A large number of patients present with knee joint problems during orthopaedic examinations. This is a very important area as the knee joints play a key role in the normal functionality of dogs and cats. A variety of knee joint problems, such as cruciate ligament injuries, patellofemoral sprains and degenerative joint disease (arthritis), are common and can cause severe pain and limited mobility, significantly reducing the quality of life of pets.

Diagnostic Process

A thorough and detailed examination process is required to diagnose knee joint problems, which involves the following steps:

1. Physical Examination:
   Our orthopaedic specialists will perform a thorough physical examination to assess your dog or cat's movement, joint stability and pain localisation. The examination helps to assess the amount of joint movement and the integrity of the ligaments.
2. Diagnostic Imaging:
   Various imaging techniques are used to ensure an accurate diagnosis:
   • X-rays: X-rays allow orthopaedic specialists to see bone lesions, orthopaedic lesions caused by torn ligaments and degenerative processes. These are the primary tests that confirm lesions.
   • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI allows detailed visualisation of soft tissues such as ligaments and discs, helping to diagnose injuries to the cruciate ligaments and other soft tissue problems.
   • CT (Computed Tomography): CT scans provide further detail, allowing three-dimensional imaging to aid diagnosis in complex cases.

Treatment Options

Once a diagnosis is made, we offer a wide range of treatment options for knee joint problems:

1. Conservative Treatments:
   • Anti-inflammatory medicines: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are recommended to reduce pain and inflammation.
   • Physiotherapy and rehabilitation: Physiotherapy treatments, including massage, electrostimulation and hydrotherapy, laser therapy, all help to restore movement while strengthening muscles and improving the overall well-being of the animal. The type and course of therapy is always decided by the physiotherapist on the basis of professional criteria.
2. Surgical Interventions:
   If conservative treatments are not enough, our orthopaedic specialists can also perform surgical procedures. The most common operations include:

• • Transverse Tape Reconstruction: Correction of possible ligament injuries, often using arthroscopic techniques for a minimally invasive approach.
  • TPLO Surgical Technique for the Treatment of Knee Joint Problems in Dogs

The TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) is a recognised surgical procedure developed specifically for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries in dogs. These injuries are among the most common orthopaedic problems in dogs and can cause significant pain, limited mobility and degeneration of the knee joint.

The surgical technique of TPLO is to systemically alter the biomechanics of the knee joint so that instability due to the absence of cruciate ligaments can be compensated. During the operation, the upper part of the tibia is cut using a special osteotomy (bone resection) and the angle of the piece is changed to bring the tibial surface into a horizontal position. This operation helps to re-stabilise the knee joint, regardless of the condition of the cruciate ligament.

The benefits of TPLO

The TPLO surgical technique has many advantages, including:

• Biomechanical Stability: The biomechanics provided by the surgery reduce the stress on the joint, relieving pain and improving mobility.
• Faster Recovery: After TPLO, dogs usually return to normal activity more quickly than other surgical procedures, such as ACL reconstruction.
• Lower Risk of Degeneration: The new biomechanical conditions reduce the likelihood of degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) later in life.

Postoperative Treatment and Rehabilitation

Post-operative rehabilitation after TPLO surgery is a priority for a successful recovery. The following elements are usually part of postoperative care:

1. Rest: Rest and limited exercise are essential in the first weeks to avoid overloading the surgical area.
2. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation: Physiotherapy programmes focus on reducing pain, increasing muscle strength and restoring movement. Physiotherapy and other instrumental complementary treatments help puppies recover and speed up the rehabilitation process.
3. Regular Checks: During the post-operative check-ups, our specialists monitor the healing of the wound, the condition of the joint and the dog's movement so that they can intervene in time if necessary.

• Patellofemoral Correction:

Correction of the incorrect position of the patella, which can cause ongoing pain to the animal.

• Osteoarthritis Treatment:

For severe degenerative joint disease, surgical intervention, such as joint reconstruction or joint replacement, may also be an option to restore function.

Our aim is to provide science-based, personalised treatment for knee joint disorders, helping to keep puppies healthy and well.