TPLO Surgery for Dogs in Melbourne
If your dog has been diagnosed with a torn or ruptured cruciate ligament, TPLO surgery can help stabilise the knee, relieve pain and allow them to return to an active lifestyle.
Tooronga Veterinary Hospital provides TPLO (Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy) surgery for dogs at our veterinary hospital in Hawthorn East, Melbourne.
TPLO is a well-established surgical treatment for cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) injuries – sometimes referred to as a torn ACL in dogs.
TPLO Surgery Cost
We believe in clear and transparent veterinary pricing.
Dogs under 30 kg – $5,800
Dogs 30 kg and over – $6,000
The price includes TPLO surgery, general anaesthesia and monitoring, surgical implants, pain relief, anti-inflammatory and an overnight hospital stay for post-operative care and pain management.
Initial radiographs and follow-up radiographs are not included and are charged separately.
What is a Cruciate Ligament Injury?
The cranial cruciate ligament is an important ligament within your dog's knee that helps keep the joint stable. When the ligament becomes damaged or ruptures, the knee becomes unstable, resulting in pain, inflammation and lameness.
Dogs may limp, have difficulty getting up, become reluctant to climb stairs or jump, or suddenly stop bearing weight on the affected leg. Cruciate ligament disease is one of the most common causes of hind-leg lameness in dogs.
What is TPLO Surgery?
TPLO is an orthopaedic procedure that changes the biomechanics of the knee so that it remains stable despite the damaged cruciate ligament.
During surgery, a carefully planned curved cut is made in the upper tibia (shin bone). The tibial plateau is repositioned and secured using a specialised TPLO plate and screws.
TPLO is commonly recommended for almost all dogs with ruptured cruciate ligament disease.
Overnight Care and Pain Relief
Your dog will stay with us overnight following their TPLO surgery.
This allows our veterinary and nursing team to provide ongoing pain relief, closely monitor your dog's recovery from anaesthesia and adjust their medications if required.
Most importantly, it allows us to make sure your dog is comfortable before they go home the following day.
Recovery After TPLO Surgery
Recovery from TPLO is gradual because the bone needs time to heal.
Initially, activity must be carefully restricted, with short controlled lead walks gradually increased as your dog recovers. Follow-up examinations and radiographs are generally recommended to assess bone healing before returning to unrestricted exercise.
Many dogs are able to return to an active and comfortable lifestyle following successful TPLO surgery and rehabilitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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TPLO surgery costs $5,800 for dogs under 30 kg and $6,000 for dogs 30 kg and over. Initial and follow-up radiographs are charged separately.
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The equivalent of the human ACL is called the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) in dogs. TPLO is one of the most commonly performed surgeries used to treat instability caused by cruciate ligament disease.
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Yes. Your dog stays with us overnight so we can continue their pain relief, monitor their recovery and ensure they are comfortable before going home.
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Recovery occurs gradually over approximately 8 weeks. Even when your dog starts using the leg and feels much better, exercise needs to remain controlled while the bone heals.
TPLO and Cruciate Ligament Surgery in Melbourne
Tooronga Veterinary Hospital provides TPLO surgery for dogs from our veterinary hospital in Hawthorn East, Melbourne.
If your dog has been diagnosed with a cruciate ligament injury, has been recommended to have TPLO surgery, or has persistent hind-leg lameness, contact our experienced team to arrange an assessment.
Get in touch
Tooronga Veterinary Hospital
395 Tooronga Road, Hawthorn East VIC 3123
(03) 9000 9828