9802 Herriot Ln, Peoria, IL 61615
TPLO Surgery to Restore Your Dog's Mobility
A torn cranial cruciate ligament, often called a CCL tear, is one of the most common causes of hind leg lameness in dogs. At Meadowbrook Veterinary Clinic in North Peoria, our surgeons are experienced in performing Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy, commonly known as TPLO, one of the most effective and widely trusted surgical solutions for this injury.
TPLO is not a repair of the torn ligament itself. Instead, it changes the mechanics of the knee joint so the ligament is no longer needed for stability, allowing dogs to return to normal, pain free movement over time.
What Is a Cranial Cruciate Ligament Tear?
The cranial cruciate ligament sits inside the knee joint and helps keep the tibia, or shin bone, from sliding forward relative to the femur. When this ligament tears, partially or completely, the knee becomes unstable, leading to pain, inflammation and, over time, arthritis.
Signs your dog may have a cruciate ligament injury include:
- Sudden lameness in a hind leg, especially after running, jumping or twisting
- Difficulty rising, sitting or climbing stairs
- Sitting with the affected leg held out to the side
- Swelling around the knee joint
- Reduced activity or reluctance to exercise
Some dogs experience a sudden, complete tear, while others develop a gradual partial tear that gets worse over time. Certain breeds, including Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers and Newfoundlands, are more predisposed to cruciate ligament injuries.
Why TPLO Is Recommended
TPLO works by cutting and rotating the top of the tibia to change the slope of the tibial plateau. This alters the forces acting on the knee so the joint remains stable during weight bearing activity, even without a functioning cruciate ligament.
TPLO is often recommended over other surgical techniques for larger and more active dogs because it:
- Provides strong, long term joint stability
- Allows many dogs to return to normal or near normal activity levels
- Reduces the progression of arthritis compared to non-surgical management
- Has a strong track record of success across a wide range of breeds and sizes
Our North Peoria veterinarians will evaluate your dog's size, activity level and the severity of the ligament injury to determine whether TPLO is the right option, or whether another treatment approach may be more suitable.
Diagnosing a Cruciate Ligament Injury
Before recommending TPLO, our veterinarians perform a full orthopedic exam, which typically includes:
- Manual joint manipulation to check for instability
- Digital x-rays to evaluate the joint and rule out other conditions
- Assessment of the opposite knee, since dogs with one torn ligament are at higher risk of tearing the other
This thorough evaluation helps confirm the diagnosis and allows our surgical team to plan the procedure with precision.
TPLO Surgery and Recovery
Every TPLO procedure at Meadowbrook Veterinary Clinic begins with a comprehensive preoperative evaluation, including a physical examination and required pre-anesthetic blood work within 30 days of surgery. Once your dog is cleared, surgery is performed under a personalized anesthesia plan with continuous monitoring by a certified veterinary technician. During the procedure, your dog also receives IV fluid therapy along with medications to help manage pain and nausea.
Recovery is a gradual process that allows the bone to heal properly. You'll receive detailed home-care instructions covering activity restriction, incision care, medications, and the use of an e-collar if needed. Follow-up visits, including recheck X-rays, help us monitor healing before your dog gradually returns to normal activity. While many dogs begin putting weight on the leg within the first few weeks, carefully following the recovery plan is essential for the best long-term outcome.
Schedule a TPLO Consultation in North Peoria
If your dog is showing signs of a cruciate ligament injury, the surgical team at Meadowbrook Veterinary Clinic in North Peoria is ready to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out whether TPLO is the right treatment option for your dog.
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