Dog Knee Surgery: What to Know About TPLO

If your dog is limping on a back leg or has been diagnosed with a torn CCL, your veterinarian may recommend TPLO surgery. TPLO is one of the most common types of dog knee surgery used to treat cranial cruciate ligament injuries.

The cranial cruciate ligament, or CCL, helps stabilize your dog’s knee. It is often compared to the ACL in people, so you may hear this injury described as a dog ACL tear even though veterinarians typically use the term CCL. When the CCL tears, the knee can become painful and unstable, making it harder 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. It can also develop slowly over time as the ligament weakens. Some dogs hold the back leg up right away, while others have a limp that improves with rest but comes back after activity.

What Is TPLO Surgery for Dogs?

TPLO surgery, or tibial plateau leveling osteotomy, is a procedure that helps stabilize the knee after a CCL tear. Instead of replacing the torn ligament, TPLO changes the angle of the top of the shin bone, called the tibial plateau, so the knee can function more comfortably without relying on the damaged ligament.

During TPLO surgery, a veterinary surgeon cuts and rotates the top portion of the tibia, then uses a metal plate and screws 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 getting up, jumping, or climbing stairs
• Stiffness after resting
• Sitting with one leg kicked out to the side
• Swelling around the knee
• A limp that improves with rest but returns after activity
• Less 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

CCL injuries can affect one knee (unilateral) or both knees (bilateral). A dog may have problems in both knees at the same time, or develop an injury in the second knee later.

If your dog needs TPLO surgery in both knees, your veterinary surgeon will help determine whether to treat them during the same surgery or in two separate procedures, allowing one leg to heal before treating the other. The recommendation will depend on your dog’s comfort, mobility, size, overall health, and the severity of each injury.

What to Expect After TPLO Surgery

TPLO recovery takes time, structure, and patience. 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 more 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.