Dr. Katie Hennessy is a 1989 graduate of the University of Minnesota and is the founder of our clinic. She has a special interest in advanced soft tissue and orthopedic surgery. Dr. Katie has completed the week-long AO-ASIF bone plating class at Ohio State, the Ex-fix course at Iowa State, and was certified to do TPLO surgery in the fall of 2003 in Oregon, and TTA certified summer of 2008. Dr. KAtie has done hundreds of TPLO/ TTA with excellent results. She is one of the few doctors in the state of Minnesota certifed to do all the available types of repairs TPLO/ TTA/ Extra-cap for ACL tears!
TPLO / TTA is the recommended surgery to repair ACL tears for all dogs over 90 pounds, 60-90 lb. dogs that are very active, or have performance careers, pre-existing arthritis or other orthopedic problems. TTA approximate cost in 2009 is $2050 -$2250 with meds. and pre-op blood test. We have done many TTA’s over the last year and have had equal results as with the TPLO. TTA hardware will not work on all dogs so we are still offering the TPLO which is approx. $2250-$2400. With both surgeries we offer recheck packages for $145 when done here.
In addition to TPLO/ TTA Dr. Katie has done over 450 extra-capsular ACL repairs using monofilament line with the Securos crimping system. Extra-capsular ACL repair is the most common method used in dogs under 30 pounds. These dogs have also done very well particularly with the new isometric placement of line. Approximate cost is $1070-$1290 for the surgery and rechecks.
For puppies less than 5-8 months old with an ACL tear, we are offering a TPLP which places a screw in the tibia to close a growth plate. Cost is $450 for surgery and they do quite well without the need for TTA or TPLO later.
About Our Nursing Staff
In addition to our five Veterinarians, Heartland Animal Hospital employs seven Certified Veterinary Technicians and four Receptionist/Assistants. Our CVT’s provide excellent nursing care and personal service for both you and your pet. Your pet will have their own personal care technician assigned to handle their visit from Your pet will be well taken care of as if they were family!
