Understanding TPLO Surgery: A Pet Owner’s Guide
When a dog tears its cranial cruciate ligament (CCL)—which is similar to the ACL in humans—the knee (stifle) joint becomes unstable, causing pain, limping, and joint damage. Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery is designed to permanently stabilize the knee by changing its biomechanics, allowing your dog to walk, run, and play without relying on the damaged ligament.
How TPLO Works: A Step-by-Step Explanation
Why TPLO is Effective for Life
TPLO is one of the most successful orthopedic surgeries for dogs, allowing them to regain full mobility and enjoy an active, pain-free life.
Why Choose TPLO Surgery for Your Dog?
When a dog suffers from a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear, their knee joint (stifle) becomes unstable, painful, and prone to long-term damage. Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery is considered the gold-standard treatment for restoring stability, mobility, and long-term joint health—making it the preferred choice for veterinarians and pet owners alike.
TPLO Recovery Process:
What to Expect
During the first eight weeks, the plate and screws are doing all the work to keep the bone stable. It takes at least eight weeks for the bone to heal and build strong scar tissue. Healing may take longer in older pets and giant breed dogs or those with health conditions, so patience and restricted activity are key to a successful recovery.
| Recovery Stage | Key Guidelines | Exercise & Therapy | Veterinary Monitoring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1-2: Initial Healing & Restricted Activity | Strict rest, controlled leash walks (5 min, 3-5x/day), passive range of motion (PROM) exercises, ice therapy, no off-leash activity | PROM exercises 2-3x daily (10-15 reps), ice therapy first 3 days (2-3x/day, 5-10min; wrap in damp cloth) | Recheck in 2 weeks for incision check, sutures removed (10-14 days) |
| Weeks 3-4: Early Strength Building Increase walks (5-10 min, 2-3x/day), reduce PROM, introduce mild strength-building exercises (figure 8s, curbs, gentle inclines), continue leash control Reduce PROM to 2x/week, continue ice therapy if sore, introduce balance/core exercises (sit-to-stand, three-legged stand) Monitor for discomfort after exercise, adjust activity as needed | Weeks 3-4: Early Strength Building Increase walks (5-10 min, 2-3x/day), reduce PROM, introduce mild strength-building exercises (figure 8s, curbs, gentle inclines), continue leash control Reduce PROM to 2x/week, continue ice therapy if sore, introduce balance/core exercises (sit-to-stand, three-legged stand) Monitor for discomfort after exercise, adjust activity as needed | Weeks 3-4: Early Strength Building Increase walks (5-10 min, 2-3x/day), reduce PROM, introduce mild strength-building exercises (figure 8s, curbs, gentle inclines), continue leash control Reduce PROM to 2x/week, continue ice therapy if sore, introduce balance/core exercises (sit-to-stand, three-legged stand) Monitor for discomfort after exercise, adjust activity as needed | Weeks 3-4: Early Strength Building Increase walks (5-10 min, 2-3x/day), reduce PROM, introduce mild strength-building exercises (figure 8s, curbs, gentle inclines), continue leash control Reduce PROM to 2x/week, continue ice therapy if sore, introduce balance/core exercises (sit-to-stand, three-legged stand) Monitor for discomfort after exercise, adjust activity as needed |
| Weeks 5-8: Progressive Strengthening Gradually extend walks (15-30 min), continue strengthening exercises, no off-leash activity Increase walk durations weekly, maintain strengthening exercises, prepare for gradual return to activity Ensure pet is using surgical leg consistently, contact vet if limping worsens | Weeks 5-8: Progressive Strengthening Gradually extend walks (15-30 min), continue strengthening exercises, no off-leash activity Increase walk durations weekly, maintain strengthening exercises, prepare for gradual return to activity Ensure pet is using surgical leg consistently, contact vet if limping worsens | Weeks 5-8: Progressive Strengthening Gradually extend walks (15-30 min), continue strengthening exercises, no off-leash activity Increase walk durations weekly, maintain strengthening exercises, prepare for gradual return to activity Ensure pet is using surgical leg consistently, contact vet if limping worsens | Weeks 5-8: Progressive Strengthening Gradually extend walks (15-30 min), continue strengthening exercises, no off-leash activity Increase walk durations weekly, maintain strengthening exercises, prepare for gradual return to activity Ensure pet is using surgical leg consistently, contact vet if limping worsens |
| Weeks 8-12: Final Recovery & Return to Normal Activity X-rays at week 8-12 to confirm healing, gradually introduce off-leash activity (starting with 5 min in week 9 and increasing weekly), continue controlled exercise Gradually increase off-leash time (20-30 min by week 12), ensure continued leash walks and monitored strengthening Final X-rays at 8-12 weeks to assess bone healing before resuming full activity | Weeks 8-12: Final Recovery & Return to Normal Activity X-rays at week 8-12 to confirm healing, gradually introduce off-leash activity (starting with 5 min in week 9 and increasing weekly), continue controlled exercise Gradually increase off-leash time (20-30 min by week 12), ensure continued leash walks and monitored strengthening Final X-rays at 8-12 weeks to assess bone healing before resuming full activity | Weeks 8-12: Final Recovery & Return to Normal Activity X-rays at week 8-12 to confirm healing, gradually introduce off-leash activity (starting with 5 min in week 9 and increasing weekly), continue controlled exercise Gradually increase off-leash time (20-30 min by week 12), ensure continued leash walks and monitored strengthening Final X-rays at 8-12 weeks to assess bone healing before resuming full activity | Weeks 8-12: Final Recovery & Return to Normal Activity X-rays at week 8-12 to confirm healing, gradually introduce off-leash activity (starting with 5 min in week 9 and increasing weekly), continue controlled exercise Gradually increase off-leash time (20-30 min by week 12), ensure continued leash walks and monitored strengthening Final X-rays at 8-12 weeks to assess bone healing before resuming full activity |