{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BlogPosting", "headline": "TPLO surgery for dogs — what should the owner know?", "description": "TPLO is the best treatment for a canine cruciate ligament injury. Read what happens in surgery, how long it takes to recover and why it prevents osteoarthritis.", "datePublished": "Jan 27, 2026", }

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

Recurrent stomach symptoms in pets — IBD, allergy or parasites?

The dog's stomach is constantly loose or the cat vomits weekly? Chronic stomach problems are not normal. Read about IBD and food allergies.

27.01.2026
Blog Category
Dog Itching — Allergy or Parasites? Find out the reason for scratching

Did the dog scratch himself for blood? Itching is not a disease, but a symptom. Read about the most common causes: ulcerative, food allergy or atopy. Sacrum Vantaa helps.

27.01.2026
Blog Category
Dog joint pain — when to go to the vet?

Does the dog lick its paws or avoid jumping? Joint pain can be latent. Recognize the symptoms and read how Animal Hospital Sacrum helps with pain management.

27.01.2026
Blog Category
Dog atopy — symptoms, diagnosis and modern treatment

Canine atopy is a lifelong skin disease. Identify the symptoms (licking of the paws, ear infections) and learn how to control the symptoms with medication and treatment.

27.01.2026
Blog Category
Bad breath in a dog - what does it cause?

Does your dog's breath smell like pus or fish? It's not normal. Read about the most common causes (tartar, gingivitis, kidney failure) and how to get rid of the smell.

27.01.2026
Blog Category
Removal of tartar in dogs in Vantaa — when and how is it done?

Are you looking for dog tartar removal in Vantaa? At the veterinary hospital Sacrum, we perform a thorough dental treatment under safe anesthesia. Read more and make an appointment.

27.01.2026
Blog Category