What to Expect

At Brighton Veterinary Hospital in South Australia (not Victoria), we understand that deciding on Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery for your dog is a major step in supporting their long-term health and mobility.

Our dedicated orthopaedic team has been performing TPLO surgeries for over eight years and completes at least one procedure each week for dogs from across Adelaide. With this depth of experience, we are well equipped to provide your dog with expert care and the best possible outcome.

From your first consultation through to post-operative recovery, our experienced veterinary team will support you at every stage—ensuring your dog’s comfort, safety, and return to an active life.

What is Cruciate Disease?

Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) disease is one of the most common orthopedic conditions in dogs. It occurs when the cranial cruciate ligament, which stabilises the knee joint (stifle), becomes partially or completely torn. 

This can happen due to:

  • Degeneration over time – The ligament weakens with age, making it prone to rupture.
  • Acute injury – A sudden twist, jump, or slip can cause a complete tear.
  • Breed & genetics – Larger breeds (Labradors, Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers) and dogs who enjoy their food and may be heavier, than average are at a higher risk of damaging their cruciate ligament.

Without proper treatment, a torn cruciate ligament leads to joint instability, chronic pain, and arthritis, which will significantly affect your pet’s mobility and quality of life. 

Why is TPLO the Best Treatment for Cruciate Disease?

Unlike traditional ligament repair techniques, which rely on replacing the damaged ligament, TPLO surgery permanently alters the knee’s biomechanics to eliminate the need for the cruciate ligament. 

Key Benefits of TPLO Surgery:

  • Restores Knee Stability – By altering the tibial slope, TPLO prevents abnormal joint movement, eliminating pain and lameness.

  • Reduces Arthritis Progression – Instability leads to inflammation and arthritis; TPLO significantly slows this process.

  • Stronger, More Reliable Healing – Unlike suture-based methods that can loosen or fail over time, TPLO provides long-term joint stability.

  • Best Option for Active & Large Breed Dogs – TPLO is the gold standard for dogs over 15kg, allowing them to return to full activity. 

What to Expect Before, During, and After TPLO Surgery

Before Surgery

  • Consultation & Diagnosis – Our veterinarians will assess your pet’s condition with a physical examination and X-rays to confirm a partial or completely torn cranial cruciate ligament.
  • Pre-Surgical Testing – Your pet will undergo pre-surgical blood testing to ensure your pet is fit for anesthesia.
  • Fasting  – Your pet will fast in preparation for their surgery and will not eat after 10 PM the night before surgery (unless otherwise directed). Your pet can continue to drink water up until their admission on the day of surgery.
  • Pre-Anxiolytic Medication (if needed) – Some pets may benefit from a mild anti-anxiety medication on the morning of surgery to help reduce stress. If your pet tends to be anxious, please discuss this with us before the procedure.

On the Day of Surgery

  • Your pet will be admitted in the morning, and our team will provide pre-surgical care to help prepare your pet for their procedure and to answer any questions you may have.
  • A general anaesthetic will be administered and your pet will be cared for by the surgical team for the day of their surgery.
  • You will be contacted as soon as your pet is recovering from surgery.

After Surgery & Recovery

  • Hospital Stay – Most pets go home on the same day of their procedure or the following morning, depending on their recovery and the time of their surgical procedure.
  • Pain Management – The team at Brighton Veterinary Hospital will ensure your pet is comfortable throughout their stay at the hospital.  Your pet’s pain will be managed in hospital and at home through a combination of:
    • Morphine-like transdermal patch for pain relief in the first 5 days.
    • Oral anti-inflammatories & Gabapentin for at-home pain management.
    • Specialised monthly pain relief injection, with a second dose given based on your pet’s response.
  • Rest & Restricted Activity – Strict rest is required for the first 8-10 weeks. Your pet’s activity will be limited, and the team at Brighton will provide you with further details and rehabilitation plans to assist in their recovery.

Rehabilitation & Follow-ups

  • 5 days after surgery – a post-operative appointment will be scheduled to check your pet’s wound and for the surgeon to conduct an initial recovery evaluation. The first Cartrophen injection will be administered.  Cartrophen is a fish oil-like injection to assist your pet’s joint health.
  • 2 weeks after surgery – this appointment is to check your pet’s healing and to commence discussing rehabilitation exercises.
  • Four weeks after surgery, this appointment confirms your pet’s healing and revisits the initial rehabilitation plan to tailor it to your pet’s progress.
  • 6-8 weeks after surgery – this appointment is the final post-surgical assessment and to further refine your pet’s rehabilitation plan. 

Long-Term Outcomes

Most dogs regain excellent mobility within 3–6 months, with proper rehabilitation ensuring the best possible outcome. 

Why Choose Brighton Veterinary Hospital for TPLO Surgery?

  • Experienced surgical team specialising in orthopaedic procedures in Adelaide.  Dr Brian Golden has performed over 200 TPLO surgeries and has been performing this surgery for many years. At Brighton Veterinary Hospital, this procedure is, on average, conducted weekly.  Dr Tomm Weisbrodt is also part of the orthopaedic surgical team and completed an Advanced Surgical training program in 2023 and performs TPLO surgery. The high level of care offered at Brighton Veterinary Hospital is elevated by the highly experienced and qualified surgical nursing team.

  • Advanced pain management protocols for optimal comfort.

  • High-end surgical equipment and monitoring devices.  Brighton Veterinary Hospital is well equipped with highly specialised anaesthetic machines, including capnography (anaesthetic machines that breathe on behalf of the pet in case of any delayed breathing) and Mindray patient monitors.

  • Comprehensive aftercare & rehabilitation support.  Dr Leila Haghighi will undertake all rehabilitation appointments with your pet.  Dr Leila is an accredited rehabilitation Adelaide veterinarian who has sub-specialised in this area of expertise.

  • Personalised treatment plans tailored to your pet’s needs. 

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at (08)8296 4300 or reception@brightonvethospital.com.au

We’re here to support you and your pet every step of the way!

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