Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO)

TPLO is generally preferred for medium, large, giant, and athletic dogs, and for any dog with a steep tibial slope, because it produces stable, durable function and a quick return to weight-bearing. Compared with suture-based techniques, TPLO tends to offer more consistent long-term outcomes in active dogs and helps slow the progression of arthritis in the joint. Your surgeon recommends it based on your dog's size, conformation, activity level, and the specifics of the tear.

TPLO is performed under general anesthesia with full monitoring. The steps:

• The surgeon makes a precise curved cut (osteotomy) in the top of the tibia
• The bone segment is rotated to level the joint surface, neutralizing the forward thrust that the torn ligament can no longer resist
• A stainless-steel bone plate and screws hold the bone in its new position while it heals
• The joint is inspected and any damaged meniscus (cartilage cushion) is treated

The bone heals over several weeks, after which it carries the dog's weight permanently in its corrected alignment.

Before surgery we confirm the diagnosis with an orthopedic exam and X-rays and run pre-anesthetic bloodwork to make sure your dog is a good candidate. You'll be asked to withhold food the night before (water is usually fine), and we'll review medications and any supplements. We also plan your dog's recovery space at home in advance — a confined, non-slip area — so everything is ready before discharge.

Most dogs touch the toe down within a few days and steadily increase weight-bearing over the following weeks. A typical recovery looks like:

• Weeks 1–2: strict rest, short leashed bathroom trips only, incision monitoring, pain medication
• Weeks 3–8: gradually longer controlled leash walks; no running, jumping, or stairs
• Weeks 8–12: recheck X-rays confirm bone healing, then a gradual return to normal activity

Keeping your dog lean and following the activity plan closely are the two biggest factors in a great outcome. We'll see you for scheduled rechecks throughout.

TPLO has a high success rate, and serious complications are uncommon. As with any surgery, possible risks include infection, implant irritation, delayed bone healing, or later meniscal injury — most are manageable, and we discuss them honestly before you decide. The large majority of dogs return to comfortable, athletic function. Because cruciate disease often affects both knees, we'll also keep an eye on the opposite leg.