Expert TPLO Surgery
for Dogs in West Yorkshire.
Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy is the gold-standard surgical repair for cranial cruciate ligament injury — one of the most common orthopaedic conditions in dogs. Performed at Paws & Co Veterinary Centre, Tingley.
What Is TPLO Surgery and Why Is It the Gold Standard?
The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) stabilises the knee joint in dogs. When it ruptures — through trauma, gradual degeneration, or both — the knee becomes unstable and painful. Left untreated, it causes progressive arthritis and severely impacts quality of life.
TPLO (Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy) addresses the underlying mechanics of the injury. Rather than simply replacing the torn ligament, TPLO changes the geometry of the knee joint so it no longer relies on the CCL for stability. The tibia is cut and repositioned, then secured with a plate and screws, effectively eliminating instability.
It is widely considered the most effective surgical treatment for CCL rupture, offering faster return to activity, better long-term outcomes, and lower complication rates than alternative procedures.
Initial consultation & diagnosis
X-rays, physical examination, and assessment of the degree of instability to confirm diagnosis and surgical suitability.
Pre-operative preparation
Blood work, fluid therapy, and anaesthetic planning. Pain relief is initiated before surgery begins.
TPLO procedure
The tibial plateau is cut and rotated to the correct angle, then secured with a veterinary-grade stainless steel plate and screws.
Recovery & rehabilitation
Structured rest, controlled lead exercise, and physiotherapy progressively return your dog to full activity over 16–20 weeks.
Is TPLO right for your dog?
TPLO is appropriate for the majority of dogs with CCL rupture — from small breeds to large and giant breeds. It is particularly well-suited to larger, more active dogs where long-term durability of the repair is a priority.
Signs your dog may have a CCL injury include sudden or gradual hind limb lameness, reluctance to bear weight, a stiff gait after rest, or a visible swelling around the knee joint.
Partial tears are also common — and also benefit from TPLO, as partial tears almost always progress to full rupture without surgical intervention.
Important: Around 50% of dogs that rupture one CCL will rupture the other within 12–18 months. Early diagnosis and treatment of the second knee, when it occurs, leads to better outcomes.
Recovery Timeline — Week by Week.
TPLO recovery requires commitment from owners — but the outcomes are excellent. Here's what the typical recovery looks like.
Post-operative recovery
Your dog will be discharged with pain medication, anti-inflammatories, and detailed aftercare instructions. Rest is essential — restrict movement to toilet trips only.
Initial healing
Swelling begins to reduce. Short, slow lead walks of 5 minutes, 3–4 times daily. Suture check at 10–14 days. Most dogs begin to touch the foot to the ground.
Progressive weight bearing
Walk duration gradually increases. Most dogs are walking well on the leg by week 4–6. No running, jumping, or off-lead exercise. Hydrotherapy can be introduced.
X-ray check
Follow-up X-rays to assess bone healing and plate position. If healing is progressing well, exercise restrictions begin to ease and lead walk duration increases significantly.
Return to normal activity
Gradual return to off-lead exercise. Swimming and gentle play reintroduced. Most dogs are functionally back to normal by week 12–16, with full bone remodelling at 6 months.
Full recovery
The vast majority of dogs return to full, normal activity with no ongoing lameness. The implants remain in place permanently and do not require removal in most cases.
Honest Costs — No Surprises.
TPLO pricing varies depending on the size of your dog and the complexity of the case. We provide a full written estimate before any procedure so you know exactly what to expect. Contact us for a personalised quote.
Initial Consultation
Diagnostic X-Rays
TPLO Surgery
Pre-Anaesthetic Bloods
All surgical prices include pain relief, post-operative nurse check, and discharge consultation. Health plan members receive discounted consultations. We recommend discussing pet insurance options with your insurer before the procedure — TPLO is commonly covered under orthopaedic conditions. Call us on 0113 868 6100 with any questions.
Meet Toby.
Toby came to us with a cranial cruciate ligament rupture — a common but life-limiting injury for an active dog. Following TPLO surgery at Paws & Co Veterinary Centre, Toby made a full recovery and was back to doing what he loves most.
"A big thank you to everyone for mending my Toby and allowing me to share the day with him."
Stories like Toby's are why we do what we do. If your dog has been diagnosed with a CCL injury, or you're concerned about hind limb lameness, please get in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my dog needs TPLO?
The most common signs are sudden or gradual hind limb lameness, reluctance to put weight on a back leg, and stiffness after rest. A physical examination and X-rays will confirm the diagnosis. Book a consultation and we'll assess your dog fully.
Is my dog too old for TPLO surgery?
Age alone is rarely a barrier. We assess each dog individually — including pre-anaesthetic blood work — to determine surgical suitability. Many older dogs do very well with TPLO and have significant improvement in quality of life post-surgery.
What's the difference between TPLO and other CCL repairs?
Alternative procedures such as lateral suture repair (extracapsular) work by replacing the ligament with a synthetic suture. TPLO changes the biomechanics of the joint entirely, offering more durable results — particularly in medium to large breed dogs.
Will my dog need physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is not mandatory but is highly beneficial — particularly for large breeds or dogs recovering from more complex cases. We can advise on local physiotherapy referrals and hydrotherapy options following surgery.
Does pet insurance cover TPLO?
TPLO is commonly covered under lifetime or orthopaedic conditions on most pet insurance policies. Check your policy documents or call your insurer before the procedure. We can provide a written estimate to support your claim.
How long will my dog be in the practice?
Most dogs are admitted in the morning, undergo surgery, and are discharged the same evening or the following morning, depending on recovery. We'll keep you updated throughout the day.
What happens at the post-operative checks?
We schedule a suture check at 10–14 days, and follow-up X-rays at 6–8 weeks to assess bone healing. Further checks are arranged as needed. All post-operative consultations are included in your surgical package.
Can I get a second opinion before committing?
Absolutely. We welcome second opinions and are happy to review imaging from other practices. Book an extended consultation and bring any existing X-rays or clinical notes.
Book a Consultation or Ask Us a Question.
Whether your dog has just been diagnosed, you want a second opinion, or you'd simply like to discuss the procedure — we're here to help. Call, email, or visit us at Capitol Park, Tingley.
Contact Details
Tingley, West Yorkshire WF3 1DR
Opening Hours
Ready to book a consultation? Call us on 0113 868 6100 or email hello@pawsandco.vet — we'll get back to you promptly.
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