by Dr Matt Buchanan-Pascall, BVSc, Advanced GPCert (Orthopaedic surgery)
Veterinary surgeon performing TPLO surgery at Advanced Vet Care Lane Cove, Sydney
A message to dog owners dealing with a cruciate ligament injury
If your dog has been diagnosed with a cruciate ligament rupture, you are probably feeling overwhelmed. Many owners I see at Advanced Vet Care Lane Cove arrive worried, confused, and unsure whether surgery—particularly TPLO surgery—is really necessary.
As a vet who performs TPLO surgery regularly in Sydney, I want to be clear from the outset: TPLO is not the right solution for every dog. But for the right patient, it can be life-changing, restoring comfort, strength, and long-term mobility.
This article is designed to give you clear, honest, experience-based information so you can make an informed decision about your dog’s care.
What is a cruciate ligament injury in dogs?
The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in dogs functions similarly to the ACL in humans. Its role is to stabilise the knee (stifle) joint during movement.
When this ligament ruptures—either suddenly or gradually—the knee becomes unstable. This instability leads to:
- Pain and lameness
- Difficulty rising or jumping
- Progressive arthritis
- Secondary meniscal (cartilage) injury
In my experience, cruciate disease is one of the most common orthopaedic conditions I see in dogs across Sydney, particularly in:
- Medium to large breed dogs
- Active or athletic dogs
- Dogs with early degenerative ligament disease
What is TPLO surgery?
TPLO (Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy) is a procedure that stabilises the knee without repairing the torn ligament itself.
Instead, the surgery changes the biomechanics of the knee by altering the angle of the tibial plateau. This neutralises the abnormal forward movement of the tibia that occurs when the cruciate ligament fails. 
In practical terms, this means your dog can bear weight comfortably on the leg again—even without a functional cruciate ligament.
This biomechanical approach is why TPLO is often recommended for:
- Larger dogs
- Highly active dogs
- Working and sporting breeds
- Dogs with significant instability
When do I recommend TPLO surgery?
At Advanced Vet Care Lane Cove, I recommend TPLO surgery when the following factors are present:
- Medium to large body size (generally over 8kg)
- Active lifestyle or working/sporting role
- Moderate to severe knee instability
- Meniscal injury identified or suspected
- Chronic cruciate disease where arthritis is already developing
Each dog is assessed individually. My goal is not simply to perform surgery, but to choose the procedure that gives the best long-term outcome for that patient.
When TPLO may NOT be the best option
An important part of ethical orthopaedic care is knowing when not to operate.
TPLO may not be ideal for:
- Small dogs with low activity levels
- Older dogs with multiple medical conditions
- Dogs where strict or prolonged post-operative confinement is not achievable
- Cases where alternative stabilisation methods are more appropriate
In these situations, I often discuss options such as lateral suture stabilisation.
TPLO vs Lateral Suture cruciate ligament treatments
| Treatment option | Best suited for | Key considerations |
|---|---|---|
| TPLO | Medium–large, active dogs | Excellent stability, strong long-term outcomes |
| Lateral suture | Small or low-activity dogs | Less invasive but will likely develop arthritis over time |
| Conservative management | Very small dogs if cost prohibits surgery altogether | Arthritis progression will occur |
There is no single “best” surgery—only the most appropriate one for your dog.
What is recovery like after TPLO surgery?
Recovery is structured and gradual. In most dogs:
First 1–2 weeks:
- Strict cage rest
- Short lead walks
- Pain management and incision care
The following 6–8 weeks:
- Ongoing cage rest but gradual increase in on lead walks
- Physiotherapy or hydrotherapy where appropriate
12 weeks and beyond:
- Return to normal daily activity
- Ongoing muscle strengthening
Most dogs begin using the leg within days of surgery, which is one of the reasons owners often find TPLO recovery encouraging.
Success rates and long-term outlook
When appropriately selected and performed, TPLO surgery has an approximate 90% high success rate.
In my experience performing TPLOs, most dogs:
- Return to comfortable, functional activity
- Regain strong limb use
- Enjoy a good quality of life long term
Arthritis can still develop, but stabilising the joint early significantly slows progression and improves comfort.
Risks and complications
No surgery is risk-free. Potential complications include:
- Infection
- Implant-related issues
- Delayed bone healing
- Late meniscal injury
Careful surgical technique, appropriate case selection, and structured aftercare all help minimise these risks.
How much does TPLO surgery cost in Sydney?
The cost of TPLO surgery package with us is $5000, which includes:
- Pre-surgical chat with you and surgical planning (on our end)
- The TPLO surgery and implants
- Anaesthesia and pain management during and after surgery
- 4 follow up appointments following surgery to guide you through recovery
During your consultation at Advanced Vet Care Lane Cove, we provide a clear estimate and discuss what is included, so there are no surprises.
Why experience matters with TPLO surgery
TPLO is a technically demanding procedure. Outcomes depend heavily on:
- Accurate surgical planning
- Precise bone cuts and implant placement
- Careful post-operative monitoring
As a vet with Advanced GP Certification in Orthopaedic Surgery, I perform TPLO surgery regularly and manage these cases from diagnosis through to recovery.
When should you book an orthopaedic consultation?
I recommend an assessment if your dog:
- Has hindlimb lameness lasting more than 1–2 weeks
- Suddenly stops weight-bearing on a back leg
- Struggles to rise, jump, or climb stairs
Early intervention leads to better outcomes.
Frequently asked questions about TPLO surgery
Is TPLO surgery painful for dogs?
Pain is well controlled with modern analgesia, and most dogs are more comfortable once the knee is stabilised.
How long before my dog can run again?
Typically around 12 weeks, depending on healing and rehabilitation progress.
Will my dog rupture the other cruciate ligament?
Unfortunately, many dogs are at risk of injury to the opposite knee over time.
Is TPLO permanent?
TPLO provides permanent mechanical stability, though long-term joint health still benefits from weight control and muscle conditioning.
Book a TPLO consultation at Advanced Vet Care Lane Cove
If your dog has been diagnosed with a cruciate ligament injury—or you are unsure whether TPLO surgery is the right choice—I’m happy to talk you through the options. Please call the Advanced Vet Care Lane Cove team on 02 8552 7800 or book in an appointment online.