TPLO Surgery Successfully Performed in Miniature Breed Dogs

TPLO Surgery Successfully Performed in Miniature Breed Dogs.

Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) in miniature breed dogs presents unique challenges due to the meticulous planning and delicacy required. Consequently, successful outcomes rely on a combination of advanced surgical expertise and cutting-edge technological tools.

In September, TPLO surgeries were successfully performed at the Veterinarium of the Agricultural University of Georgia on two miniature-breed patients: a Yorkshire Terrier named Marley and a Chihuahua named Coco.

Both of them were diagnosed with a complete rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), one of the most common orthopedic conditions in dogs. As a result, they exhibited Grade V lameness, meaning they were essentially unable to use the limb.

Surgical treatment via TPLO is considered one of the most effective and modern approaches to managing cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs. This technique is widely recognized as the international gold standard, with reported success rates of 90-95%. It restores functional mobility and significantly enhances the quality of life for canine patients. However, in miniature breeds, TPLO requires exceptional precision and meticulous preoperative planning.

At the Veterinarium, surgical planning is led by Chief Veterinarian and Head of Surgical Department, Dr. Lasha-Giorgi Japaridze, who utilizes vPOP PRO (Veterinary Preoperative Orthopaedic Planning) - a licensed, globally recognized platform for orthopedic surgical planning in veterinary medicine. vPOP PRO enables detailed evaluation of fractures, precise bone measurements, optimal implant selection, and preoperative simulation of surgical outcomes.

Prior to surgery, both Coco and Marley underwent comprehensive diagnostic assessments, including:

• Radiographic imaging (X-rays)
• Preoperative laboratory testing, including a complete blood count (CBC), serum biochemistry profile, and electrolyte panel
• Echocardiography

These laboratory and radiologic diagnostic tools are essential not only for surgical planning but also for ensuring the safe and effective administration of anesthesia.

Both patients underwent TPLO surgery performed by Dr. Lasha-Giorgi Japaridze, who completed advanced training in Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (Advanced TPLO - The Next Level) in Bulgaria, supported by the Agricultural University of Georgia. Dr. Japaridze holds a Master’s degree in Veterinary Medicine, is a PhD candidate at the Agricultural University of Georgia, and also lectures in veterinary surgery.

The surgeon was assisted by Luka Glonti and Mari Kapanadze, master’s students of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the Agricultural University of Georgia.

Anesthesia was expertly managed by Natia Robakidze, who has received specialized training in veterinary anesthesia in Poland, Estonia, and Italy.

Both patients experienced a smooth postoperative recovery.