TPLO Surgery
A torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is one of the most common knee injuries in dogs. Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO) helps correct this issue by changing the angle of the tibia. This procedure can significantly reduce pain and restore mobility.
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Unsatisfied with the cost and recovery of the first TPLO surgery, I decided to find another surgeon - which is when we found AMC. The service and care was much better, the preparation and documentation was second to none, and the price was about half the cost of our first procedure!!!
Our surgeon, Dr Jas, has over 21 years of experience, performed over 1,400+ TPLO surgeries and 2,200+ other orthopaedic knee surgeries. Dr Jas has completed an Advanced Masters course in TPLO and Osteotomy.
Fixed Price TPLO
Dog's Weight: 4-40kg
$2,950*
Dog's Weight: 40kg+
$3,200*
The prices above include the following:
- Pre and post-surgery X-rays of the affected leg
- General anaesthetic
- TPLO surgery
- All surgical consumables
- Meniscus exam
- Hospitalisation (up to 2 days & 1 night)
- Intravenous fluid therapy
- Injections
- Medications to take home
- Elizabethan collar
Additional prices that may apply:
- Pre-anaesthetic blood test: $185
- X-rays other leg and hips: $200
- Peace of mind package (optional): $650
Peace of mind package (optional): $650
- Consultations with our surgeon
- X-rays 8 weeks post-surgery (otherwise $450)
- Additional hospitalisation (otherwise $250/day)
- Implant removal (typically $1,000)
- Additional X-rays during healing (if needed, such as to check healing or assess screws)
- Meniscus tear surgery ( typically $1,000)
Understanding Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Injuries and TPLO Surgery
What is a Ruptured Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL)?
The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is a structure in your dog's knee joint, that specifically prevents the tibia (shin bone) from moving too far forward and excessively rotating internally relative to the femur (thigh bone). The CCL may become injured, either from trauma or due to dog's natural leg conformation, resulting in a sudden or gradual tear of the ligament. A torn CCL causes the knee joint to be unstable, resulting in joint pain, inflammation and hind leg lameness.This initiates the development of arthritis and may damage another structure in the knee called meniscus.
What is Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO)?
Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO) is a surgical procedure used to treat dogs with ruptured CCL.
The procedure is based on the fact that the top part of the tibia bone is normally sloped, resulting in tendency for the femur to slide forward (or the tibia to slide backward) when the dog stands and puts weight on its knee. The CCL normally holds the femur in place and prevents this motion. But when the CCL has ruptured, the femur can slide back and forth along the sloped tibia, when the dog is standing or walking. The continued motion contributes to pain and degeneration in the knee joint.
What we do is, make a cut on your dog's Tibia bone using a curved saw blade and manipulate the bone into a new location using the assistance of Locking Plates and screws. This alters the shape of the Tibia Plateau and therefore eliminates the need for your dogs cruciate ligament at all.
Cutting a bone to treat a ligament
A solution to the knee joint instability would be to either replace the torn CCL, or remove the slope in the tibia. The TPLO does the latter: after making a cut in the top part of the tibia, the surgeon rotates this segment of bone until the angle between the tibia and femur is appropriately level, typically between 2 and 14 degrees, with 5 degrees being the ideal angle.
To allow the cut bone segments to heal, the tibia is then stabilized with a bone plate and screws. The result is that when your dog stand on its leg, the femur is resting on a flat tibia surface, and there is no longer the sliding motion in the knee.
Medications used to treat a ruptured CCL
Anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by your veterinarian may help to decrease the pain and inflammation in the knee joint. Strict cage rest and exercise restriction may allow your dog's body to lay down scar tissue, in an effort to increase the stability of the knee. However, small breed dogs (under 15 kg or 33 lb) are typically more responsive to medical management of a ruptured CCL1. For medium to large breed with ruptured CCL, especially active dogs or those with other orthopedic problems, surgical treatment is recommended.
Which procedure is best suited for your dog?
This comprehensive scoring system was designed to assist veterinarians and pet owners in making evidence-based decisions about the most appropriate surgical intervention for dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries.
Scoring Instructions
Evaluate each factor: For each row in the table (age, breed/size, weight, etc.), select the column (1) that best describes your dog's condition.
Assign points: Each category receives a score from 1-5 based on the column selected.
Calculate total score: Add up all points from each category to obtain a final score.
Determine recommendation
Match your total score to the recommendations in the bottom row of the table:
Score around 14: ECR
Score around 28: ECR/TR/TTA
Score around 42: TPLO/TTATR/ECR
Score around 56: TPLO/TTA
Score around 70: TPLO
Score around 14: ECR
Score around 28: ECR/TR/TTA
Score around 42: TPLO/TTATR/ECR
Score around 56: TPLO/TTA
Score around 70: TPLO
Why Choose AMC Boronia Vet for TPLO?
27+ Years of Surgical Practice: Our surgeon brings deep knowledge to each procedure, making the process smooth.
