TPLO & TPLO-M

Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO)

At MaxPetZ, we know how worrying it is when your dog is diagnosed with a cruciate ligament injury. This is one of the most common causes of hind limb lameness in dogs, and without treatment, it can lead to ongoing pain and arthritis.

Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) is a specialized surgery designed to restore stability in the knee joint (stifle) when the cranial cruciate ligament is torn. By changing the angle of the shin bone (tibia), TPLO eliminates the abnormal sliding forces that cause pain, allowing your dog to walk, run, and play again.

When is this Surgery Needed?

TPLO is often recommended when:

• Your dog shows ongoing lameness or pain in a hind leg.
• A cruciate ligament rupture has been diagnosed.
• Conservative treatments like rest or medication haven’t worked.
• Your dog is large, active, or working — where joint stability is especially important.

Without surgery, the knee remains unstable, leading to progressive arthritis and reduced mobility.

How We Diagnose

Before recommending TPLO, we carry out a full orthopedic work-up:

• Physical Exam: Checking gait, lameness, and knee stability.
• Radiographs (X-rays): Measuring the tibial plateau angle and ruling out other causes of lameness.
• Advanced Imaging (if needed): CT or MRI scans may be used in complex cases.

This careful assessment ensures that TPLO is the right procedure for your pet.

Our Surgical Approach

Every TPLO is performed by our board-certified orthopedic surgeons using advanced surgical planning and equipment. Here’s how the surgery works:

1. Joint Exploration: The knee is examined for meniscal (cartilage) injuries, which are treated at the same time.
2. Osteotomy (Bone Cut): A curved cut is made in the upper tibia using a special surgical saw.
3. Rotation: The top of the tibia is rotated to a new angle, reducing abnormal shear forces.
4. Fixation: A strong metal plate and screws are applied to hold the bone securely while it heals.
5. Closure & Recovery: The incision is closed, and your pet begins recovery with pain relief and supportive care.

Recovery & Aftercare

Your role in recovery is just as important as the surgery itself. We’ll guide you every step of the way.

• Hospital Stay: Most dogs go home within 1–2 days after surgery.
• Rest: Strict activity restriction is essential for the first 8 weeks. Only short leash walks for bathroom breaks are allowed.
• Recheck X-rays: Taken around 8 weeks to confirm bone healing.
• Rehabilitation: Gentle exercises, hydrotherapy, and physical therapy may be introduced to rebuild strength.
• Return to Activity: Most dogs return to normal activity within 3–4 months, with continued improvements over 6–12 months.

Why Choose MaxPetZ for TPLO Surgery?

• 🐾 Experienced Surgeons: Our orthopedic team has performed hundreds of TPLO procedures with excellent outcomes.
• 🩺 Advanced Imaging & Planning: Precision X-rays and surgical planning ensure accuracy.
• ⚙️ Modern Implants: We use specialized TPLO plates and screws for maximum stability.
• 💙 Compassionate Care: From diagnosis to recovery, we support both you and your pet.
• 🐶 Proven Success: Most of our TPLO patients regain a comfortable, active lifestyle.

📞 If your dog is limping or showing signs of a cruciate ligament injury, don’t wait. Contact MaxPetZ today to schedule a consultation and discuss whether TPLO is the right solution for your pet.

📖 For Vets & Detailed Cases:

Read our in-depth procedure about Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) for Dogs →

Case Study: TPLO-M for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture with Concurrent Grade →