hi, we have just found out that our 3 year old springer spanial may have to have tplo surgery.we are doing lots of research about this but would be interested to hear from anyone else who has a dog who has had this done, especially other springer owners as i can only find information to much larger breeds having this operation. thanks

WHAT EXACTLY IS IT PLEASE EXLAIN I HAVE E.S.S.

Welshie please don't use capitals as it is hard to read & netiquette means it is shouting

Try this link

There are a lot of theories concerning cruciate ligament problems. A hereditory link where an angeled tibial plateau puts an abnormal strain on the ligament.

Another interesting theory links it to routine inocculations! I came into the back end of an internet conversation discussing the possibility that there was a link between the annual vaccinations and Cruciate tears. A letter had been written to Dr W Jean Dodds. Extracts of her letter read:-

<<ACL tears are related to hypothyroidism (documented in several breeds), but also could be related to recent vaccination --as a vaccinosis adverse event. ... because it cannot be easily proven -- only an association temporarily with vaccination in previous 30-45 days.>>

As I understand it, reaction to the vaccine could be causing a temporary hardening of the Cruciate Ligament making it so much easier to tear.

So, is it right? Well, at the moment there is a lot of superstition but I see no reason to take the chance. I for one will be arranging Anna's vaccinations well away from any gundog working tests or picking up!

Regards, John

hi john, thanks for your information, that is certainly a explanation i have not come across. I don't think it will apply to Obi (my dog) as he was last vaccinated in October. Interesting angle though. Xrays today hopefully find out more. thanks.

hi moonmaiden, thanks for the link , it was very useful. obi does need the operation and we have found out he has arthritis in the knee as well.

hi welshie, if you read johns reply to me you should understand what eplo is a bit more. it is basically something wrong with my dogs knee, Xrays today hopefully find out more. thanks

You can give Devils Claw as a natural anti inflammatory to help with the arthritis & arnica to help the healing after the op Touch wood I've never had a dog with this problem but one of my cats did . He never had any ops as apparently cats often damage them just by jumping& twisting to jump again. After a few weeks house rest he recovered fine My then vetIwho has since retired)advised me to use natural homoepathic remedies & he never damaged it again & lived until he was 19 1/2