If you are visiting our site, your pet may have a condition that your current veterinarian recognizes as requiring specialized care. Dr. George A. Malnati is a Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon. Sunset Veterinary Surgery works in cooperation with numerous general practice veterinarians when your pet develops a specific condition that is beyond what they can offer.We work closely with your veterinarian to provide you with the same gentle care and quality of treatment. We are a very personal practice and answer all of your questions until you are completely knowledgeable and comfortable with the procedure we will be doing with your dog or cat.
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The CCL is one of two ligaments that cross (cruciate means cross) in the knee joint. This ligament 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 procedure we use to repair the CCL tear in medium to large dogs is called a TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement). For more details on this procedure see video above. TTA is one of the most common procedures done by Sunset Veterinary Surgery.
This letter is for anyone blessed enough to find or be referred to Dr. Malnati and his crew. About 3 months ago our family dog took off after a cat in our yard. He ran he ran up the yard on 4 legs and came back on 3. A trip to the emergency room told. We had a wonderful experience with Dr. Malnati at the clinic.
A thorough physical exam and detailed explanation of the problem followed by recommendations for treatment. Your primary care veterinarian should have already faxed us any laboratory tests and patient history. You should bring any x-rays that have been taken. We prefer that you don't wait for your pet during surgery because surgical procedures and recovery time can vary for each pet.
Reviews (11)
Kaylee Mitchell
Aug 13, 2024
Dr. Malnati and Staff,
First, thank you for all you do to provide superior care to pets in our community. My two-year-old yellow lab, Willow, began limping back in April of 2024, and we realized with the help of Dr. Mitchell Bennet that she had a torn ACL. We were referred to a few veterinary surgeons to look into, but everyone I spoke to told me that Dr. Malnati was the one for the job. After our first visit, I knew Willow would be cared for at this surgery center and would return to catching her frisbee, swimming, and walking soon. Willow had her surgery in June of 2024. Everyone warned me that it would be so rough, but I had no issues. Thanks to the time and care Dr. Malnati and his staff provide to animals. They ensured to give me specific care instructions so that I could help Willow get back to the energic lab she was in prior to surgery. Willow's first night was tough; she was exhausted and in pain, but the medications she was sent home with helped a lot. After night one, we got the hang of things, and she was thrilled to have her soft cast removed. Since then, we have slowly worked on getting her back to her daily routine and schedule. Willow has returned for her follow-up appointments with more movement than the last; at this point, it has been two months to the day of her surgery, and she is officially back to her morning and evening walks, plays frisbee for short periods, and is back to going out to the park on the weekends.
Willow is more than a dog to me; she is my best friend. I was devasted to learn that she hurt her leg so badly, and I was so nervous about the surgery. I cannot thank Dr. Malnati and Elsye enough for all the reassurance they provided to not only Willow but me, too. The time Dr. Malnati and his staff take to follow up, check-in, and ensure your dog is back to its normal self makes such a difference in recovery.
While I sincerely hope that Willow will not need any further surgeries, I am aware of the possibility. In the unfortunate event of another ACL tear, I have no doubt that we will return to Dr. Malnati and his exceptional staff. Your care and expertise have made a profound difference in Willow's life, and we are grateful for the hope you have restored in us.
First, thank you for all you do to provide superior care to pets in our community. My two-year-old yellow lab, Willow, began limping back in April of 2024, and we realized with the help of Dr. Mitchell Bennet that she had a torn ACL. We were referred to a few veterinary surgeons to look into, but everyone I spoke to told me that Dr. Malnati was the one for the job. After our first visit, I knew Willow would be cared for at this surgery center and would return to catching her frisbee, swimming, and walking soon. Willow had her surgery in June of 2024. Everyone warned me that it would be so rough, but I had no issues. Thanks to the time and care Dr. Malnati and his staff provide to animals. They ensured to give me specific care instructions so that I could help Willow get back to the energic lab she was in prior to surgery. Willow's first night was tough; she was exhausted and in pain, but the medications she was sent home with helped a lot. After night one, we got the hang of things, and she was thrilled to have her soft cast removed. Since then, we have slowly worked on getting her back to her daily routine and schedule. Willow has returned for her follow-up appointments with more movement than the last; at this point, it has been two months to the day of her surgery, and she is officially back to her morning and evening walks, plays frisbee for short periods, and is back to going out to the park on the weekends.
Willow is more than a dog to me; she is my best friend. I was devasted to learn that she hurt her leg so badly, and I was so nervous about the surgery. I cannot thank Dr. Malnati and Elsye enough for all the reassurance they provided to not only Willow but me, too. The time Dr. Malnati and his staff take to follow up, check-in, and ensure your dog is back to its normal self makes such a difference in recovery.
