TPLO surgery is a commonly performed procedure used to treat cranial cruciate ligament disease in dogs.
The cranial cruciate ligament helps stabilise the knee (stifle) joint. When the ligament becomes damaged or ruptures, the joint becomes unstable, resulting in pain, lameness and the development of arthritis. TPLO surgery alters the biomechanics of the knee joint to improve stability and limb function.
What Is TPLO Surgery?
TPLO stands for Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy.
This procedure involves making a semi-circular cut near the top of the tibia (shin bone) and rotating the bone into a new position.
The bone is then stabilised using a specialised bone plate and screws.
Changing the position of the bone alters the biomechanics of the knee joint, helping to reduce the instability caused by the damaged cruciate ligament.
During surgery, the joint will also be inspected, and the torn cruciate ligament removed.
The surgeon will examine the menisci, which are pieces of cartilage within the joint that provide shock absorption and aid smooth movement.
Approximately 50% of dogs will have sustained a meniscal injury at the same time as damaging their cruciate ligament. Damaged portions of the meniscus may also need to be removed during surgery.
Some dogs can develop a ‘late meniscal injury’ during recovery following surgery, which may require further surgical treatment.
Price of TPLO Surgery
The fixed cost of TPLO surgery is £2019. If X-rays have not previously been performed at an Animal Trust clinic, an additional charge of £419 will apply.
Recovery
Following surgery, your dog will require a period of restricted exercise and controlled rehabilitation.
Recovery time for most dogs is approximately 12 weeks, although this can vary between individuals.
Physiotherapy or hydrotherapy may be beneficial during recovery.
Detailed home care and exercise instructions will be provided following surgery.
We do not routinely perform repeat X-rays during recovery unless progress is not as expected.
Alternative Surgical Procedures
TPLO is the most commonly performed surgical procedure for cruciate ligament disease at Animal Trust.
In some patients, alternative procedures such as Cranial Closing Wedge Osteotomy (CCWO) or Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) surgery may be recommended depending on individual anatomy and orthopaedic assessment.
Further Information
For more information about cranial cruciate ligament disease, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options, please see our Cruciate Disease page.
