If your vet mentioned a torn ACL (in dogs it's called the cranial cruciate ligament, or CCL), a TPLO is the gold-standard repair. It's a procedure our board-certified surgeon performs, planned, scheduled, and explained start to finish so you know exactly what's ahead.
What is a TPLO?
TPLO stands for Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy. Instead of trying to replace the torn ligament, the surgeon changes the angle of the top of the shin bone so the knee is stable without it. For medium and large dogs especially, it's the repair that gives the best long-term outcome and the fastest return to normal activity. We perform TPLOs at our Studio City hospital for dogs from across Los Angeles.
Signs your dog may need it
- Suddenly limping or holding up a back leg, often after play
- "Toe-touching", resting just the toes of one back leg on the ground
- Stiffness getting up, trouble with stairs or jumping
- A knee that clicks, or swelling around the joint
- Reluctance to do things they used to love
Recovery timeline
Every dog is different, but a typical TPLO recovery looks like this: gentle, leashed movement for the first two weeks, gradual increases through weeks three to eight, and a return to normal activity around the three-month mark with our in-house rehabilitation supporting recovery. We'll give you a clear at-home plan so you're never guessing what's safe.
What to expect, start to finish
Consult & exam
We confirm the diagnosis, take X-rays on-site, and walk you through the plan and the cost, before anything is scheduled.
Surgery day
The TPLO is performed by our board-certified surgeon under careful monitoring. Most dogs go home the same day, with a clear at-home recovery plan.
Recovery & rehab
We guide you through the first weeks at home, and our in-house rehabilitation helps your dog rebuild strength safely.
Back to normal
Most dogs are walking comfortably within weeks and back to full activity in a few months. We're with you the whole way.
What about cost?
TPLO is a specialty procedure, and we believe in being straight with you about price rather than surprising you. We'll give you a clear estimate at your consult, and because keeping care reachable is part of our mission, we offer financing so you can move forward now and pay over time.