TPLO surgery for dogs — what should the owner know?

📍 Veterinary Hospital Sacrum, Vantaa — Demanding Orthopedic Surgery

TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) is a modern and considered “gold standard” surgical method for treating a canine anterior cruciate ligament injury. It is especially recommended for dogs over 10 pounds and active.

If your dog has been recommended for TPLO surgery, here is an information pack on what to expect.

How does TPLO surgery work?

The function of the cruciate ligament is to prevent the tibia from sliding forward relative to the femur. When the bandage breaks, the knee “hips up”.

In TPLO surgery, we do not repair the broken bond itself (because artificial ligaments rarely last). Instead, we change the mechanics of the knee:

1. The upper part of the tibia is sawn arcuately.
2. The angle of the bone is turned so that the femur can no longer slide.
3. The position is fixed with a titanium plate and screws.
   As a result, the knee is stable even without a cruciate ligament.

Recovery after surgery

Recovery is a laborious stage for the owner, but rewarding.

• Weeks 1—2: Strict rest. The dog is taken outside only for its needs on a leash. Wound protection with a collar.
• Weeks 3-6: Exercise is gently increased as directed by the physiotherapist.
• At 6-8 weeks: Control X-ray to confirm ossification.

Most dogs reserve weight on the leg as early as a few days after surgery and return to normal active life (forest runs, hobbies) after about 3-4 months.

Why Choose TPLO?

• Faster recovery compared to old methods.
• Less osteoarthritis: Since the knee is immediately stable, the progression of osteoarthritis is significantly slowed down.
• Sustainability: Cutting is a permanent solution.

We perform TPLO surgeries in Vantaa every week. Ask for more information and book an assessment visit.

📞 Appointment: 010 739 9130