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Your dog was running through the yard one moment and limping the next. A sudden yelp, a reluctance to put weight on a back leg, and now you are left wondering what went wrong and how to fix it. Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries are one of the most common orthopedic conditions in dogs, and without the right treatment, they can lead to chronic pain, muscle loss, and long-term mobility issues.
At Venetian Pet Hospital in Stockton, CA, we provide tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) surgery to help dogs recover from CCL injuries and get back to the activities they love. Our team brings hands-on orthopedic surgery experience and a genuine passion for helping every pet feel their best. Whether your dog is a young, active pup or a seasoned companion, we are here to walk you through every step of the process.
TPLO surgery for dogs in Stockton, CA helps stabilize injured knees, restoring mobility and improving your dog’s quality of life.
A dog’s cranial cruciate ligament works much like the ACL in a human knee. It keeps the joint stable during movement by preventing the tibia from sliding forward under the femur. When this ligament tears, whether from an acute injury or gradual wear over time, the knee becomes unstable. That instability causes pain, inflammation, and difficulty bearing weight.
TPLO surgery addresses the root of the problem by changing the mechanics of the knee itself. Rather than replacing or repairing the torn ligament, the surgeon makes a precise curved cut in the top of the tibia and rotates the bone to create a level surface. A specialized plate and screws hold the bone in its new position while it heals. Once healed, the knee functions without relying on the cruciate ligament at all, giving your dog a stable and comfortable joint.
According to a retrospective study published by the National Institutes of Health, the overall complication rate following TPLO was found to be 11.4% across more than 1,500 procedures, with the major complication rate at just 3.1%. These numbers highlight why TPLO is widely considered one of the most reliable orthopedic procedures available in veterinary medicine today.
Recognizing a CCL injury early can make a significant difference in your dog’s recovery. Some dogs experience a sudden, complete tear that causes immediate lameness, while others develop a partial tear that worsens gradually over weeks or months. Here are some of the most common signs to watch for:
If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, scheduling a veterinary evaluation as soon as possible is important. Our team uses digital radiology to assess the knee joint and determine whether TPLO surgery is the right course of action.
Knowing what the TPLO process looks like from start to finish can help ease the worry that comes with any surgical procedure for your pet.
Before scheduling surgery, we perform a thorough physical examination and take detailed X-rays of the affected knee. These images allow us to measure the tibial plateau angle and plan the exact degree of rotation needed for your dog. Blood work and other diagnostics help confirm your dog is healthy enough for anesthesia and patient monitoring.
On the day of the procedure, your dog is placed under general anesthesia and monitored closely throughout the entire surgery. The surgeon makes the osteotomy cut, rotates the tibial plateau to the pre-planned angle, and secures the new position with a bone plate and screws. Most dogs are ready to go home within one to two days after the procedure.
Recovery from TPLO surgery typically spans eight to twelve weeks. During the first several weeks, activity must be strictly limited to short, controlled leash walks. We schedule follow-up appointments and take repeat X-rays to make sure the bone is healing properly. Most dogs begin to bear weight on the leg within days of surgery, and by three to four months, many are back to their normal routines. Consistent follow-through with at-home care instructions plays a major role in a successful outcome.
TPLO surgery is generally recommended for dogs of all sizes who have a complete or partial CCL tear. Larger, more active breeds tend to benefit the most because the procedure provides superior long-term joint stability compared to other surgical options. However, smaller dogs with CCL injuries can also be excellent candidates, especially when they are otherwise healthy and active.
Several factors play into whether TPLO is the best choice, including your dog’s age, weight, activity level, and the severity of the injury. Dogs with steeper tibial plateau angles may particularly benefit from this approach. During your consultation, our surgical team will review your dog’s specific condition and help you understand all of your options so you can make a confident decision.
When your dog needs orthopedic care, choosing a team you can trust matters. Our veterinarians, including Dr. Sam Varon, who has a strong background in TPLO and fracture repair from the University of California, Davis, bring skill and compassion to every procedure. We treat every patient like part of our own family because that is exactly the kind of care we believe in. You can learn more about our doctors on our team page.
If your dog is limping, struggling to get up, or showing signs of a knee injury, do not wait for the problem to get worse. We are here to help your pet get back on all four paws and back to living their happiest, most comfortable life. Reach out to Venetian Pet Hospital today to schedule a consultation.
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