and surrounding areas, including Bee Cave, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Dripping Springs, Lakeway, Pflugerville, Round Rock, and Westlake. The surgeons also work with veterinarians in Bastrop, Cedar Creek, Kyle, Buda, Driftwood, Wimberley, Lockhart, San Marcos, New Braunfels, Blanco, Spicewood, Jonestown, Andice, Walburg, Leander, Liberty Hill, Lago Vista, Marble Falls, Kingsland, Coupland, Hutto, Taylor, Thrall, Lexington, Rockdale, Manor, Elgin, and Smithville.
Surgical team
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Dr. David Allman
Dr. David Allman is a board certified surgeon and is passionate about helping dogs with torn ACL’s.
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Dr. Kelly Might
Dr. Kelly Might is a board certified surgeon and is passionate about helping dogs with torn ACL’s.
Procedures
- Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery
- TPLO Surgery
Frequently asked questions
- What is a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury in dogs?
- A CCL injury occurs when the cranial cruciate ligament, which connects the femur and tibia and helps stabilize the knee, ruptures. This is similar to an ACL injury in humans. When torn, the ligament cannot heal on its own, leading to lameness in the hind leg and potential damage to tissues and joints. It is a common orthopedic issue, particularly in large and giant dog breeds.
- What is the typical recovery period after TPLO surgery?
- Recovery from TPLO surgery is crucial for its success. Exercise should be restricted for the first 12 weeks post-surgery to allow the bone and soft tissues to heal properly. Pets will also be sent home with oral pain management and anti-inflammatory medications. Follow-up appointments with the veterinarian are scheduled at 10-14 days for incision evaluation and suture removal, and at 8 weeks for X-rays to check bone healing.
- Can TPLO Austin work with my regular veterinarian?
- Yes, Drs. Allman and Might have established working relationships with many veterinary hospitals in Austin and its surrounding communities. They can work directly with both the pet owner and their regular veterinarian. After surgery, a report and discharge instructions are provided to the pet owner and their veterinarian, including direct contact information for any post-operative questions.
- Is it possible to perform TPLO surgery on both of a dog's legs at once if both ACLs are ruptured?
- Yes, it is possible to perform TPLO surgery on both legs at once. This can mean one anesthetic episode, one surgery, one hospitalization, and one rehabilitation period, and may be more economical. While older literature advised against it, recent advances in implant technology have shown no difference in complication rates between single-session bilateral TPLOs and staged TPLOs.
- What kind of medications will my pet receive after TPLO surgery?
- Pets typically receive a post-operative medication protocol that includes an anti-inflammatory, which helps reduce inflammation and acts as a pain reliever. They may also receive a pain-reliever, though the effectiveness of some commonly used medications like Tramadol and Gabapentin can vary in dogs. Some surgeons may also prescribe an antibiotic to minimize surgical site infection.