If your dog has a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL), your veterinarian may recommend a procedure called tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). At BluePearl Town 'N' Country, we perform this advanced surgery regularly to help dogs regain mobility and comfort after knee injury.
What is TPLO surgery?
TPLO is a surgical technique that stabilizes the knee after a CrCL tear. Rather than replacing the ligament, TPLO changes the angle of the shin bone (tibia) to prevent instability when your pet moves. This allows your dog to walk, run, and recover without the painful “drawer motion” caused by a torn ligament.
When is TPLO recommended for dogs?
TPLO surgery is often the best choice for dogs who:
- Are medium to large with high activity levels
- Have complete or partial CrCL tears
- Haven’t responded to medication
- Are good surgical candidates with no major underlying disease
Your primary vet may refer you to BluePearl for surgical evaluation, planning, the procedure, and recovery.
What to expect with TPLO at BluePearl.
- We perform a pre-surgical consultation, physical exam, and imaging
- Our surgical team performs the procedure under advanced anesthesia
- Your dog recovers with close monitoring and pain management
- You’ll receive detailed discharge instructions and recheck schedule
- We coordinate with your primary vet for ongoing support
Most dogs show significant improvement in comfort and function within 8-12 weeks.
TPLO surgery at BluePearl Town ‘N’ Country — FAQ.
TPLO, or tibial plateau leveling osteotomy, is a surgical technique designed to stabilize the knee after a cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) tear. Instead of replacing the ligament, TPLO alters the angle of the shin bone (tibia) to prevent instability during movement. This innovative approach allows dogs to walk and run without the painful "drawer motion" associated with a torn ligament.
TPLO surgery is typically recommended for medium to large dogs with high activity levels who have complete or partial CrCL tears. It is also suitable for dogs that have not responded to medication and are considered good surgical candidates without any major underlying health issues. Your primary veterinarian may refer you to BluePearl for a thorough surgical evaluation and planning.
At BluePearl, the TPLO process begins with a pre-surgical consultation that includes a comprehensive physical exam and imaging. The surgical team then performs the procedure under advanced anesthesia to ensure your pet's safety and comfort. After the surgery, your dog will be closely monitored with effective pain management in place. You will receive detailed discharge instructions and a recheck schedule, and we will coordinate with your primary veterinarian for ongoing support.
Most dogs show significant improvement in comfort and function within 8 to 12 weeks following TPLO surgery. While individual recovery times may vary, our dedicated team at BluePearl is committed to supporting your dog's recovery journey and ensuring they receive the best possible care throughout the process.
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