TPLO or tibial-plateau-leveling osteotomy is a technique used to stabilize the stifle joint after a dog tears the Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL). The CCL is comparative to the ACL in humans.

There are a couple of different treatments for CCL tears and treatment is often based on the size of the dog as well as the financial aspect of the treatments.  We chose TPLO because, at 104 pounds, we believed this treatment has the best chance to heal the area and become stronger than before.

With TPLO surgery, the surgeon places a plate and screws into the bone after they have cut a curve in the tibia bone to reshaped it to allow for good movement and better stability.  The CCL is removed because it can not be repaired and in some cases (like Brutus) the meniscus is found to be damaged and is also removed.

Here are pictures of Brutus’ knee showing before and after surgery.  Pictures are taken just before surgery and then after the plate is in place, to compare and ensure proper placement before finishing up.  The plate will be there for the rest of his life.

The after!

The before!

He has been home for 24 hours and we have already seen improvement.  I will be updating his recovery page soon with information on his recovery plan and new pictures and videos.

If you have experience with CCL surgery, we would love to hear from you.

Til next time!

Brutus and L