Surgery Services
These are some of the most common surgeries that are referred to us. We also perform other surgeries as well.
Please call us at (727) 447-0256 for more information.
Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL)
The CCL is one of two ligaments that cross (cruciate means cross) in the knee joint, (cranial means toward the head-end of the canine body). This ligament connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone) and supports the knee joint function. It is the same as the ACL ligament (anterior cruciate ligament) in man. When the cranial cruciate ligament ruptures (is torn), the joint becomes unstable causing pain and lameness. The best treatment is usually surgical treatment.
Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) Repair
The procedure we use to repair the CCL tear in medium to large dogs is called a TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement). (The tibial tuberosity is a bony prominence on the upper front of the tibia just below the kneecap) This surgical repair involves cutting the front top section of the tibia and moving it (advancing it) forward, then screwing it in place to stabilize the new position. TTA results in fast improvement in the first 2 weeks. Then, continued improvement gradually over the next 2 months. However, the fast improvement and returning good function does not mean the healing is complete. So the post-surgery instructions which include ‘No running, jumping, playing or licking’ are necessary to follow.
Dr. Malnati has over 40 years experience as a Board Certified Veterinary Orthopedic Surgeon.
Why TTA is often my surgery of choice to repair a CCL
- It is adaptable to each dog’s anatomy
- TTA surgery is less disruptive to the main weight-bearing bone (the tibia)
- Not as much bone needs to be cut in a TTA as compared to a TPLO surgery
- Fewer complications in patients
- The dogs put weight on the leg and use the leg sooner
- Best for dogs weighing 25lbs and up
- Strong, long-term stability solution
Dr. Malnati has done over 2000 TTAs
TTA is one of the most common procedures done by Dr. Malnati. Results of our survey of over 100 clients showed client satisfaction with the outcome of the surgery to be 9.4 on a scale of 10. After having done cruciate surgery for decades, I am very pleased to be achieving such good results with TTA surgery. Smaller dogs and cats are repaired using suture material placed outside the joint in a manner so that it supports the joint in a similar way to the cranial cruciate ligament. This is known as an Extracapsular Repair.
NOTE: With the dawning of AI (Artificial Intelligence) on the Internet, when searching for data on any subject including health subjects, one will find opinions and facts mixed together. For surgeries, we recommend obtaining a consultation with a surgical professional for you and your pet to ensure you have addressed all previously unanswered questions and diagnosis and treatment options and concerns.
For more details on this TTA procedure see the Surgery video at the bottom of this page.
Medial Patellar Luxation (MPL) Repair
The condition known as medially luxating patella is when the kneecap goes out of its proper position and rests on the inside (medial) of the knee. This condition is also known as medial patellar luxation or MPL. If you put your right hand on your own right kneecap, you can feel it located in the middle of the knee. Now move your hand to the left side (inside or medial) of your right knee. This is where a medially luxating patella rests. Your dog may seem to run normally to you except that once in awhile he or she may pick up a leg and carry it for a bit. MPL Repair is another of the most common procedures done by Sunset Veterinary Surgery.
Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)
This is a procedure for hip dysplasia and hip fractures in dogs and cats. The femur is the thigh bone. The hip joint is a ball and socket joint. The head of the femur is the ball. In this surgery the head of the femur is removed (Os means bone; ectomy means remove) allowing a false joint to form. FHO surgery is performed to alleviate pain. It is also performed in cases of trauma where the head of the femur is severely broken or malformed.
7 Critical Questions You Must Ask Before Your Pet Undergoes Surgery…
- How many of this type of surgery has the veterinarian performed?
- How recently has the veterinarian performed this type of surgery?
- Does the surgery require specialized equipment that’s readily available to the veterinarian?
- Does my pet’s surgery require a specialist?
- What should I expect the outcome of the surgery to be?
- What are the risks involved in this type of surgery?
- What post-surgery care is required and for how long?
Sunset Veterinary Surgery
1969 Sunset Point Road
Suite 8
Clearwater, Florida 33765
(727) 447-0256
Hours: M-F 8:00AM - 5:00 PM
