INFO about the surgery that Munster Needs. Please take the time to read this post 🐾
⚕️TPLO: Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy is a surgical treatment option for dogs suffering from cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture Surgery.
⚕️He also needs a Meniscus Repair – Meniscectomy which is the debridement (removal) of torn/damaged meniscal tissue. Meniscal injuries on their own are uncommon in dogs, but the medial meniscus is very prone to tearing when the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is ruptured. See above.
SECOND: A HUGE Thank You! to Each and Every Person that has Donated and/or Shared Munsters GoFundMe! We are slowly reaching the goal mark for his TPLO surgery.
https://gofund.me/eba4b9a46
(this link is also in my Bio and I'm the first comment section below)
TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) surgery is a top treatment for dogs with a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), similar to a human ACL tear. It changes the angle of the shin bone using a metal plate and screws to permanently stabilize the knee without fixing the ligament itself.
What the Surgery Does:
• Fixes knee pain and stops the shin bone from sliding forward when your dog walks.
• Reshapes the top of the shin bone (tibia) and holds it in place with a steel plate.
• Lowers long-term joint inflammation and helps stop bad arthritis
➡️ We are trying to do this before sometime happens and the ligament snaps which will leave us with amputation of his lower back right leg. Far more harder for him to recover and actually a more expensive procedure and aftercare.
👉 Munster also needs to have torn and remaining Meniscuss tissue removed which increases his recovery time. This surgery a Menisectomy
Recovery time is expected to be around 4weeks or longer. He will need a full body lift harness for most of that time initial healing time. This harness will show us to help him go potty without standing on his leg or using it to get up from a laying position.
He will require a lot of medications, from pain management, antibiotics and sedatives (to help keep him down and not active). He will need to avoid putting any weight on the leg for at least the first 2 - 3 weeks. Given his size and weight it could be up to four weeks.
He will need to wear a cone for a full month 24/7 until he has active healing in the surgery site and all staples/stitches have been removed.
Again, Munster does have pet insurance but it is limited and does not cover this surgery nor offer any forms of reimbursement for the surgery, the medications, aftercare/follow-up appointments or the cone, harness and other items needed to keep him Downstairs and in a small secure area where he can buy get around post surgery.
https://gofund.me/eba4b9a46
Having cared for a dog with a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture myself, I can attest to how challenging this injury is for both the pet and the owner. TPLO surgery, which involves reshaping the tibial plateau and stabilizing the knee with a metal plate and screws, is considered highly effective in restoring mobility and reducing arthritis progression. In my experience, the immediate post-surgery period requires strict rest and limited weight-bearing on the affected leg, similar to what Munster will face. The addition of a meniscectomy, which removes damaged meniscal tissue, is important because untreated meniscus tears can cause persistent pain and joint damage. I recall how crucial pain management and proper use of a full body support harness were during recovery—this helped my dog avoid putting undue stress on the healing knee, especially when getting up or going outside. Recovery times can vary but typically stretch over several weeks, with strict activity restrictions for at least the first month. Wearing an Elizabethan collar (cone) continuously helps prevent licking or biting at surgical sites, reducing risks of infection. My veterinarian emphasized the importance of administering prescribed antibiotics and sedatives when recommended to support healing and keep the dog calm. Because insurance coverage for these surgeries is often limited or non-existent, many pet owners resort to fundraising to help cover the substantial medical and aftercare costs. The community support seen around Munster’s GoFundMe is invaluable, highlighting how sharing personal stories can raise both awareness and funds. Supporting a dog through TPLO and meniscectomy surgeries demands patience and effort, but witnessing the gradual return of mobility and comfort is incredibly rewarding. For anyone with a dog facing CCL injury, early intervention with TPLO surgery is often worth considering to avoid more drastic outcomes like amputation.