Understanding Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease and TPLO Surgery in Dogs

Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease is one of the most common causes of hind limb lameness in dogs. If your dog is limping on a back leg, especially after exercise or during play, they may have torn or ruptured their cranial cruciate ligament, similar to the ACL in
humans.

At Nimble Veterinary Hospital in West Ryde, we frequently diagnose and treat this condition, with TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) surgery being our gold-standard surgical option for stabilising the knee joint and restoring comfort and mobility.

The cranial cruciate ligament is a key stabiliser in the dog’s stifle (knee) joint. The function of the cranial cruciate ligament is to:

1. Prevent over-extension of the knee joint
2. Prevent excessive rotation in the knee joint
3. Prevent the shin bone (tibia) from sliding forward relative to the thigh bone (femur) during movement, also known as cranial drawer.

When this ligament tears (either partially or completely), dogs often experience:

• Sudden or gradual lameness in a hind leg
• Reluctance to bear weight on the affected limb
• Difficulty rising or jumping
• Muscle wasting over time if left untreated

Unlike in humans, cranial cruciate ligament disease in dogs is usually degenerative, meaning it deteriorates slowly over time until a rupture occurs, sometimes during everyday activity, not necessarily after trauma.

While several surgical techniques exist, TPLO surgery is considered the most reliable option for medium to large breed dogs or highly active pets.

At Nimble Vets, we recommend TPLO in cases where we want to:

• Eliminate joint instability
• Minimise long-term arthritis
• Restore your dog’s comfort and function
• Get them back to their favourite walks sooner

TPLO surgery involves making a curved cut in the top of the tibia (shin bone), rotating it to flatten the natural slope, and then securing it in its new position with a bone plate and screws. This change in angle eliminates the need for the cranial cruciate ligament to stabilise the knee during movement.

By stabilising the joint in this way, TPLO allows for better long-term function and reduces pain and inflammation.

At Nimble Veterinary Hospital, we provide thorough post-operative care instructions to ensure your dog’s recovery is as smooth and safe as possible. In the initial stages of the post-operative period, it is recommended to crate rest your dog.

At 6-8 weeks after the procedure, we usually have our patients back for radiographs to check on how the bone is healing and whether there are any concerns with the implants.

Most dogs undergoing TPLO surgery return to near-normal function within 3-6 months.

However, ongoing arthritis management is crucial. At Nimble Vets, we often recommend:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Joint supplements (e.g. glucosamine, chondroitin)
• Injectable arthritis treatments (Zydax or Synovan)
• Regular check-ups to monitor both knees, as up to 40-60% of dogs will eventually rupture the ligament in the other knee

As with any surgery, there are risks. Complications may include:

• Infection at the surgical site
• Implant issues (loosening or breakage)
• Late meniscal injury (which can require further surgery)
• Ongoing stiffness or arthritis

By carefully following your vet’s aftercare instructions and attending regular rechecks, the risk of complications is significantly reduced.

If you’ve noticed your dog limping or struggling to rise, book an orthopaedic assessment with Dr. Cannon To today.

Nimble Veterinary Hospital
75 Ryedale Road, West Ryde NSW
Call us on 9129 5551
www.nimblevets.com.au
hello@nimblevets.com.au

Let us help your dog get back on their paws.