TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) is considered a highly effective, long-term, and often permanent solution for cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears in dogs, boasting a 90-95% success rate. It stabilizes the knee by changing the joint's mechanics rather than just repairing the ligament, allowing most dogs to return to full, active lifestyles.

How many years does TPLO surgery last?

At approximately eight weeks following surgery, X-rays will need to be taken by your veterinarian to verify complete bone healing before returning to normal activity. The implants are designed to stay in for life. However, if pain, infection, or irritation occurs we can easily remove the implants.

Can a dog live a normal life after TPLO?

Will my dog be able to enjoy life after TPLO? There is a reported 90-95% good to excellent outcome with TPLO, and 5-10% of patients don't return to an optimal level of function. Even with minor complications, they can still have a good to an excellent long-term outcome, but there could be hiccups along the way.

Can a dog heal without TPLO surgery?

Vet tech - there is no non-surgical option. The ligament that keeps the femur from falling off the tibia is torn. It will only get worse without surgery. You can rest it and give pain meds, but its not going to get better. You can't keep a brace on a dog for life, surgery is the only option.

What is the success rate of TPLO in dogs?

TPLO surgery has a high success rate. Over 90% of dogs regain full function of the knee. The pain and limping resolve & they return to all pre-surgery activities.

CCL Tears and How a TPLO Surgery Works

Is there an alternative to TPLO surgery for dogs?

Conservative Management. Conservative management refers to a non-surgical alternative to TPLO surgery for dogs and includes methods to manage a dog's CCL injury. This approach focuses on minimizing pain and inflammation while promoting stability by strengthening the muscles around the knee joint.

What are the long-term effects of TPLO surgery in dogs?

While TPLO provides excellent long-term outcomes, some dogs develop mild lameness or stiffness years after surgery. This can occur due to arthritis progression, muscle imbalances, or implant irritation, even in otherwise successful cases.

What happens if you don't do TPLO surgery?

What happens if I don't get my dog TPLO surgery? Because the CCL cannot heal on its own, the knee joint will remain unstable without surgery. The instability results in pain, inflammation, arthritis, and possible meniscal damage. The associated discomfort results in more severe lameness and subsequent muscle atrophy.

Can a dog live comfortably with a torn cruciate ligament?

A dog with a torn cruciate ligament can live a long life, but their quality of life largely depends on the care they receive for their injury. Such an injury causes pain, joint instability, and difficulty moving, which can worsen without proper treatment.

How painful is TPLO surgery for dogs?

Generally, the TPLO surgery in itself is not more painful for dogs than any average surgery. It is likely that dogs actually experience more pain from an untreated CCL than when recovering from TPLO surgery.

Can I leave my dog home alone after TPLO surgery?

Can a dog be left alone after TPLO surgery? Yes, your pet can be left unattended, but we recommend that they are crate-rested so that they can't get into any mischief while you are out.

How much does TPLO surgery cost?

The cost for TPLO surgery (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) for a dog typically ranges from $2,900 to $10,000 per knee, with averages often falling between $3,500 and $6,000, depending heavily on your location, the dog's size, the surgeon's expertise, and whether pre-op diagnostics (X-rays, bloodwork) and post-op care are included. Expect additional costs for follow-up visits, medications, and potential physical therapy.
 

Can a dog have TPLO surgery twice?

The incidence of needing repeat surgery on the same leg that has had a TPLO is very low. The main causes for this would include a post liminary meniscal injury (2-8%), implant-associated infection requiring removal of the implants (<2%), or implant breakage requiring addition stabilization.

Why is TPLO so expensive?

TPLO surgery is costly due to its complex nature and specialized equipment. It requires advanced surgical skills, high-quality implants, general anesthesia, and extensive post-operative care. Additionally, board-certified veterinary surgeons charge more due to their expertise and success rates.

Can a dog reinjure after TPLO?

Can my dog re-tear the cruciate ligament after surgery? No. Since we are not replacing the CCL, it cannot be torn. Likewise, once complete healing is obtained (about 6 months), the implants are not at much risk of breaking or moving.

What happens if I don't fix my dog's ACL tear?

Your dog will begin favoring the non-injured leg. While the injured knee is becoming less and less used because of the partial tearing, additional pressure is put on the other knee. This is one reason why in 60% of cases, a cruciate ligament tear in one knee will later lead to an injury of the other knee.

What breeds are prone to ACL tears?

The dog breeds on the following list are some of the most prone to ACL tears:

• Bichon Frises — This breed's playful demeanor can lead to a luxating patella, also known as a slipped kneecap. ...
• German Shepards — These dogs are very active, have large frames, and are prone to hip dysplasia.

Is a dog brace better than surgery for a torn ACL?

Do braces help dogs with a torn ACL? In general, the veterinary consensus is thumbs down for the concept of a dog ACL brace. Recovery time is significantly longer with a dog brace vs. surgical procedure, such as a TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy).

What is the alternative to TPLO surgery?

Also known as the Lateral Suture Technique, this established alternative to TPLO surgery for dogs avoids cutting any bone. A surgeon passes a strong, medical-grade suture material around the outside of the stifle (knee) joint, anchoring it to mimic the function of the damaged ligament.

How urgent is TPLO surgery?

Yes and no. An ACL injury is not an emergency surgical procedure. However, our biggest concern is your pet's quality of life. As a general rule, we strongly feel the earlier we can address the injury, the more we can slow the progression of arthritis and the faster we can improve comfort in your pet's knee.

How long can I delay ACL surgery?

In one study, the effects of delaying ACL reconstruction surgery for more than 12 months were examined. It found that patients who postponed surgery beyond a year had a significantly higher risk of developing medial chondral injuries (damage to the cartilage on the inner side of the knee joint).

Why has my dog started limping again after TPLO?

Limping two years post-TPLO may result from arthritis, implant irritation, meniscal damage, or muscle atrophy. Some dogs develop scar tissue or secondary joint issues that cause discomfort. If limping is sudden, it could indicate a late meniscus tear or implant problem.

How do dogs go to the bathroom after TPLO surgery?

Controlled leash walks

Short leash walks only to the bathroom. A sling or folded bath towel under the belly should be used for support especially on slick surfaces and will allow you to slow your pets pace if they are attempting to get away. They must still be on a leash even if a sling is used.

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