At Aldgate Vets, we know that seeing your dog in pain is heartbreaking.
One of the most common causes of hindlimb lameness in dogs is cruciate ligament injury — a condition that can severely limit your pet’s quality of life.
Thankfully, TPLO surgery (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) has revolutionised treatment, giving dogs the best chance at a full, active recovery.
Let’s explore what a cruciate ligament is, how your dog could injure their cruciate ligament, and why TPLO surgery could be the best course of action for your pet.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
What is a cruciate ligament?
The cruciate ligament, usually the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), is found in the knee (stifle) joint. It connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia) and helps keep the knee stable. It’s similar to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans.
The CCL connects the femur to the tibia and prevents the tibia from sliding forward relative to the femur – as well as this, it helps prevent excessive rotation and hyperextension of the knee.
Common Causes of CCL Injuries
Dogs can damage their CCL in several ways, but it’s often a combination of gradual wear and tear along with sudden stress on the joint.
- Ageing and wear over time: As dogs get older, their ligaments can weaken due to long-term strain, joint misalignment, or simply the natural ageing process. This makes the CCL more prone to tearing.
- Sudden movements or trauma: Energetic play, sudden jumps, or quick twists—especially during walks or off-lead zoomies—can put sudden pressure on the knee and lead to injury, particularly if the ligament is already weakened.
- Genetics and breed predisposition: Some breeds, such as Labradors, Rottweilers, Boxers, and Bulldogs, are more likely to suffer from CCL injuries due to their body structure and genetic predisposition.
Signs of Cruciate Ligament Injury in Dogs
If your dog has a torn CCL, it can lead to instability in the knee, causing:
- Sudden or progressive lameness
- Stiffness, especially after long periods of rest
- Swelling in the knee area
- Difficulty rising or jumping
What surgical options are available for dogs with a CCL?
There are several surgical and non-surgical options for treating a torn cranial cruciate ligament. The most appropriate approach differs from dog to dog and can depend on your dog’s size, age, activity level, and overall health.
1. TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy)
How it works: The top of the tibia (shin bone) is cut and rotated to change the angle of the knee, reducing the need for the CCL altogether.
Best for: Medium to large dogs, especially active or working breeds.
2. TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement)
How it works: The front part of the tibia is moved forward to change the knee angle, reducing stress on the ligament.
Best for: Medium to large active dogs.
3. Lateral Suture Technique (Extracapsular Repair)
How it works: A nylon suture is placed outside the joint to stabilize the knee.
Best for: Small dogs (under 15–20 kg), older dogs, or those with lower activity levels
4. Conservative (Non-Surgical) Management
How it works: Involves rest, weight control, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and joint supplements.
Best for: Small, calm, or elderly dogs, or dogs who aren’t surgical candidates.
Which surgery is right for my dog?
Your vet will be able to advise on the best option for your dog.
What is TPLO surgery?
TPLO is a surgical procedure designed to stabilise the knee joint after a CCL rupture.
Instead of replacing the torn ligament, TPLO changes the mechanics of the knee itself.
By reconfiguring the tibial plateau angle, the procedure removes the need for the CCL altogether, allowing the joint to function properly without it.
What happens during the procedure?
During a TPLO procedure, our veterinary surgeon will begin by making a curved incision across the tibia, or shinbone. This cut allows the bone to be rotated in order to flatten the tibial plateau, which is essential for stabilising the knee joint.
Once repositioned, the bone is secured using a specialised stainless steel plate and screws.
Over time, the bone heals in this new alignment, helping to restore stable and pain-free function.
At Aldgate Vets, we perform this procedure using state-of-the-art surgical equipment to ensure the highest standard of care and optimal outcomes for each patient.
Why choose TPLO over other options?
While traditional methods like lateral suture stabilisation are still used, TPLO offers significant advantages:
| TPLO | Lateral Structure | |
|---|---|---|
| Long term outcome | Excellent, especially for active dogs | Variable, less durable in larger or athletic dogs |
| Recovery Time | Faster return to normal activity | Slower and sometimes incomplete recovery |
| Arthritis Development | Lower incidence over time | Higher risk due to persistent instability |
For medium to large breeds, athletic dogs, or dogs with steep tibial slopes, TPLO is usually the treatment of choice for durability, stability, and long-term joint health.
Your dog’s road to recovery
Here’s what you and your dog can expect during the TPLO journey, from the first visit to full recovery:
- Initial consultation: Our experienced veterinary team will begin with a thorough orthopedic examination to assess your dog’s movement and joint stability. If we suspect a cruciate ligament injury, we will recommend diagnostic imaging, typically X-rays performed under general anaesthesia.
- Imaging: While the cruciate ligament itself isn’t visible on an X-ray, we look for indirect signs of injury, such as joint swelling, or changes in bone structure. If a rupture is suspected, these X-rays also help our surgical team with precise surgical planning.
- Surgical planning: Once imaging is complete, our surgeon will meet with you to discuss the findings and recommend the most suitable treatment option tailored to your dog’s needs.
- Surgery day: If TPLO surgery is advised, your dog will undergo the procedure under general anaesthesia. Our highly skilled surgical team uses advanced equipment and continuous monitoring to ensure your pet’s safety, comfort, and a smooth recovery process.
- Hospital stay: Most dogs stay with us for one night after surgery so we can manage their pain and closely monitor their initial recovery in a calm, caring environment.
- Post-operative care: Before heading home, we’ll provide you with clear, personalised at-home care instructions, including how to manage your dog’s pain and safely begin reintroducing gentle activity.
- Follow-up visits: We’ll schedule regular follow-up appointments to track your dog’s progress and use repeat X-rays to ensure the bone is healing properly.
- Rehabilitation: Our team will guide you through safe physiotherapy exercises and gentle strengthening routines designed to help your dog regain flexibility, mobility, and confidence.
- Full recovery: Most dogs are back to enjoying their normal activities within 12 to 16 weeks, with our support every step of the way.
We will provide detailed guidance and 24/7 support during every stage.
Why choose us?
At Aldgate Vets, your dog’s recovery is our top priority. We provide personalised rehabilitation plans tailored to each dog’s unique needs and lifestyle, and offer compassionate support from the initial consultation through to full recovery, so you’re never on this journey alone.
Early intervention is key
Early intervention is crucial when it comes to dogs with cruciate injuries. Swift diagnosis and treatment gives your dog the best chance of making a good recovery.
If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, get in touch with our experienced veterinary team and book in for a consultation today.
1. Royal Veterinary College (RVC). (2024). New RVC research proves clinical benefits from surgical intervention for dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture.