Treating Ponki the Maltese

Complex Orthopaedic Surgery at Veterinarium - Treating Ponki the Maltese. 

Ponki was brought to Veterinarium due to lameness. An orthopaedic examination performed by Veterinarium’s Head Veterinarian, Dr. Lasha-Giorgi Japaridze, revealed a grade IV patellar luxation and rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL).

Ponki subsequently underwent a CT scan at Vet CT, the computed tomography centre located on the Kakha Bendukidze Campus. Based on the CT findings, a complex surgical procedure was planned.

Before surgery, Ponki underwent a comprehensive pre-anaesthetic assessment at Veterinarium, including:

• A complete blood count, serum biochemistry profile and electrolyte analysis 
• Echocardiography

The results were evaluated by Veterinarium’s cardiologist and anaesthetist, Natia Robakidze. Based on these findings, she developed an individualised anaesthetic protocol to ensure effective management of the patient’s anaesthetic risks.

Ponki underwent complex orthopaedic surgery combining several procedures:

• Distal femoral osteotomy (DFO) using a closed-wedge technique to correct the femoral deformity
• Patellar groove replacement (PGR) to replace the trochlear groove, which had been severely damaged by osteoarthritis, with a prosthetic implant
• Proximal tibial osteotomy using PTO and closed-wedge osteotomy (CCWO) techniques to correct the tibial deformity and adjust the tibial plateau angle (TPA)

Together, these procedures were performed to restore correct limb alignment, stabilise the stifle joint, and address the severe patellar luxation and cranial cruciate ligament rupture.

The surgery was performed by Veterinarium’s Head Veterinarian, Lasha-Giorgi Japaridze, assisted by Mariam Kapanadze. Anaesthesia was managed by Natia Robakidze.

The surgery was successful, and Ponki is now undergoing rehabilitation.