Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) injuries happen frequently in dogs of nearly all sizes and types. The TPLO is typically the procedure of choice for CCL injuries. TPLO surgery allows most dogs to return to their pre-injury level of activity.
Dr. Elizabeth Arthur is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in Small Animal Surgery and travels around the greater Baltimore area to perform orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries.  She comes to JVC to perform CCL repairs for our clients and others. If your pet is in need of a TPLO, we put together this page so you can see what to expect as far as exam scheduling, payments, and post-operative appointments and care.

The first step to repairing your pet’s leg for a new client/pet is to come in for an examination with one of our doctors ($65). Established clients who have already been diagnosed with a CCL tear do not need another exam unless it has been over 6 months from original diagnosis.
On exam day we may take specific radiographs ($220) and send them to a radiologist to confirm the diagnosis ($135-$230). This can also be scheduled in the minute clinic at a later date if you prefer. If your pet is uncooperative or too painful while attempting to take radiographs we may ask you to return another day so your pet can be sedated.
We will need to do a full panel of blood work, including urine and fecal, within 30 days of surgery ($180). We may not draw blood at the first exam visit if surgeries are not able to be scheduled within a month. We will need to have all of your pets prior records and your pet will need to be up-to-date on Rabies, Bordetella, Distemper, and Leptospirosis vaccines.

 Once we have your pet’s records, radiographs, and radiology report, everything will be sent to Dr. Arthur, who will then accept or deny (due to medical reasons) your case.  If your pet’s blood work is not within normal range you will receive a call from the doctor to discuss further.

Our RVT will reach out to you when Dr. Arthur accepts your pet’s case to schedule blood work (if needed) and surgery. If Dr. Arthur has denied your pet’s case, our RVT or a doctor will be in contact with you and discuss possible next steps.

To confirm the surgery date we will need to collect a $4000 – $4500 deposit no less than 2 weeks prior to surgery. The deposit is approximately the cost of surgery, dependent on your pet’s weight and surgery that will be performed.

Dr. Arthur only performs these surgeries at Jarrettsville Vet Center on Wednesdays and your pet will need to be dropped off between 8am and 8:30am in our Minute Clinic (the same building, but the door to the right of the main entrance) so please make arrangements ahead of time so there are no scheduling conflicts.

The night before surgery: please give all medications (Gabapentin, Trazodone, and Carprofen and any other daily prescribed medication). Pets may not have food or water after midnight.
The morning of surgery: please only give Gabapentin and Trazodone, without food. Discuss any other daily medication with the doctor ahead of time.

When surgery is completed you will receive a call to update you on your pet. Pick up is usually between 6 pm and 7:30 pm. At discharge, we will go over all post op care instructions and medications.

Your pet will need to return several times after the surgery for laser therapy and post-op check ups. Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses light to help re reduce redness, pain, inflammation, and speed up the healing process. Your pet receives the first laser treatment the day of surgery.
The post-op schedule will look something like this:
-2nd laser treatment on the Friday or Saturday following the surgery (same week)
– 3rd and 4th laser treatments(2 appointments) the week after the surgery
– 5th laser treatment 3 weeks post-op
-6th laser treatment 4 weeks post-op
-Radiographs on week 6 ($75)
-Radiographs on week 12 ($75)
The laser treatment appointments are generally brief and scheduled in our Minute Clinic. The radiograph appointments do take more time but are also scheduled in our Minute Clinic.

Your pet must be leash walked until Dr. Arthur approves them to increase activity. It is in your pet’s best interest to start leash walking now. We will be sending home gabapentin and trazodone to help keep your pet calm during the long recovery period and refills will be available. Your pet will also go home with an antibiotic, NSAID, e-collar, and a lick sleeve. Please be sure to use them as directed for the full 12 weeks. If your pet comes in for their post op visits and is too active we will tell you to adjust their dose of sedation (Trazodone and Gabapentin).

During each post op visit you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire that tells us how your pet is doing at home and what dose of medications you are giving. Our RVT checks messages Monday through Thursday, if you have any questions or concerns. If it is urgent and outside of those days, please call the clinic so we can get you an answer.

 If you’re ready to start the process of repairing your pet’s CCL, please call the clinic at 410-692-6171 and have our receptionist book an exam with any of our doctors.

Dr. Arthur’s website is www.mobilevetsurgery.net and she can be reached at Drarthur@mobilevetsurgery.net or 301-424-1734 if you would like to learn more.