Dog TPLO Surgery
Understanding Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Dogs
When your dog begins limping or avoids putting weight on one leg, you may be looking at a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury. This is the canine equivalent of what humans call an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. Inside the knee or stifle joint, the CCL holds the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia) together. If it ruptures, your dog’s tibial plateau can slide forward, causing pain, instability and longer-term damage to joint cartilage. Recognising the signs early is key. You might notice a sudden limp, or perhaps your dog shifts weight onto the good leg, sits awkwardly or resists stairs and jumps. Left untreated, even partial tears can progress until a full rupture occurs.
Many active dogs suffer from CCL injuries. It is one of the most common orthopaedic problems in dogs and results in a painful stifle. You may also find swelling around the joint, heat at the site or pain on manipulation. A thorough physical exam and possibly diagnostic imaging and blood tests at The Floreat Vet help pinpoint the injury and rule out other causes of lameness.
What Is TPLO Surgery?
TPLO stands for Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy. It is a surgical technique to restore stability in a knee affected by a cruciate ligament rupture. Rather than repairing or replacing the ligament, TPLO works by changing the slope of the tibial plateau so that it no longer pushes forward when your dog bears weight. That shift removes the need for the ligament to resist forward motion, allowing comfort and normal function to return without an ACL in place.
Compared with other procedures such as Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA), TPLO is well suited to active, large and athletic dogs. The stabilisation comes from a carefully cut and rotated segment of the shin bone, secured with a strong plate and screws. This corrects the biomechanics of the knee and offers long-term relief.
What Is TPLO Surgery?
Physical Exam and Diagnostics
Firstly, your dog will undergo a thorough physical exam to assess joint stability, weight-bearing ability, and pain. Blood tests ensure your pet is fit for anaesthesia. Digital imaging, such as X‑rays or ultrasound, helps assess the affected knee and measure the tibial plateau slope accurately.
The Surgery
During surgery, under general anaesthesia, the veterinary surgeon makes an incision through the joint capsule. A saw is used to cut the tibia just below the knee. The plateau is then rotated to a more level angle. This realignment reduces mechanical stress and prevents the unwanted forward motion of the shin bone. A custom-fitted bone plate and screws are used to hold the segment firmly in place.
A meniscal tear may also be addressed at this time, if present. The team will check for damage inside the joint and repair or remove torn tissue as needed.
Once all adjustments are complete, the surgeon closes the wound with sutures and applies a wound dressing. A proper dressing helps prevent infection and supports early healing.
The Healing Process and Recovery Timeline
Recovering from TPLO takes time, care, and a bit of patience.
We’ll be in regular contact with you throughout your dog’s recovery, through phone calls and check-ups, to make sure healing is on track and that their return to activity suits both them and your lifestyle. While every case is different, here’s a general outline of what to expect:
Days 1–4
This is the immediate post-operative phase focused on pain management. Your dog will need lots of rest and support at home. We'll guide you on using ice packs, medications, and keeping them comfortable.
Weeks 1–2
The surgical site (skin incision) usually heals in this time — hello Bucket Head! We’ll check progress during your follow-up visit and keep an eye on any swelling or concerns.
Weeks 3–5
Controlled walking begins, always on-lead. This is when the implants are doing most of the work, holding the bone stable, so no off-lead play, running, or jumping yet. If suitable, we may recommend starting basic rehabilitation exercises.
Weeks 6–10
Bone healing continues, and activity can slowly increase under guidance. Follow-up X-rays around the 8-week mark help us confirm that healing is progressing well before returning to full activity.
3–6 months
Most dogs return to their regular routine - walks, play, even beach trips with good strength and mobility. Recovery timelines can vary depending on age, breed, and activity level, but the goal is always a return to a happy, active life.
Pain Management and Rehabilitation
Pain relief is a central part of recovery. At The Floreat Vet, we will prescribe medication to manage discomfort while the operated limb heals. This may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and, occasionally, short-term opioids. You will be supported through the process of tapering off strong medication and monitoring for any reactions or side effects.
Physical rehabilitation is equally important. A tailored plan may include massage, gentle range‑of‑motion exercises and gradual strengthening routines supervised by experienced veterinary physios. Rehabilitation prevents muscle wasting, improves circulation and helps restore a smooth, normal gait.
Risks and Complications
Every surgery has risks. With TPLO, we monitor for complications such as deep infection around the plate, delayed bone healing or persistent lameness. Occasionally, further surgery is required to remove foreign material or repair additional meniscal damage.
We take measures to reduce risks. The Floreat Vet team uses sterile surgical protocols, high-quality implants and diligent post-operative monitoring. Infection risk is minimised by accurate wound care and follow‑up checks.
Suitability of TPLO and Alternative Options
TPLO is ideal for dogs with complete CCL rupture, especially larger, more active breeds. If your dog has only a partial tear or is low activity, alternative options may be considered, such as conservative management with leg braces, weight control and very careful exercise. However, you must know that partial tears often worsen over time, so monitoring will be essential.
Your vet will guide you through the options. We will explain how each approach fits your dog’s size, lifestyle and health, so you can make an informed decision.
Cost of TPLO Surgery
TPLO surgery costs can vary depending on your dog’s size, any complications, diagnostics, and implant type, as well as clinic costs. At our clinic, we treat every case individually (no churn and burn here), but as a general guide, the cost for a TPLO procedure with our team ranges from
$6,000 to $6,250.
This includes:
- Initial consultation, diagnostics and blood tests
- Surgery, including the bone plate and screws
- Pre- and post-operative radiographs (as needed)
- All pain relief medications after surgery
- Follow-up appointments and check-ups
- Collaboration with your regular vet if required
We also offer rehabilitation support and, importantly, you’ll never be hit with hidden costs. Everything is discussed upfront, and we’re happy to answer any questions you have during the consultation, so you’ll know exactly where the investment goes and why it matters for your dog’s recovery and long-term mobility.
Why Choose The Floreat Vet?
You want the best for your dog. At The Floreat Vet we offer:
- Experienced veterinary surgeons who regularly perform TPLO surgery
- Individualised care plans tailored to each dog’s unique condition
- High‑quality implants and surgical standards that prioritise safety
- Comprehensive follow-up, including pain management and rehabilitation support
- A friendly, supportive team to guide you every step of the way
We treat your dog with the same attention we would give to our own.
Book a Consultation
Time matters when it comes to cruciate injuries.
Contact The Floreat Vet today to arrange a physical exam and discuss whether TPLO is right for your dog. Our team will walk you through the procedure, recovery expectations and costs, so you feel confident and supported in every step.