Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO)

Information for pet owners.

A Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO) is an advanced orthopaedic surgery commonly recommended for dogs with a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in the knee. It restores stability to the joint, reduces pain, and helps your dog return to comfortable movement.

What Is a Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Injury?

The cranial cruciate ligament stabilises the knee joint. When it tears or ruptures, the knee becomes unstable, causing pain, lameness, and progressive arthritis. CCL injury can occur gradually (ligament degeneration over time) or suddenly (during activity). Without surgical stabilisation, most dogs experience ongoing pain and worsening joint disease.

What Is TPLO Surgery?

TPLO changes the mechanics of the knee rather than directly repairing the ligament. By levelling the angle of the top of the tibia, the knee becomes functionally stable during weight-bearing. The procedure involves carefully cutting and rotating the top of the tibia and fixing it with a plate and screws, allowing the bone to heal in a stable position. It is one of the most reliable procedures for managing CCL disease in dogs.

Benefits of TPLO Surgery

Potential benefits include improved knee stability, reduced pain and inflammation, an earlier return to weight-bearing than some other techniques, good long-term limb function, and slowing the progression of arthritis. While no surgery prevents arthritis completely, TPLO can significantly improve comfort and mobility.

What to Expect on the Day of Surgery

  • A full pre-anaesthetic assessment
  • General anaesthesia and advanced pain management
  • Surgery typically taking several hours
  • A hospital stay for monitoring and pain control

Our veterinary team keeps you informed throughout the process.

Customer at North Shore Vet Reception

Recovery After TPLO

Recovery is gradual and carefully managed – just as important as the surgery itself. It includes strict initial exercise restriction, controlled leash walks only, a structured rehabilitation program, and follow-up appointments with repeat X-rays to assess bone healing. Most dogs show steady improvement over 8–12 weeks, with continued strengthening over several months.

Risks & Outlook

Risks & Complications

As with any surgery, TPLO carries potential risks including infection, late meniscal tear, implant-related complications, delayed bone healing, and bleeding – minimised through careful technique, monitoring, and good post-operative care.

Long-Term Outlook

Many dogs go on to live active, comfortable lives after TPLO. Although arthritis may still need medical management, commitment to post-operative care and rehabilitation plays a major role in the best possible outcome.

Questions or Referrals

A TPLO consultation lets a surgical specialist examine your dog, review X-rays, discuss all treatment options, and explain expected outcomes, risks and recovery. If your dog has been diagnosed with cruciate ligament disease, or you’d like more information, please speak with your veterinarian or arrange a consultation with our surgical team.