The Pet Life: To TPLO or Not To TPLO

Hello Darling,

It’s been ages since I last wrote for the blog about my pets. Most of their updates have been on Instagram.

In truth, they’ve kept me extremely busy (and stressed) for the past year - but today’s update is about Otis’ journey that started at the end of February of this year.

He’s struggled with steps for awhile, it seemed to be an end of day stagger but nothing more. That was, until February. He had a rough few days, waking up panting and in obvious distress and discomfort in the middle of the night. He couldn’t stand on his back legs without help getting up.

We were able to schedule his appointment for the soonest checkup available, which was with a new Veterinarian he hadn’t seen before, but at the same Hospital he goes to regularly. Of course, once we got there (mind you, it’s an hour and a half drive for us one way), his adrenaline kicked in. They could tell his slight lameness and prescribed him an anti-inflammatory (one over the counter and one prescription grade), and 14 days of limited movement.

On day 14 we called to schedule his follow up. With no improvement, they wanted to do a sedated x-ray. I was anxious for this, we avoid sedation as frequently as we can (as recommended from his primary doctor) given he’s an English Bulldog, his age and his history. We continued with the sedated x-rays. They found early signs of arthritis in both knees and tears to each cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) this is (similar to humans tearing their ACL) thus confirming their suspicions of him developing Cruciate Disease. They wanted to get the opinion from a Orthopedic Surgical Specialist before finalizing any surgical plans but in a matter of days we had our options for Otis’ treatments: TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) surgery for both knees or long term medication, cold laser therapy (AKA Therapeutic Laser) and Adequan shots.

Going into this information, I didn’t know what Adequan was at first, so I’ll share the gist here, which is provided directly from their website: “Adequan reduces inflammation and decreases pain. Inhibits release of degradative enzymes and inflammatory mediators to help restore balance. Stimulates the activity of existing cartilage components and improves synovial fluid to help renew joint mobility.”

Given Otis’ age, his breed, his level of activity, and the intensity that the recovery takes for TPLO surgery, we decided we’ll start with the cold laser therapy and injections while continuing on his medication before booking any surgeries.

There were a few weeks of communication issues to prep this decision for him. With juggling Boris’ appointments at the same time to treat an ear infection, we’ve gone to the Hospital almost weekly since the end of February. Their primary doctor is taking on his case and moving forward, we’ll be on a weekly schedule for at least four weeks to get his treatments done.

While all of the vet visits are adding up quickly, we’re thankful for the coverage we have for them both under Trupanion Insurance.

The journey is only just beginning but we’re hopeful that these treatments will help ease his pain and keep him a happy and comfortable couch potato.

Until Next Time,

M.E.

P.S. UPDATE 4/21 - Otis had his formal follow up with his primary care vet and they evaluated him, his file and his x-rays. After his extensive review, he concluded that the TPLO surgery would in fact be the only option to really fix the situation, by doing one knee at a time. The cold laser therapy and shots may be useful during his rehab, but surgery is the only way to help Otis in the long-run. As for the anesthesia and his age, his vet feels confident that he would be okay through the procedure, and regardless, dropping a few pounds before will help drastically with recovery.

So, over the next few weeks we will have to get our ducks in row at work and home life to prep for Otis’ first TPLO surgery.

I will write up a full update once we get over this next hurtle.

- M.E.

Otis @otisanenglishbulldogpup (Instagram)