While I sincerely hope that Willow will not need any further surgeries, I am aware of the possibility. In the unfortunate event of another ACL tear, I have no doubt that we will return to Dr. Malnati and his exceptional staff. Your care and expertise have made a profound difference in Willow's life, and we are grateful for the hope you have restored in us.
Daniel Moros
May 26, 2022
This one is a long time coming. About 6 months ago, my Boston Terrier went to see Dr. Malnati. Anything short of incredible would be an understatement! The surgery was a complete success which - for this Boston who loves fetch above all - was life changing. Sometimes things happen to our loved ones, but you can rest assured that your money spent with Dr. Malnati is worth 10,000% of every penny. I added a video of Blue about 6 months later running in the dog park loving life again.
Daisy Renee Law
May 04, 2022
I just want to thank Dr. Malnati and his great staff at Sunset Veterinary Surgery for taking such amazing care of my Ava. This was her second TPLO surgery the first one with another local surgeon did not go well. Ava was so relaxed around Dr. Malnati and this leg has healed twice as fast. Ava is a 70 lb. blue Pitbull and a big girl, I just can't get over how well she is doing 10 days later.
La Groteke
Apr 25, 2022
P. Castanik
Apr 21, 2022
Gary, my 1y/o Boston Terrier, had a genetic condition where both hind leg knee caps were dislocating. He couldn't run much without a knee dislocating. Sad, because he couldn't play much with the other dogs. Dr. Malnati fixed up both legs at once. Gary now runs a full speed with no issues. He's happier than ever, and I am too. Dr. Malnati is a very kind and gentle man who loves dogs. And dogs love him too! Highly recommended.
Annmarie Polinsky
Apr 17, 2022
Our chihuahua suffered serious damage to his ccl 2.5 months ago and required surgery. Although hesitant to have it done, Dr. Malnati patiently and thoroughly explained the procedure, putting us at ease. We called several facilities, similarly rated, but the empathy and patience of his front desk staff fielding calls made the decision easy. Oskar was given a clean bill of health this morning. He's back to his normal self - jumping and running, enjoying his life - thanks to Dr Malnati and his extraordinary staff. Highly recommend without hesitation!
Grit VRodder
Feb 23, 2022
Keyno tore his right ACL and was suffering. He is built like a tank and this knee issue was ruining his quality of life. Dr. Malnati and his staff took great care of not only Keyno but of us as well. The results of the Dr. Malnati's surgery are fantastic, After the 8 week recovery period, Keyno was probably back to 90% of his old pre-injury self. Now after about 12 weeks, Keyno walks without any sign of a limp and is in great spirits.
Although Keyno was 8 years old when we elected to have the surgery. I couldn't allow him to live his remaining years with this knee injury. I'm so happy that we got the surgery and had Dr. Malnati and his staff care for Keyno. I highly recommend Sunset Veterinary Surgery!
Although Keyno was 8 years old when we elected to have the surgery. I couldn't allow him to live his remaining years with this knee injury. I'm so happy that we got the surgery and had Dr. Malnati and his staff care for Keyno. I highly recommend Sunset Veterinary Surgery!
Warnell Guzman
Jan 29, 2021
Chris Schiller
Apr 18, 2020
Michael Lang
Mar 11, 2019
So happy we decided to entrust our 11 year old chihuahua/jack russell mix (Meeko) to Dr. Malnati and his staff. Meeko needed surgery on both knees for luxating patellas and torn ccls. Dr. George performed surgery on one side at a time. His expertise and commitment to successful outcomes for his patients, and their families, is obvious. He answers all your questions honestly without making promises.
He and his staff are there for you every step of the way. It was very stressful for us and Meeko, but we felt very comfortable with how they "coached" us through it. Our vet recommended him and so do we. If your "best friend" needs orthopedic surgery, we firmly believe Dr. George is the best choice for a positive, rejuvenating outcome!
He and his staff are there for you every step of the way. It was very stressful for us and Meeko, but we felt very comfortable with how they "coached" us through it. Our vet recommended him and so do we. If your "best friend" needs orthopedic surgery, we firmly believe Dr. George is the best choice for a positive, rejuvenating outcome!
Rob Kearton
Jan 26, 2019
Dr. Malnati was recommended by our local vet who diagnosed a probable ACL tear. Coincidentally, several of our neighbors had also been to Sunset and were extremely pleased with his services. I couldn't agree more. Excellent veterinary surgery, reasonable fees, and very good support staff. Fortunate to have this team so close by!
