As with any surgical procedure, TPLO surgery carries some inherent risks. Although considered safe, potential complications include infection, implant failure, delayed healing, and in rare cases, nerve damage. However, these risks are minimal when performed by a skilled and experienced veterinary surgeon.

How common is TPLO failure in dogs?

Please speak with your surgeon about the risk associated with your dogs TPLO. Implant failure includes bending, breaking, or backing out of the screws or the TPLO plate. This is thankfully a very rare complication, occurring in less than 2% of cases. Complete failure of the fixation is even rarer.

What can go wrong with TPLO?

As a general rule, TPLO surgery is very successful, with over 90% of cases returning to normal activity. Complications are rare but can include infection, implant-associated problems, secondary fracture, meniscal injury and osteoarthritis.

Can a dog mess up TPLO surgery?

When the dog is allowed too much activity early in the healing process, the plate or screws are frequently damaged. Sometimes the plate will pull away from the bone or even break. In some cases, the TPLO plate is rejected by the dog's body because it is perceived as a foreign object.

What is the prognosis for TPLO surgery in dogs?

The success rate for TPLO surgery is very high-between 90% and 95%. Compared to any other procedure, dogs who undergo TPLO surgery recover more quickly and get back on all four feet sooner. With TPLO surgery and proper rehabilitation, your dog will be able to recover completely from a CCL tear and regain full mobility.

TPLO: Recovery, risk and outcome

Is TPLO surgery worth it for dogs?

Reduced risk of developing severe arthritis in the dog's old age, as the surgery helps to restore joint stability and prevent further degeneration. High success rates compared to other surgical options. Surgeons often recommend TPLO as the best option for active, large-breed dogs.

How urgent is TPLO surgery for dogs?

Yes and no. An ACL injury is not an emergency surgical procedure. However, our biggest concern is your pet's quality of life. As a general rule, we strongly feel the earlier we can address the injury, the more we can slow the progression of arthritis and the faster we can improve comfort in your pet's knee.

What are the downsides of TPLO surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, TPLO surgery carries some inherent risks. Although considered safe, potential complications include infection, implant failure, delayed healing, and in rare cases, nerve damage. However, these risks are minimal when performed by a skilled and experienced veterinary surgeon.

Do dogs fully recover from TPLO surgery?

It can seem very daunting when faced with a 12-week recovery period after your dog's TPLO procedure. However, to give your dog the best chance to be able to enjoy full use of his operated limb again, and go back to running around with his friends, you will need to make sure that you manage his recovery.

What happens if a dog doesn't get TPLO surgery?

The anatomy of a dog's knee is much different than a human's, so much more damage can be done if TPLO surgery isn't performed on a dog. A severe case of osteoarthritis could develop, additional meniscal tearing could occur and other side effects may be present if TPLO surgery is avoided.

Can I leave my dog home alone after TPLO surgery?

Can Dogs be Left Alone After TPLO Surgery? Keeping an eye on your dog after TPLO surgery is a good idea. This is especially true for the first couple of weeks after surgery, as your dog may go to lick their stitches.

How painful is TPLO surgery for dogs?

With appropriate medication, the pain of TPLO surgery is manageable; even immediately following the surgery, your vet will prescribe pain relief to keep your dog comfortable. TPLO is also more comfortable than the lateral suture method, as the bone plate and screws used to secure the bones help minimise discomfort.

How much pain will my dog be in after TPLO surgery?

Immediately Following The Surgery

The first few weeks following TPLO are the most important for your pet. They may experience slight discomfort from surgical inflammation in the days following surgery and this should be managed with appropriate pain medications.

Is there an alternative to TPLO surgery?

Alternatives to TPLO Surgery: TTA and Other Techniques

The TTA technique aims to restore knee biomechanics, similar to TPLO, while the other two methods focus on replicating CCL function. Tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) involves advancing the tibial tuberosity to change the positioning of the patellar ligament.

Can a dog go up and down stairs after TPLO surgery?

If there are stairs leading in or out of the home, or if there are stairs required to navigate in the home, it is typically acceptable for your pet to walk up or down them. However, it is extremely important that you not let your pet run up or down the stairs, or jump off of the stairs.

Why is my dog crying after TPLO surgery?

The day after

After surgery, your pet will feel pain from the procedure. One way they'll tell you how they're feeling is through panting or whining. Other factors can cause your dog to whine and pant besides pain, such as anxiety, restlessness, or frustration. It's your pet's way of expressing unpleasant feelings.

How to tell if TPLO has failed?

Signs to Watch For: Keep an eye on your dog for signs of implant problems, including lameness, pain, or reluctance to use the operated limb.

Can a dog break a TPLO surgery?

In situations where a pet is allowed excessive high impact activity, the bone plate or screws can bend or break. Thankfully, this is a very rare complication (<1%). If this occurs, the surgical site may be unstable which in many instances may require further surgery.

What happens if a dog jumps after knee surgery?

It's extremely important not to allow your dog to jump after surgery, as overextending the knee (stifle) may compromise the repair and slow healing time. That said, sometimes accidents do happen and dogs test their limits before they are completely ready. If this is the case for your pup, don't panic.

Should I put my dog through TPLO surgery?

The TPLO is more often suggested in injuries affecting large and giant dog breeds. But dogs of all breeds and ages may benefit from this procedure. Dogs that are good candidates for the surgery have experienced a rupture of the CCL and have joint instability with mild to severe lameness.

Can dog sleep in bed after TPLO?

Your dog's TPLO recovery area should be large enough for him or her to get up and take a few steps in any direction but not so large that he or she can run or jump. Including a dog bed can give your dog a nice cushy place to lay. However, you need to be careful with putting bulky comforters or blankets on the floor.

What is the success rate of TPLO surgery in dogs?

The success rate of TPLO surgery is extremely high, with as great as 90 percent of dogs who undergo TPLO surgery returning to normal or almost normal function. Because of the high degree of success, it has become the treatment of choice in large-breed and/or athletic dogs.

What happens if I don't get TPLO surgery for my dog?

If you do not have sugery for your dog with cranial cruciate ligament rupture, there is a very high risk of meniscal injury. If your dog was a bit lame but is now non weight bearing lame on the leg, there is a very high likelihood the meniscus has been damaged. A meniscal tear is a disaster for the stifle (knee).

What is the average price of TPLO surgery for dogs?

On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000 for TPLO surgery. However, it's important to keep in mind that this is just an estimate and costs may vary. Some veterinary clinics may offer discounted rates or payment plans to help make the procedure more affordable.

How long will a dog limp after TPLO surgery?

After TPLO surgery, many dogs experience some degree of limping or difficulty walking for several weeks as they recover from this major procedure. However, if your dog continues to limp six months after TPLO surgery, there may be underlying issues causing this persistent lameness.

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