507-332-0716Faribault: 507-332-0716
507-214-7387Owatonna: 507-214-7387
1200 Lyndale Ave., N, Faribault, MN 55021
1220 Frontage Road East, Owatonna, MN 55060

Molly’s TPLO Surgery

Molly is a very active 72 pound Golden Retriever.  She loves to chase the ball, walks up to 5 miles a day and plays in the creek behind her families' home daily when she can.  Molly had her first ACL repair winter of 2003 that was a Lateral Fabellar Suture (Extra-capsular) repair.  Although Molly recovered well from her first knee surgery she did develop some arthritis in her knee over the next year that left her a bit stiff when she gets up. 

When Molly ruptured the ACL on her opposite leg in 2004 at age 9, her family chose to have the TPLO done to get a faster recovery and hopefully a near perfect long-term outcome.  Molly did well with her surgery, and went home the next day walking 70% on her leg and by her 4 weeks recheck was walking normally on her leg.  She was restricted to leash walking and slow physical therapy until 9 weeks post-op when the bone had fully healed.  Today (at age 13) she enjoys all the activities she did before her injury and arthritis has not developed in her TPLO knee.

Molly's family felt that the TPLO was definitely worth the extra expense and post-op care. She is a very active dog and they felt the TPLO has given her the ability to continue her 5 mile walks and romps in the creek with  stiffness only on the Extra-cap side.  Molly was a great case study for us to be able to compare the long-term results of TPLO vs. Extra-cap in the same dog with the same injury.  The TPLO side is definitely more comfortable for her. 

preop Molly’s Knee pre-op with a 20 degree angle .   post op  Molly’s knee post-op with a perfect 5 degree angle.

Recent Blog Posts

Getting Ahead of Fleas: Your Fall Guide to Parasite Prevention

As pet owners, we can attest that flea infestation can not only be annoying but also extremely dangerous to our pets. Fleas can cause severe skin irritation, anemia, and even transmit deadly diseases. As we approach the fall season, it's essential to be proactive in preventing fleas before they become a problem. In this article, we will discuss the flea life cycle, the dangers of fleas infesting your pet, signs to look out for, the benefits of flea prevention, and why you should purchase flea prevention medication from us, your trusted veterinarian.

Read More
Back to School Blues: Helping Your Pet Adjust to a Quieter House

Back to school season is an exciting time for kids, but for pets, it can be the source of anxiety and stress. After a summer filled with playtime, cuddles, and attention, the sudden decrease in activity can have a profound impact on our pets. It's common for pets to experience separation anxiety when their families head back to work and school, and it's important for pet owners to recognize the signs and take steps to help their pets adjust. In this blog post, we will discuss some strategies to help your pets ease into a quieter home.

Read More
Recognizing Signs of Fear in Pets During Summer Months

As pet owners, it's crucial to prioritize the mental and physical health of our beloved companions. One of the most common causes of stress in pets is summer thunderstorms and fireworks. During these events, pets exhibit various behaviors that indicate fear and stress.When experiencing a thunderstorm or fireworks, pets may pant excessively, bark or howl, tremble, hide, or even become destructive. These behaviors can be alarming and cause stress to both the pet and the owner.So what can you do to help alleviate your furry friend's stress during these situations?

Read More

Quality, Compassionate Medicine

Our Mission at Heartland Animal Hospital is to provide quality, compassionate medicine. Locations in Faribault, MN 507-332-0716 and Owatonna 507-214-7387.

Request Your Pet’s Appointment