CCL (cranial cruciate ligament) tears are the most common orthopedic injury in dogs. If your dog is suddenly limping, refusing to bear weight on a hind leg, or has persistent joint swelling, a CCL tear may be the cause. Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) is the gold-standard surgical treatment — performed at Dogwood by board-certified surgeons with 24/7 critical care support throughout recovery.

 

Why TPLO Outperforms Other Repair Methods

• Immediate joint stability after surgery
• Faster return to function vs. traditional repair
• Superior outcomes for active, large-breed dogs
• Reduced long-term arthritis development
• Lower complication rate than older techniques

 

The TPLO Process at Dogwood

• Step 1: Orthopedic exam, X-rays, bloodwork; pain management begins immediately.
• Step 2: Surgery: Performed under general anesthesia by a board-certified surgeon, overseen by our board-certified anesthesiologist.
• Step 3: Recovery: 24-hour hospitalization; most dogs use the leg within days.
• Step 4: Follow-up: X-rays at 8 weeks confirm bone healing before return to full activity.

 

Home Recovery Tips

• Strict leash rest for 8–10 weeks
• All prescribed pain medications as directed
• Rehabilitation therapy — laser, hydrotherapy, or physical therapy — speeds healing

 

Contact us immediately for increased swelling, discharge, or worsening lameness

 

Dogwood is the only Atlanta-area facility with both a board-certified surgeon AND a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist under one roof — a significant safety advantage.

 

Ready to consult? Contact our surgery team: surgery@www.dogwood.vet or (404) 609-1234.