Over 1,400+ TPLO Surgeries: With a strong track record, you can feel confident about your pet’s operation.
2,200+ Other Orthopaedic Knee Surgeries: Our expertise extends beyond TPLO, covering a wide range of knee-related concerns.
Advanced Masters Course in TPLO: Our vet completed specialised training in USA, ensuring modern surgical techniques.
Affordable Rates: High-quality surgical care doesn’t have to be out of reach.
What to Expect: From Consultation to Rehabilitation
Initial Assessment
We’ll examine your pet’s knee, possibly taking X-rays or scans to confirm a CCL tear. We discuss overall health and whether TPLO is the right option. We’ll plan a surgery date that suits your schedule and your pet’s condition.The Surgery Day
Your pet arrives, is gently sedated, and we perform the TPLO with exact precision. Our advanced monitoring tools help us keep an eye on vital signs throughout.Recovery at the Clinic
Most pets stay with us overnight and are discharged the next day. During this time, we manage pain through multiple methods, including Fentanyl patches, Tramadol, and Carprofen.Discharge & Medications
You’ll receive take-home medications and an Elizabethean collar—please use it until advised otherwise.Post-Op Follow-Up
4–5 Days Post-Operation: Fentanyl patch is removed.
14 Days Post-Operation: Stitches are removed.
6 Weeks Post-Operation: Most pets come in for repeat X-rays. This confirms the bone is healing so normal activities can resume.
Wound Management
The only thing protecting the wound will be you and the Elizabethean collar we provide.
Please call us to make an appointment if:
- If the area becomes red, swollen or is secreting a discharge.
- The bandage becomes wet, smelly or dirty or if the fentanyl patch becomes exposed.Post-Surgery Recovery – First 4 Weeks
Strict rest is essential during recovery as excessive activity can reverse surgical benefits. Keep your dog confined to a crate or small room (laundry/bathroom) to restrict movement. Cages are available for hire if needed. For anxious dogs, use the provided tranquiliser.
No walking permitted except for brief, controlled toilet breaks on a tight leash. Prevent running and jumping. Your dog should begin using the leg within 10 days post-surgery. If mobility is difficult with the bandage, support them with a towel slung under their belly.Post-Surgery Recovery – Week 4 Onwards
At week 4 using the tight controlled lead technique, start with 5 minutes walks in the morning and night. Each week, you may increase these walks by 5 minutes.
Example:
Week 4: Morning – 5 min walk, Evening – 5 min walk.
Week 5: Morning – 10 min walk, Evening – 10 min walk.
Week 6: Morning – 15 min walk, Evening – 15 min walk.Follow-Up X-Rays & Activity
Around 6–8 weeks, we re-check the bone healing. If all looks good, you can gradually allow short periods of off-lead exercise under supervision, adding 5 minutes every few days.
Book Your Visit
Feedback from pet parents whose dogs recently underwent TPLO surgery
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Armando
Our doggy unfortunately required a second TPLO. Unsatisfied with the cost and recovery of the first surgery, I decided to find another surgeon - which is when we found the animal medical center. The service and care was much better, the preparation and documentation was second to none, and the price was about half the cost of our first procedure!!! Can’t recommend them enough if your dog needs a TPLO!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How soon can my pet come home after TPLO?
We usually send patients home on the second day post-surgery. This gives us time to monitor them and manage early recovery.
What is the expected hospital stay with the TPLO procedure and what follow-up visits are needed?
Dogs are usually discharged next day in the afternoon from AMC Boronia following the surgery. Follow-up appointments are usually scheduled at the referring hospital or at our hospital 1 week later for recheck and bandage removal, 2 weeks for recheck and skin suture removal, and in 6 weeks and 10 weeks for radiographs. Your dog may also need weekly Cartrophen shots for 5 weeks post-operation.
What is the expected outcome for my dog?
Dogs who have had TPLO surgery are typically bearing some weight on their operated leg within 3 to 5 days following surgery. Your dog will need to have his or her exercise specifically restricted while the bone is healing, usually for 8 to 12 weeks. Physical therapy as well as gradual increase in on-lease activity will be permitted, according to how your dog is recovering.
In general, the TPLO procedure for dogs with CCL rupture is associated with a very good early return to leg use: and some research suggests that there is less leg muscle loss and slower progression of knee arthritis following this procedure.
Can any size dog have the TPLO surgery?
The TPLO is recommended for medium to large or giant breeds of dogs, and is limited by the size of the TPLO bone plate. Most dogs greater than 15kg in body weight would be eligible for a TPLO.
What if we live far away or have a referring vet?
We often coordinate follow-up appointments with your usual vet. We share reports, X-rays, and updates so you don’t have to travel frequently.
How long does it take for my dog to fully recover?
Many dogs resume normal walks around 8–12 weeks after surgery. Full bone healing can take a bit longer, and we advise limiting strenuous activities until then.
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