Surgical stabilization of the knee is often necessary when a dog experiences a torn CCL. This is especially true for large breeds and particularly active dogs. Scheduling surgery as quickly as possible following the injury is the best way to reduce the risk of irreversible joint damage and pain.

TPLO surgery is one of the best ways to address the damage and get your dog back to walking and running like normal. The procedure involves reconfiguring the patient’s knee to eliminate the need for the CCL. During surgery, we make a small semicircular cut through the top of the tibia. We then rotate the top of the tibia and install a metal bone plate to hold the two tibia sections, which enables the tibia to heal in its new configuration. This reconfiguration levels the tibial plateau and provides stability and lowers the risk of further joint damage and osteoarthritis.

Most dogs recover quickly from TPLO surgery, and roughly half can walk on the injured leg within 24 hours of surgery. Within about four months, most patients can resume normal walks and activities. Full activity can usually resume after six months. To ensure the best results and prevent further injury, we encourage you to follow all aftercare instructions carefully and reach out to us if you have any questions.