Advanced Surgical CareTPLO is an advanced orthopedic procedure that stabilizes the knee joint. A torn cranial cruciate ligament (ACL/CCL) is one of the most common causes of pain and mobility loss in dogs.
Minimally Invasive Care
Candidacy for TPLO treatmentNot every limp requires surgery, but some injuries will not improve with rest alone. Recognizing early signs can help prevent ongoing pain and further joint damage.
A proper evaluation is the only way to determine whether surgery is recommended and which options are most appropriate for your pet.
Modern MedicineEach step of our minimally invasive TPLO procedure is focused on returning your pet to full function and confident daily activity.
Your pet is carefully sedated so they are comfortable throughout the procedure.
The knee area is prepared to maintain a sterile environment.
Damaged tissue in the joint is treated to support proper healing.
The top of the shin bone is adjusted to improve knee function.
The bone is securely supported, so it can heal in its new position.
The surgical area is protected to begin recovery .
Recovery And AftercareMost pet owners are surprised by how manageable modern recovery can be when the plan is clear and support is in place. Our support continues beyond the day of surgery, so you are never left wondering what comes next.
Recovery With ConfidenceRecovery following the TPLO Surgery is relatively short. It takes about 8 weeks for the bone to heal and an additional 8 weeks (for a total of 16 weeks) before the pet can resume regular, unrestricted activity.
Week 5: Increase the length of walks to 12 minutes 3-4 times per day.
Week 6: Increase the length of walks to 15 minutes 3-5 times per day.
Week 7: Increase the length of walks to 18 minutes 3-5 times per day.
Week 8: Increase the length of walks to 20 minutes 3-5 times per day.
Week 9: 5 minutes of off-leash activity 3-5 times a day.
Week 10: 5-10 minutes of off-leash exercise 3-5 times a day.
Week 11: 10-15 minutes of off-leash exercise 3-5 times a day.
Week 12: 10-20 minutes of off-leash exercise 3-5 times a day.
All restrictions are lifted. Continue to increase off-leash activity to pre-surgery level gradually. Although the bone may have healed, there is still plenty of time needed to rebuild the muscles supporting the knee. On average, it takes six months before your dog’s operated leg will rebuild the pre-surgery muscle mass.
Recovery With ConfidenceMany dogs return home either the same day or, more commonly, the day after.
Dogs are usually sent home with medication for individualized pain management and to prevent infection.
Pets commonly receive a brace for assistance and to prevent licking in the immediate days after surgery.
Our team closely monitors your pet and checks in at 24 hours, 48 hours, and schedules a routine follow-up.
Detailed home-care instructions, including activity guidelines, are provided for the week of recovery.
Dog Knee Brace vs TPLO Surgery A knee brace for dogs supports the joint externally. But it does not correct joint instability.
Over time, the knee can continue to deteriorate. Braces are considered a lower-cost alternative to TPLO surgery in dogs, while TPLO is a long-term solution for recovering mobility and quality of life.
