TPLO Surgery

Lenity Vet Specialists + Emergency Care provides advanced orthopedic surgery for dogs suffering from knee ligament injuries. One of the most effective procedures we offer is TPLO surgery, a specialized treatment designed to restore stability and comfort for dogs with a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), similar to an ACL injury in people.

Our team supports pets and their families in San Mateo, CA, as well as those in San Francisco, CA and throughout the Bay Area, with specialized veterinary care. If your dog is suddenly limping on a back leg, refusing to put weight on one leg, or struggling to stand or jump, TPLO surgery may help restore normal function and allow your pet to return to an active, happy life.

What Is TPLO Surgery?

TPLO surgery (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) is an advanced orthopedic procedure used to treat a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in dogs. The CCL is similar to the ACL in humans and helps stabilize the knee joint. When this ligament tears, the knee becomes unstable, causing pain, limping, and difficulty walking.

Instead of replacing the damaged ligament, TPLO surgery changes the mechanics of the knee joint so it can function normally without relying on the torn ligament. 

During the procedure, our surgeon carefully reshapes the top of the tibia (shin bone), rotates it to change the angle of the knee joint, and secures it with a specialized metal plate and screws. As the bone heals, the knee becomes stable again during movement and weight bearing.

Why Choose Specialty Surgical Care for TPLO?

Lenity is dedicated to advanced surgical care with a focused team trained specifically in complex orthopedic procedures like TPLO.

While many primary care veterinarians provide general care, TPLO is a highly specialized orthopedic surgery that benefits from advanced training, specialized equipment, and extensive surgical experience.

What Sets Lenity Apart

• Advanced surgical training beyond veterinary school
• High-volume orthopedic experience
• Specialized surgical instrumentation
• Dedicated anesthesia monitoring team
• Individualized, multimodal pain management
• Comprehensive post-operative recovery planning
• Direct communication with your surgeon
  

When it comes to orthopedic surgery, experience truly matters. Our focus is on precision, safety, and long-term mobility. From consultation through recovery, your pet receives expert medical care and attentive support every step of the way. 

Is Your Dog Limping on a Back Leg? It Could Be a Cruciate Ligament Injury

A torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) — often referred to as a dog ACL injury — is one of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs. Pet owners often first notice symptoms that appear suddenly or gradually worsen over time.

Common signs include:

• Sudden limping in a back leg
• Not putting weight on one hind leg
• Difficulty standing up or climbing stairs
• Stiffness after activity
• Reluctance to run or play
• Swelling around the knee joint
• Sitting with one leg extended to the side
  

Many dogs seem to improve slightly with rest, only for the limp to return. If you’re noticing these symptoms, a veterinary orthopedic evaluation can help determine whether TPLO surgery may be the best treatment option.

At Lenity, TPLO procedures are performed using advanced surgical planning, specialized equipment, and careful monitoring to support safe outcomes for dogs in San Mateo, San Francisco, and across the Bay Area.

Why TPLO Surgery Is One of the Most Recommended Treatments for Dog ACL (CCL) Injuries

TPLO surgery is widely considered one of the most reliable treatments for cruciate ligament injuries, especially for active or medium-to-large dogs.

Potential benefits include:

• Improved knee stability
• Earlier return to weight bearing
• Reduced long-term joint degeneration
• Strong long-term mobility for active dogs
  

Many dogs begin placing weight on the leg within days after surgery and continue improving as healing progresses.

Dogs Most Commonly Affected by CCL Tears

Common risk factors include:

• Active or athletic lifestyles
• Medium and large breed dogs
• Excess body weight
• Certain anatomical factors affecting the knee joint
  

Breeds often affected include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Boxers, and Pit Bull–type dogs. However, smaller dogs can also experience cruciate ligament injuries.

What to Expect During TPLO Recovery

Recovery after TPLO surgery involves a structured healing period that allows the bone and joint to stabilize properly.

Typical recovery includes:

• Restricted activity during the early healing phase
• Pain management and anti-inflammatory medications
• Controlled leash walks
• Follow-up exams and imaging to monitor healing
• Gradual return to normal activity
  

Most dogs regain excellent function of the affected leg and return to comfortable movement once recovery is complete. Our surgical team regularly performs TPLO procedures for dogs from San Mateo, San Francisco, and throughout the Bay Area, helping pets return to active and comfortable lives.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

If your dog is limping, not using a back leg, or showing signs of knee pain, early evaluation is important. Prompt diagnosis helps determine whether conservative management or surgical treatment like TPLO is the best path forward.

Advanced Veterinary Orthopedic Care in the Bay Area

At Lenity, our veterinary specialists are dedicated to helping pets regain mobility and comfort through advanced orthopedic treatment. We proudly serve dogs and families in San Mateo, CA, San Francisco, and across the Bay Area.

Contact Lenity to schedule a consultation to learn more about TPLO surgery.