Dog Knee Surgery: What to Know About TPLO

9 October 2026

If your dog has been diagnosed with a torn CCL, your veterinarian may recommend TPLO surgery for dogs. CCL stands for cranial cruciate ligament, which is similar to the ACL in people. That’s why many pet owners search for this injury as a dog ACL tear or torn ACL in dogs, even though veterinarians typically use the term CCL.

The CCL helps stabilize your dog’s knee. When it tears, the knee can become painful and unstable, making it hard for your dog to walk, run, jump, climb stairs, or play comfortably.

A CCL tear in dogs can happen suddenly after running, jumping, or slipping, but it can also develop over time as the ligament weakens. Some dogs hold the back leg up right away, while others have a back leg limp that comes and goes.

What Is TPLO Surgery for Dogs?

TPLO surgery, or tibial plateau leveling osteotomy, is a common type of dog knee surgery used to help stabilize the knee after a CCL tear.

Instead of replacing the torn ligament, TPLO changes the angle of the top of the shin bone so the knee can function more comfortably without relying on the damaged ligament. A metal plate and screws are used to hold the bone in its new position while it heals.

The goal of TPLO dog knee surgery is to reduce pain, improve knee stability, and help dogs return to more comfortable movement.

Signs Your Dog May Have a CCL Injury

Signs of a CCL injury in dogs may include:

Limping on a back leg
Suddenly holding up a back leg
Difficulty rising, jumping, or climbing stairs
Stiffness after rest
Sitting with one leg kicked out to the side
Swelling around the knee
Limping that improves with rest but comes back after activity
Reduced interest in walks, running, or play

If your dog is limping on a back leg or showing signs of knee pain, your veterinarian may recommend an exam and X-rays to help determine what’s causing the pain and whether an orthopedic consultation is needed.

Unilateral vs. Bilateral CCL Injuries

Some dogs tear the CCL in one knee. This is called a unilateral CCL injury. In these cases, TPLO surgery may be recommended for the injured knee if the tear is causing pain, limping, or instability.

Other dogs have CCL disease in both knees, called bilateral CCL injuries. Sometimes both knees are affected at the same time, but more often one knee becomes painful first, and the other develops problems later.

If both knees are injured, your veterinary surgeon will talk with you about the safest treatment plan. Some dogs may have TPLO surgery on one knee first, then the other after the first leg has had time to heal. The plan depends on your dog’s comfort, mobility, size, overall health, and how severely each knee is affected.

What to Expect After TPLO Surgery

TPLO recovery takes time and structure. Most dogs need several weeks of restricted activity while the bone heals. That usually means leash walks only, no running or jumping, and careful monitoring at home.

Your dog’s TPLO recovery plan may include:

Pain medications
Incision care
Activity restriction
Short, controlled leash walks
Follow-up exams and X-rays
Rehabilitation exercises when recommended

Following recovery instructions closely is one of the most important parts of helping your dog heal well after TPLO surgery. Rehabilitation may help some dogs rebuild strength, improve mobility, and return to activity safely after surgery. For dogs with ongoing discomfort, arthritis, or complex pain needs, pain management may also support comfort during recovery.

How Orthopedic Surgery Can Help

A torn CCL can be painful and can make it difficult for dogs to move normally. Without treatment, the knee may remain unstable, which can lead to ongoing discomfort and worsening arthritis over time. At DoveLewis, our orthopedic surgery team evaluates and treats dog knee injuries, including CCL tears that may benefit from TPLO surgery. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, many dogs can return to more comfortable movement and get back to the activities they enjoy.