What is a TPLO?
The most effective surgery for cruciate ligament ruptures
Tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) is a surgical procedure that treats cranial (or anterior – ACL) cruciate ligament rupture in the knee joint (stifle) of dogs. This is a very common condition and TPLO is the most common procedure we perform.
In the early stages dogs with cruciate ligament problems are often stiff, especially when they get up from resting. Over time the lameness becomes more obvious and persistent and eventually the ligament will rupture completely. Surgery involves changing the angle of the tibial joint surface in the knee. The top of the tibia, just below the knee, is cut, rotated and stabilised in a new position with a plate and screws. The good news is that TPLO works very well and can get dogs back to full activity. Studies have shown that dogs are more likely to fully recover after TPLO than after other surgeries for cruciate problems.
Check-out Andy’s blog to learn more about cruciate disease in dogs.
For your peace of mind our TPLO prices are are a fixed-price and include the initial assessment, post-surgery support from our team and a six week follow-up appointment. Furthermore we are so confident of our surgical success rates that we offer a surgical guarantee after TPLO surgery: in the unlikely event your dog suffers a complication after surgery we will manage this free-of-charge (T&Cs apply). We do not know of any other specialist centre in the south east that can match us on price and offers such a guarantee.
Single side TPLO, dog <40kg: £4,200
Single side TPLO, dog 40-60kg: £4,600
See our Prices page for further info.
Why Moores Ortho?
TPLO is a very technical procedure. In the right hands it is a very safe procedure but serious complications are possible. We have performed thousands of these surgeries with very good success rates.
We recommend physiotherapy after surgery and work closely with our neighbours, Burnside Rehabilitation. If you are not local to us we can guide you towards a physiotherapist close to home.
At the Moores Orthopaedic Clinic we can offer:
- Expert assessment of your pet to ensure TPLO is right for them
- Highly experienced specialist surgeons
- A purpose-built modern clinic with facilities designed to minimise the risk of complications after orthopaedic surgery
- Detailed aftercare instructions and support during recovery including discounted physiotherapy packages
- Personal and professional service
- Very competitive fixed-prices and a surgical guarantee
What can you expect before and after surgery
At your initial appointment we will review your pet’s history and any x-rays, and then examine them thoroughly. We will then be able to advise you on treatment options and costs. We are likely to take further x-rays to allow surgical planning and then surgery can be scheduled.
After surgery your pet will go home with a detailed postoperative care plan and any necessary medications.
Limitations in activity are essential, especially within the first few weeks of surgery. These will be detailed on the postoperative care plan. We will always be available for advice if you need us and we will encourage you to return to the clinic to check on your pet’s recovery and progress.
After recovery, most dogs can expect a return to full fitness free from pain.
FAQs
How much does TPLO surgery cost?
TPLO is a technical procedure requiring specialist expertise, equipment and implants, and the price reflects this. Our pricing however is very competitive compared to other centres. To help with your financial planning TPLO surgery is a fixed-cost procedure and comes with a surgical guarantee (see above for pricing)
How long does it take for dogs to recover from TPLO surgery?
Most dogs are walking on the operated leg as soon as the day after surgery, but they need to be restricted to maximise their chances of a good recovery. For the first few weeks we will advise little more than toilet walks only, but after this period gradually increasing lead walks are started. Running, jumping and stairs must be avoided. Most dogs are starting off-lead activity from 12 weeks after surgery but it may take 4-5 months until a dog is back to their best. Recovery takes time but the results for most dogs will make TPLO surgery very worthwhile.
Will dogs make a full recovery?
We expect the vast majority of dogs to return to full activity without any pain.
Is TPLO surgery covered by my insurance?
Almost certainly yes, but do check your policy carefully in case there are any exclusions or limits on cover. If your pet has previously been treated for a cruciate problem (in either knee) and you have since changed insurance companies, then you may not be covered. Some insurance policies will limit how much they pay-out for cruciate surgery. If you are unsure about your level of cover then please let us know and we can investigate this for you.
Does my dog really need TPLO surgery?
TPLO surgery will not be advised unless one of our expert surgeons feels it is the best treatment option for your pet. Some small dogs can cope without surgery, although TPLO can offer a quicker recovery. Larger dogs will invariably remain lame and sore without surgery and over the longer term these dogs will have worse knee arthritis. Other surgeries exist to treat dogs with cruciate ligament ruptures but we advise TPLO because it has a low risk of complications and research studies show dogs are most likely to fully recover after TPLO.
Is TPLO surgery major?
Yes, this is a major orthopaedic procedure. However, TPLO is a very routine procedure at The Moores Orthopaedic Clinic and our Specialist surgeons have performed thousands of TPLO surgeries. Furthermore, our modern theatre suite has been designed with a filtered ventilation system. This meets the requirements for a human operating theatre and is designed to minimise the risk of infection. The combination of highly experienced specialists and specialist facilities means that our complication rate is very low.
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