We are now able to perform Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO) at our clinic! An advanced orthopaedic surgical procedure, TPLO is used to treat cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture in dogs.
The CCL is the main stabilising ligament in a dog's knee/stifle joint, and when it ruptures the joint becomes unstable, painful, and prone to arthritis.
TPLO can be used to treat:
Partial or complete cranial cruciate ligament rupture.
Chronic cruciate disease with ongoing lameness.
Dogs that have failed to improve with conservative management.
Mojo's story — our very first TPLO patient!
A few weeks ago, Mojo suddenly became lame on his right hind leg. After trying rest and conservative management, he was still very uncomfortable, so his owners chose to go down the surgery route to get him back on his feet.
X-rays showed fluid in his right knee and he had a positive “cranial drawer”, both signs of a ruptured cruciate ligament. This made him an excellent candidate for TPLO surgery.
Mojo had a full pre-operative consultation with our vet before surgery. This is where we talk through any questions or concerns and make sure owners feel confident about the plan. We also ran pre-anaesthetic blood tests to check that Mojo was fit and safe to undergo surgery.
On surgery day, Mojo was admitted to clinic in the morning. He received carefully calculated medications to keep him calm and comfortable, including an epidural and a constant pain-relief infusion during surgery. Once prepped, he was transferred to theatre, placed on a heated table to maintain his temperature, and connected to our anaesthetic monitors.
Our veterinary nurses track vital signs every time a pet goes under anaesthetic – it’s a specialised skill they train extensively for. Throughout Mojo’s procedure they closely monitored his heart rate, breathing, oxygen and CO₂ levels, temperature, and pain control, administering medications as needed.
The surgery took just over an hour. Post-surgery X-rays confirmed the implants were positioned perfectly, and Mojo was settled into recovery. He stayed overnight for observation and IV fluids, with excellent pain relief on board, and went home the next day. On his second night (at home) he seemed a little uncomfortable, so we worked with his owners to adjust his pain medication and he was much happier.
Mojo returned for his 4-day and then 4-week post-op checks, which he passed with flying colours. His owners have followed the rehabilitation plan carefully, and he’s healing brilliantly, with no complications so far. He will return for an 8-week check and X-rays soon, before being approved for normal activities. We’re so proud of him and his dedicated owners!
TPLO gives us another option
If your dog is limping or suddenly lame, especially on a back leg, it could be a CCL injury. Please don’t hesitate to book an appointment with our team for investigation. We’re here to help keep your pets moving comfortably and pain-free, and this surgery is a great option for those that need it.
