A cranial cruciate ligament (CCL, equivalent to the human ACL) tear is the most common orthopedic hindlimb injury in dogs—and one of the most painful. It can significantly affect your dog’s mobility and quality of life, causing lameness, joint instability, and swelling. One of the most effective surgical options available today to treat this condition is Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery.

At Dogwood Veterinary Specialty and Emergency, we are proud to offer TPLO surgery performed by our experienced surgeons, using advanced surgical techniques and comprehensive post-operative care to help your dog return to a happy, active life.

tplo for dogs

What is TPLO Surgery?

TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) is a procedure that improves the knee joint biomechanics to stabilize the joint.

This technique provides:

  • Immediate stability to the knee joint
  • Excellent long-term outcomes for active and large-breed dogs.
  • Faster return to function compared and improved biomechanics to traditional stabilization methods.
  • Lower complication rate compared to traditional stabilization methods
  • Reduced likelihood of long-term clinical arthritis development.

When is TPLO Recommended?

TPLO is typically recommended for:

  • Dogs of any size or breed with a confirmed CCL tear.
  • Young, active dogs expected to return to high activity levels.
  • Dogs who have failed conservative treatment such as rest and pain medications.
  • Dogs with partial tears who are showing signs of discomfort/limping.

What to Expect: Before, During, and After Surgery

Before Surgery

  • Your dog will undergo diagnostics such as physical exam, orthopedic evaluation, X-rays, and bloodwork.
  • Sedation and/or pain management may be started right away to keep them comfortable.

During Surgery

  • The TPLO procedure is performed under general anesthesia in a sterile surgical suite.

After Surgery

  • Dogs typically stay at Dogwood for monitoring and pain control for 24 hours.
  • Our team provides a tailored recovery plan, including pain medications and detailed home-care instructions.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Most dogs begin using the leg within a few days, but full healing takes about 8–10 weeks. We recommend:

  • Strict rest and leash walks only during the initial recovery period.
  • Rehabilitation therapies (such as physical therapy, laser therapy, or hydrotherapy) to enhance healing and mobility.
  • Follow-up X-rays at 8 weeks to ensure proper bone healing before returning to full activity.

Why Choose Dogwood?

At Dogwood Veterinary Specialty and Emergency, your pet’s care is our top priority. We offer:

  • Experienced surgical specialists with advanced training in TPLO and other orthopedic procedures.
  • The only board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist in Atlanta.
  • 24/7 emergency and critical care to ensure your pet is safe and comfortable throughout their stay.
  • A compassionate, collaborative team focused on communication and support for both pet and owner.

Our goal is not just to fix the injury, but to provide your dog with the best possible recovery and long-term outcome.

If your dog has been diagnosed with a CCL tear or you’re looking for expert guidance on treatment options, we’re here to help.

Contact our surgery team today at surgery@dogwood.vet with any questions or to schedule a consultation.

Peter Czajkowski DVM, DACVS

Board Certified Surgeon