Meet Crissy, a 7-year old Beagle. She was referred to Miami Veterinary Specialists for a surgery consultation due to left hind limb lameness. A left cranial cruciate ligament rupture was suspected by Crissy’s primary care veterinarian.

Crissy was seen by Dr. Laura D’Amico, one of our Board-Certified Surgeons. During the examination, Crissy’s owner shared that Crissy also has a history of a left inguinal hernia that she obtained three years ago. She mentioned the hernia was recently getting larger. Dr. D’Amico confirmed the cranial cruciate ligament and strongly suggested a TPLO (Tibial-Plateau-Leveling Osteotomy) to correct it. A TPLO is a surgery performed in dogs to stabilize the stifle joint (or knee) after ruptures of the cranial ligament.

However, surgical correction of the growing hernia was needed before performing a TPLO. Dr. D’Amico explained that repairing the hernia (herniorraphy) may reduce the risk of future herniation of organs and possible life-threatening entrapment. When the herniorrapy was being performed, bilateral inguinal hernias were noted and repaired successfully.. Just a few weeks after the surgery, Crissy healed properly and Dr. D’Amico was able to perform a successful TPLO.

Crissy was discharged from MVS with strict orders of cage rest and prescribed pain medication. She will be back for a recheck and suture removal. She seems to be already on a great path to recovery!