TPLO Surgery for Dogs in Surrey
TPLO, or Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy, is a surgical procedure used to treat cranial cruciate ligament injuries in dogs. It is often recommended for active dogs, larger breeds and dogs that need a strong, long-term solution for knee instability.
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At Ashley Veterinary Pet Hospital, we offer TPLO surgery to help reduce pain, stabilise the knee and support a return to comfortable movement. A damaged or ruptured cruciate ligament is a common cause of hind leg lameness in dogs.
TPLO surgery may be recommended for dogs with a ruptured or partially torn cranial cruciate ligament, particularly where there is significant instability within the knee joint.
TPLO may be suitable for:
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Active dogs
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Medium and large breed dogs
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Dogs needing a strong and reliable long-term repair
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Dogs with a complete cruciate rupture
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Cases where conservative management is unlikely to be successful
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Our vets will always assess your dog carefully before recommending any treatment option.
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The cranial cruciate ligament helps to keep the knee stable when your dog moves.
When the ligament becomes damaged or ruptures, the knee can become painful and unstable, which may affect your dog’s ability to walk, exercise and move comfortably.
Signs to look out for can include:
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Sudden limping on a back leg
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Difficulty standing up or getting into the car
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Stiffness after rest
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Toe-touching or carrying the affected leg
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Swelling around the knee
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Reduced activity or reluctance to exercise
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If your dog is showing any of these signs, an assessment with one of our vets can help determine the cause and the most appropriate treatment.
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Before surgery, your dog will need a full assessment. X-rays are taken to help plan the procedure and check for changes within the knee joint.
Your dog’s pre-operative assessment may include:
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An orthopaedic examination
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X-rays of the knee
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A discussion about symptoms and mobility at home
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Pre-anaesthetic blood tests where required
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A full estimate and recovery plan
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This assessment helps us determine whether TPLO surgery is the right option for your dog.
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During the procedure, the top of the tibia is carefully cut and rotated to alter the angle of the knee joint.
A specialised plate and screws are then used to secure the bone in its new position while it heals.
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This helps stabilise the knee without relying on the damaged cruciate ligament and reduces abnormal forward movement of the tibia during weight bearing.
TPLO surgery is designed to:
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Reduce pain
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Improve knee stability
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Support long-term function
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Reduce the risk of further joint damage
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Your dog will be closely monitored by our veterinary nursing team throughout the anaesthetic and recovery period.
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Recovery after TPLO surgery is gradual and requires careful aftercare at home.
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Many dogs begin to place some weight on the affected leg relatively soon after surgery, although full recovery takes time and activity must be increased gradually.
Recovery may include:
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Strict rest during the early stages
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Lead-only exercise for a set period
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Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication
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Follow-up X-rays at around six weeks
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A gradual return to normal exercise
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Physiotherapy where recommended
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Your veterinary team will provide a recovery plan tailored to your dog.
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TPLO is often recommended because it can provide strong knee stability and good long-term outcomes in suitable cases.
Potential benefits can include:
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Improved mobility
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Reduced pain
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Better knee stability
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Improved quality of life
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If your dog has been limping, has been diagnosed with a cruciate ligament injury, or you have been advised to consider cruciate surgery, please contact Ashley Veterinary Pet Hospital.
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Or call us on 01932 248941 and our team will be happy to help.
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