Watching your dog struggle to walk, shift weight off a leg, or hesitate before moving is heartbreaking, but TPLO – leg surgery for dogs offers a proven solution to restore mobility and eliminate pain. A torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is one of the most common causes of canine hind leg lameness, and because it rarely heals on its own, surgical intervention is often essential. Our team at Pet Depot Veterinary Group performs Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) to address this injury at the source, altering the knee’s mechanics so your dog can move comfortably and play again. If your dog has been diagnosed with a CCL tear, or if you suspect a knee injury, this guide explains how TPLO works and what to expect from our care.
TPLO – Leg Surgery – Dogs
Understanding TPLO Surgery in Dogs
TPLO stands for Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy. It is an orthopedic procedure that repairs a ruptured or torn CCL, the canine equivalent of a human ACL. Once this ligament is damaged, the knee joint becomes unstable, causing pain, swelling, and progressive joint damage if left untreated. Unlike simple ligament repair, TPLO changes the knee joint’s geometry, eliminating the need for the CCL to stabilize the leg during movement.
During the procedure, the surgeon cuts and repositions the tibial plateau (the top surface of the shin bone) at a new angle, then secures it with a specialized plate and screws. This repositioning allows the dog to bear weight on the leg without relying on the damaged ligament, which dramatically reduces pain and supports a more complete recovery. TPLO has become the gold standard in veterinary orthopedics because it addresses the structural cause of instability rather than attempting to repair a ligament that can no longer function reliably.
Benefits of TPLO Surgery
Getting to Know Your Dog Before Surgery
Our team begins with a thorough physical exam and a detailed review of your dog’s health history, symptoms, and activity level. Digital X-rays allow us to evaluate the joint closely and confirm the extent of the injury. This first appointment gives us the information we need to determine if TPLO is the most appropriate course of action for your dog.
Mapping Out the Right Approach for Your Pet
No two dogs are the same, and our approach to surgical planning reflects that. During planning, our team considers your dog’s breed, size, age, and overall health and builds the procedure and recovery protocol around those specifics. We will walk you through exactly what the surgery involves, what to expect afterward, and how to prepare for your dog’s recovery at home.
Performing the Procedure With Precision
We perform TPLO surgery in our fully equipped, sterile surgical suite, the same environment we use for all orthopedic and soft tissue procedures. Our team uses precision instruments and implants designed specifically for this procedure to ensure accuracy and safety throughout. We take every step to keep your dogs comfortable, including anesthesia monitoring and wound closure.
Supporting Your Dog Through Early Recovery
The weeks following surgery are critical, and our team provides clear, practical discharge instructions so you know exactly how to care for your dog at home. This includes activity restriction guidelines, incision care, medication schedules, and early signs of complications to watch for. Following the recovery plan closely is one of the most important things you can do during this period.
Confirming Your Dog Is Healing on Track
Scheduled follow-up appointments allow our team to monitor healing, assess the surgical site, and track your dog’s return to weight-bearing activity. We typically take X-rays at specific intervals to confirm the bone is healing correctly around the implant. If any adjustments to the recovery plan are needed, such as introducing physical rehabilitation or modifying activity levels, we will make those recommendations based on what we see.
Why Choose Us for TPLO Surgery
TPLO is a technically demanding procedure, and where your dog has surgery genuinely matters. Our team includes a board-trained surgeon who brings specialized orthopedic expertise to every case. A dedicated surgical team comes in specifically for these procedures, meaning your dog benefits from focused, coordinated care from professionals who perform this surgery regularly. Our sterile surgical suite is fully equipped for orthopedic work, and we do not cut corners on preparation, monitoring, or post-operative support.
Beyond the operating room, you will notice most of all how our team communicates. You will get clear answers before surgery, straightforward expectations about recovery, and consistent follow-through at every appointment. Our staff is stable and familiar, so you will not find yourself explaining your dog’s history to a different person every visit. Pet Depot Veterinary Group is privately owned, and people personally invested in your pet’s outcome make the decisions. That kind of care is not incidental; it is the standard.
FAQs
What is TPLO surgery in dogs?
TPLO surgery corrects a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament, a stabilizing structure inside the knee that does not heal on its own in dogs once torn. The procedure involves cutting and rotating the tibial plateau to a new angle, then fixing it in place with surgical hardware, so the knee no longer depends on that ligament to function. It is widely regarded as one of the most reliable surgical options for CCL tears, particularly in active or medium-to-large-breed dogs.
How long does TPLO surgery take?
The surgical portion of a TPLO typically takes 90 minutes to two hours, depending on the complexity of the case and the dog’s size. Total time at the practice will be longer, since your dog will need pre-surgical preparation and a monitored recovery period before going home. During the consultation, our team will give you a realistic estimate for your dog’s specific procedure.
How much is TPLO surgery for dogs?
TPLO surgery is a specialized orthopedic procedure, and pricing reflects the surgical expertise, equipment, implants, anesthesia, and aftercare involved. Costs vary based on your dog’s size and the specifics of their case, so a direct conversation is the most accurate way to get a number for your pet. Call us at 909.392.7799, and our team will walk you through what is included and what to expect financially before you commit to anything.
How to lift a dog after TPLO surgery?
Proper lifting technique matters in the weeks after TPLO, as the surgical leg needs protection from sudden stress or awkward positioning. Place one arm under your dog’s chest to support the front end and your other arm under the hindquarters, keeping their body as horizontal as possible as you lift. Our team will demonstrate this with you at discharge so you feel confident handling your dog safely at home.
How long after TPLO can a dog jump on the couch?
Jumping is one of the last activities cleared during TPLO recovery because it places sudden, high-impact force on the healing bone and implant. Most dogs are restricted from jumping on furniture, in and out of vehicles, or up stairs for at least eight to twelve weeks post-surgery, sometimes longer. Your dog’s specific clearance timeline will be based on follow-up X-rays and how their recovery is progressing, not a fixed date.
Get Your Dog Moving Again With TPLO Leg Surgery for Dogs
A CCL tear does not have to mean a permanent change in your dog’s quality of life. TPLO leg surgery has helped countless dogs return to full activity, and our team has the surgical expertise and follow-through to make that outcome realistic for your pet. Call Pet Depot Veterinary Group today at 909.392.7799 to schedule a consultation.
Getting to us is simple; search us on Google Maps for directions straight to our practice, and while you are there, take a moment to read what other pet parents in La Verne and the surrounding area are saying about their experience. Prefer to hear from the Yelp community? Our Yelp page has plenty of firsthand reviews from clients who have trusted us with their pets. Our Facebook page is where we share updates, pet health tips, and a closer look at the care happening inside our practice, a good place to get a real sense of who we are before your first visit. For a visual peek at daily life at the practice, our Instagram is worth a scroll.