Your vet will perform diagnostics and pre-anesthetic testing to ensure your dog is healthy enough to undergo orthopedic surgery. They will also begin administering antibiotics and painkillers to your dog at this time.

Your dog will be placed under anesthesia for the TPLO procedure. To begin, the veterinarian will create a small incision (opening) and then use a miniature camera to assess the structure of your dog's knee. They will then use the video feed from the camera to guide the surgical removal of the damaged ligament(s). The tibial plateau (the area of the knee that bears load) will then be cut, rotated, and repositioned at a five-degree angle to align with the femur (thigh bone). The knee joint will once again be stable, allowing your dog to bear weight. A bone graft will be placed using a bone plate and screws. During this procedure, your vet will also examine the meniscus (cartilage found in the knee joint) to determine whether it is torn and remove any damaged sections.

Once the surgery is complete, your vet will perform additional X-rays to examine the new angle of the shin and assess how the position of the screws and plates is working. Your vet will place a bandage over the surgical site to prevent infection. Many dogs remain in the hospital overnight following TPLO surgery.

TPLO Surgery

Restoring Knee Function & Relieving Pain

Your dog's cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is essential for stabilizing their knee joint. The purpose of the CCL is to prevent the femur from sliding down the slope as your dog bears weight. However, this ligament is at risk of tearing due to sudden trauma or slow degeneration that can occur over months or years.

TPLO surgery aims to alleviate pain, prevent further damage to the joint, and reduce the likelihood of developing chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis. It is considered a highly effective treatment for addressing CCL injuries in dogs.

What to Expect from TPLO Surgery

TPLO is an effective procedure used to treating CCL injuries. If your dog requires this surgery, you can learn more about what to expect from the process at our animal hospital below.

The TPLO Surgical Procedure

TPLO surgery is a standard orthopedic procedure designed to permanently repair a dog's damaged CCL.

Your vet may recommend this surgery to restore the function of your dog's knee and prevent further injury or complications. Here is what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure.

Before Surgery

Your vet will perform diagnostics and pre-anesthetic testing to ensure your dog is healthy enough to undergo orthopedic surgery. They will also begin administering antibiotics and painkillers to your dog at this time.
During Surgery

Your dog will be placed under anesthesia for the TPLO procedure. To begin, the veterinarian will create a small incision (opening) and then use a miniature camera to assess the structure of your dog's knee. They will then use the video feed from the camera to guide the surgical removal of the damaged ligament(s).

The tibial plateau (the area of the knee that bears load) will then be cut, rotated, and repositioned at a five-degree angle to align with the femur (thigh bone). The knee joint will once again be stable, allowing your dog to bear weight.

A bone graft will be placed using a bone plate and screws. During this procedure, your vet will also examine the meniscus (cartilage found in the knee joint) to determine whether it is torn and remove any damaged sections.
After Surgery

Once the surgery is complete, your vet will perform additional X-rays to examine the new angle of the shin and assess how the position of the screws and plates is working. Your vet will place a bandage over the surgical site to prevent infection. Many dogs remain in the hospital overnight following TPLO surgery.

Recovery After TPLO Surgery

It may take your dog 12 to 16 weeks to recover from TPLO surgery. However, this recovery period is considerably quick compared to similar procedures.

Your vet will provide you with detailed home care instructions that you should follow closely. Generally, the surgical site should be monitored for any excessive discharge, redness, swelling, or other complications. Your dog must also wear an Elizabethan collar (a cone) to keep them from grooming, chewing, or licking the incision.

You will also need to restrict your dog's physical activity and discourage them from jumping, running, or engaging in rough play while they are recovering.

You can expect your dog to return to regular physical activities about six months after their TPLO surgery.

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