Understanding TPLO Surgery for Dogs

At Animal Oasis of the Rockies, we’re committed to ensuring your pets receive the best possible care for every stage of their lives. When your dog experiences orthopedic issues like a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear, we know how distressing it can be. That’s why we partner with Gall Mobile Vet Services (GMVS) to offer TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) surgery right here in our clinic.

What Is the CCL in Dogs, and How Can TPLO Surgery Help?

The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is a major part of your dog’s knee that keeps the joint stable. You can think of it as the ligament that holds everything steady when your dog walks, runs, or jumps. It’s similar to the ACL in humans.

Unfortunately, the CCL is also one of the most commonly injured parts of a dog’s body. When this ligament tears—whether from a sudden accident or gradual wear and tear—it can cause a lot of discomfort and limit your dog’s ability to move around.

A torn CCL might look like:

  • Limping or holding up one back leg
  • Trouble sitting down or standing up (sometimes with a whimper)
  • Avoiding stairs, jumping, or playing
  • Swelling or tenderness around the knee joint
  • Stiffness, especially after naps or resting

Without treatment, a torn CCL can lead to long-term problems like arthritis and ongoing pain. That’s where TPLO surgery (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) comes in to help your dog get back on their paws. If you notice any of these signs, our team can help evaluate your dog and recommend the best course of action.

Why Choose TPLO Surgery?

When a dog suffers a torn CCL, treatment options typically fall into surgical or non-surgical categories. While some minor injuries can be managed with rest, medication, or braces, many dogs need a surgical solution to fully regain mobility.

Instead of trying to fix the torn ligament, TPLO takes a different approach. It changes the way your dog’s knee works so it stays stable without depending on the damaged ligament.

Here’s how it works:

  • Adjusting the Knee Joint: The top part of the shinbone (the tibial plateau) is reshaped to create a flat, stable surface.
  • Realigning the Joint: The knee’s angle is adjusted to prevent the painful slipping that happens with a torn CCL.
  • Securing the New Position: A metal plate and screws hold everything in place while the bone heals.

This change lets your dog’s knee work naturally again, so they can move without pain or an altered gait. TPLO surgery is often the best option for dogs of all sizes, from tiny pups to big, energetic breeds.

TPLO surgery is widely recognized as the most effective option, offering several key benefits:

  1. Faster Recovery: Most dogs undergoing TPLO surgery begin bearing weight on the treated leg within days and show significant improvement within weeks.
  2. Reduced Risk of Arthritis: By stabilizing the joint, TPLO surgery helps slow the progression of arthritis, a common long-term complication of CCL injuries.
  3. Durability for Active Dogs: Whether your dog loves long hikes, fetch, or simply exploring the yard, TPLO surgery provides the joint stability needed for an active lifestyle.
  4. High Success Rates Across Breeds: TPLO surgery is effective for dogs of all sizes, from small breeds to large and giant breeds.

This procedure not only repairs the knee but also sets your dog up for a healthier and more active future. Most dogs recover well and get back to running, playing, and enjoying life like they used to. If your dog is showing signs of a knee injury, reach out to learn more about how TPLO surgery can help them regain their mobility and live pain-free.

How We Partner with Gall Mobile Vet Services (GMVS)

While our veterinarians don’t perform orthopedic surgeries directly, we work closely with Gall Mobile Vet Services (GMVS), an experienced mobile veterinary surgery service specializing in TPLO and other advanced procedures. GMVS performs these surgeries right here at Animal Oasis of the Rockies, ensuring your pet gets top-notch care in a familiar environment.

Our role in your dog’s TPLO journey includes:

  • Initial evaluation: Our team will diagnose the injury and determine if TPLO is the right option.
  • Pre-surgical care: We’ll guide you through pre-surgery preparation to ensure your dog is ready for the procedure.
  • Vital monitoring during surgery: One of our skilled veterinary technicians carefully monitors your dog’s vitals throughout the procedure and anesthesia to ensure their safety and well-being.
  • Post-surgical follow-up: After the surgery, we’ll provide ongoing support to monitor healing and pain management and help your pet recover smoothly.

What to Expect After TPLO Surgery

Recovery from TPLO surgery typically takes about 8–12 weeks and requires careful monitoring. Key steps include:

  1. Restricted activity: Limit your dog’s movement to prevent stress on the surgical site.
  2. Physical therapy: Gentle exercises help restore strength and mobility over time.
  3. Regular checkups: Our team will schedule follow-ups to ensure your dog is healing as expected.

While recovery requires patience, most dogs return to their active selves with proper care.

Trust Animal Oasis of the Rockies for Your Dog’s Orthopedic Care

At Animal Oasis of the Rockies, we’re proud to partner with Gall Mobile Vet Services (GMVS) to provide exceptional TPLO surgery for dogs in a safe and supportive environment.

If your dog is limping, showing signs of knee pain, or struggling to move comfortably, contact us to schedule an evaluation. TPLO surgery can restore your pet’s mobility and help them get back to enjoying life. At Animal Oasis of the Rockies, we’re ready to help you take the first steps toward recovery.

If you have any other questions, please give us a call at (303) 900-7765. You can also email us at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we are able.