Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO)
TPLO – ACL Stabilisation Surgery in Dogs
Aftercare
Post-TPLO surgery, your dog can use the leg immediately, but careful aftercare is crucial. We recommend eight weeks of crate rest and limited walks for full stifle recovery, followed by two to four weeks of crate rest and lead walks.
Home recovery is safe and preferred by most owners; we send patients home the same day with no overnight hospital stay needed.
Dogs typically begin weight-bearing on the operated limb within 3-7 days, with over 50% returning to normal activity within 3-4 months. By 6 months post-op, almost all patients achieve 90% or better recovery. Trust our comprehensive aftercare plan for a successful TPLO recovery journey.
TPLO surgery stabilises the knee joint, promoting swift recovery after a cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs. It enhances biomechanics, reduces osteoarthritis risks, and ensures a return to active lifestyles.
Cost of TPLO surgery for dogs
At Melbourne Pet Surgery, TPLO surgeries cost between $3,400 and $4,000, depending on dog size and medication required. Our pricing and the list of inclusions make it an affordable option for pet owners. Please see below list of inclusions and extras for all TPLO surgeries for dogs.
Inclusions
- Hospitalisation on the day of surgery
- Pre-operative orthopaedic examination
- Pre-operative X-ray and surgical planning
- General anaesthetic and monitoring
- IV fluids during anaesthesia
- Multi-level pain relief (Local anaesthetic, drip, patch, NSAIDs, Gabapentin)
- Surgical procedure with highly experienced orthopaedic surgeon
- Implants (plate and screws)
- Post-operative x-rays to check correct alignment and placement of implants
- Post-operative medications to go home (antibiotics, pain relief, sedatives/anxiolytics and arthritis injections)
- Detailed discharge consultation with experienced veterinary nurse
- Comprehensive written post-operative care and rehabilitation instructions
- Unlimited post-operative support (includes after-hours email correspondence)
Extras
- $180 for pre-anaesthetic blood tests to check medical health
- Body suit or Elizabethan collar
- $395 for overnight care, usually only available on a MON night when Dr Scot present (includes continuous iv fluids and pain relief)
- *Final pricing is dependent on your dog’s weight.
- *Dogs over 50kg will incur additional fees due to increased medication requirements and extra resources needed for safe anaesthetic preparation and recovery.
