When your dog is diagnosed with cruciate ligament disease and needs TPLO surgery (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy), it can feel overwhelming. At AceVets, we understand how important your pet is to you, and we’re here to provide expert surgical care with a focus on minimally invasive techniques, advanced pain management, and a smooth recovery. Our approach ensures your dog gets the highest standard of treatment, helping them return to an active and happy life as soon as possible.
What is TPLO Surgery?
TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) is an advanced orthopaedic procedure designed to treat cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease, one of the most common causes of lameness in dogs. The cranial cruciate ligament weakens over time due to a degenerative condition known as cruciate disease. This process, often called non-traumatic cruciate rupture, leads to joint instability, pain, and reduced activity — typically without any single injury event.
Unlike traditional methods that attempt to mimic or replace the ligament’s function, TPLO takes a biomechanical approach. The surgery alters the angle of the tibia (shin bone), which means the joint can remain stable without needing the cruciate ligament. This change is achieved by cutting the tibia, adjusting its position, and securing it with a bone plate and screws. TPLO is now considered the gold standard treatment for cruciate disease in dogs of all sizes and activity levels.
What Does the TPLO Procedure Involve?
At AceVets, TPLO surgery is just one part of a carefully designed treatment plan that prioritises comfort, safety, and recovery:
- Anaesthesia and Analgesia - We follow a 'zero pain philosophy' and use a combination of techniques to ensure your dog is calm, comfortable, and pain-free. These include continuous intravenous infusions of pain relief medication, ultrasound-guided nerve blocks to the femoral and sciatic nerves, and calming medications.
- Arthroscopy - We use advanced arthroscopy (small camera through tiny incisions) to examine the joint with minimal tissue disruption. This approach is less painful, more accurate, and helps us identify additional issues such as meniscal tears — which can be treated during the same procedure.
- The TPLO procedure - Through a small incision, the tibia is carefully cut with a curved saw blade, repositioned, and stabilised using a high-quality surgical plate and screws.
- Physical therapy - During recovery in hospital, your dog will benefit from compression icing, therapeutic massage, and guided physical movement to promote circulation and encourage early weight-bearing.
