Thinking About TPLO Surgery for Your Dog? Here’s What to Expect
A clear, step-by-step guide to the procedure, recovery, and what most owners aren’t told.
If your dog has been diagnosed with a cruciate ligament injury, you may have been recommended TPLO surgery.
It can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re unsure what actually happens during the procedure and what recovery really looks like.
This guide walks you through:
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What TPLO surgery involves
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What your dog experiences
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What happens after surgery
What is TPLO surgery?
TPLO (Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy) is a surgical procedure used to stabilise the knee after a cruciate ligament rupture.
Instead of replacing the ligament, the surgery changes the angle of the tibia so the joint becomes stable during weight bearing.
What actually happens during the procedure?
While techniques vary slightly, TPLO surgery generally involves:
Step 1: Anaesthesia and preparation
Your dog is placed under general anaesthesia and the surgical site is prepared.
Step 2: Bone cut (osteotomy)
A curved cut is made in the top of the tibia.
Step 3: Rotation of the bone
The bone segment is rotated to change the angle of the joint.
Step 4: Plate stabilisation
A metal plate and screws are used to secure the new position.
This is a highly controlled and commonly performed procedure by experienced surgeons.
What does your dog experience?
After surgery, your dog will:
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Feel groggy as anaesthesia wears off
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Have some discomfort and swelling
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Be restricted in movement initially
Most dogs go home within 1–2 days.
This is the start of recovery — not the end of treatment.
What happens after TPLO surgery?
Recovery typically involves:
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Strict rest initially
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Gradual return to controlled movement
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Progressive increase in activity
Most dogs improve over time — but recovery is not always linear.
Where recovery can become challenging
Even after successful surgery, some dogs:
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Struggle to use the leg properly
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Lose muscle mass
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Develop compensation patterns
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Recover more slowly than expected
👉 This is more common than most owners expect.
Why rehabilitation matters after TPLO
TPLO surgery stabilises the joint — but it does not:
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Rebuild muscle
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Restore normal movement patterns
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Improve coordination
These are critical for full recovery.
What rehab focuses on:
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Strength rebuilding
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Joint mobility
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Movement retraining
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Safe return to activity
Rehabilitation is what helps dogs return to normal function — not just a stable joint.
Hydrotherapy can help dogs:
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Exercise with reduced joint load
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Rebuild muscle safely
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Improve walking confidence
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Increase controlled limb use during recovery
FAQ
Is TPLO surgery painful for dogs?
Pain is managed with medication, but some discomfort is expected during early recovery.
How long does the surgery take?
Typically 1–2 hours, depending on the case.
When can my dog walk after TPLO?
Short controlled walking usually begins within the first few weeks.
Do all dogs need rehab after TPLO?
Not all — but many benefit significantly, especially if recovery is slower than expected.
