TPLO surgery

4.98 star rating

4.98 avg.

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For most dogs who have torn their cruciate ligament, TPLO surgery is the best way to get them back on four legs. Not sure it's a cruciate injury? Message us first and our clinical team will give you free advice.

Hello Vet clinic reception

A small ligament with a big job

The cruciate ligament is a short band of tissue in the back of your dog's knee that helps keep the joint stable every time they walk, run or jump. When it tears, sometimes suddenly at the park, sometimes gradually over months, the knee becomes unstable and every step becomes painful.

It's one of the most common orthopaedic injuries in dogs, and it doesn't heal on its own. A TPLO (Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy) changes the angle of the bone so that the knee is stable again, without needing the ligament at all.

Vet greeting a dog at a Hello Vet clinic

Signs to watch for

Cruciate injuries are one of the most common reasons a dog suddenly goes lame on a back leg. Here's what owners usually notice first.

Sudden limping on a back leg

Often after running, jumping or a sharp turn at the park.

Sitting awkwardly

With the sore leg stretched out to the side instead of tucked under.

Stiffness after rest

Worse first thing in the morning or after a long nap.

Difficulty jumping

Hesitating at the sofa, the stairs or the car boot.

Toe-touching

Placing just the tip of the paw down while standing, keeping weight off the leg.

On-and-off lameness

Seems to improve with rest, then returns. Still worth checking as a partial tear usually progresses.

Not sure? Ask us first

You can message our clinical team on WhatsApp - send us a short video of the limp and any X-rays or notes if you already have them, and we will tell you whether a consultation is necessary.

Cat being held by a Hello Vet vet

What happens during TPLO surgery?

Rather than trying to replace the torn ligament, a TPLO reshapes the top of the shin bone so the knee remains stable when your dog puts weight on it. Surgery is always a case-by-case decision made together with your vet, based on your dog's age, size and the state of the joint. There are other surgical options outside of a TPLO

How a TPLO works

1
A precise curved cut

The surgeon makes a curved cut in the top of the shin bone.

2
A stable new angle

The bone is rotated to a stable angle, so the knee stops sliding under weight.

3
A permanent plate

A small metal plate holds it while it heals. It stays in for life - most dogs never notice it.

One fixed, up-front surgery price

ยฃ4,000

TPLO procedure and anaesthesia

Hospital care on the day

Take-home pain relief

Post-op check-ups and follow-up X-ray

Already have X-rays from another vet? Bring them and you may not need new ones.

The road to recovery

1
The same day

Home with you that evening, resting comfortably with pain relief on board. Many dogs start toe-touching the leg almost immediately.

2
Weeks 1โ€“2

Short lead walks only until stitches out and your first free check-up.

3
Weeks 3โ€“8

Gradually longer lead walks as the bone heals, with free check-ups along the way.

4
Week 8โ€“10 and beyond

A follow-up X-ray confirms the bone has healed, then a phased return to off-lead life. If all goes well, by six months: park runs, zoomies, all of it.

What to expect with Hello Vet

1

Talk to our clinical team

Speak to a veterinary professional via WhatsApp or phone. Together, weโ€™ll figure out whatโ€™s best for you and your pet.

2

Clear pricing & a plan

Weโ€™ll give you a written cost estimate, or book a consultation if we need to take a closer look first.

3

A calm clinic visit

Built for anxious pets: separated waiting areas, sunken scales, quiet rooms, dimmable lighting and relaxing smells.

4

Post-op support

A smooth recovery includes regular check-ins with your team. Message us any time you need us.

Client reviews

4.98 avg.

Quick diagnosis and compassionate aftercare

A big thank you to all the staff at Hello Vet for taking great care of my dog Boris when he ruptured his cruciate ligament. From the quick diagnosis to having the operation at the surgery and compassionate aftercare. Thank you!

Rachael, Borisโ€™ human

Emergency surgery handled

I cannot thank Alex and the team enough for the most incredible, caring and informative way they handled my dog's emergency surgery yesterday. They made a very upsetting and emotional day as best as it could have been. Eternally grateful ๐Ÿ™ recovering well already.

Suzie, Latkeโ€™s human

Kept in touch through recovery

All nurses and vets at Hello Vet are lovely and always took great care of our Labrador Bailey, whenever we had to bring him in for routine visits or, more recently, a surgery. I particularly appreciated the way they kept in touch during treatment and throughout recovery. It made it clear they truly cared and provided much comfort and reassurance to us. Thank you!

Celine, Baileyโ€™s human

From consultation to post-op care

The entire surgical process was handled with remarkable care and professionalism. I truly appreciate the clear communication and the diligent updates I received, which kept me informed and at ease. It's evident that your team is not only highly skilled but also deeply compassionate, and I am so grateful for the excellent care my dog received.

Juana

Stayed through surgery and recovery

Staying with my dog while he was prepared for and came round after surgery suited me but might not be for everyone however the option is there. Transparency of prices helps with budgeting. I cannot recommend highly enough and that is why I trust this practice with my precious dogs.

Ali

Expert surgery and aftercare

The vet we saw and the nurses were all excellent. It was clear that they really care about animals. They were patient and kind with my extremely frightened cat. The surgery was expert and so was the aftercare. Iโ€™m relieved and happy I found them and will most definitely continue to go to them.

Laura
Not sure if they need surgery?
Ask us for free advice