When The Knee Gives Out: Understanding TPLO Surgery

It often starts subtly — a slight limp, a hesitation before jumping, or a pet struggling to use one of their back legs. While these signs could indicate temporary soreness or a minor sprain, they may also point to a much more serious issue, a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL).

This common injury can significantly affect a dog’s or cat’s ability to walk, run or even stand comfortably. Luckily, there’s a surgical solution that can help restore their mobility — Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery.

Dr. Katherine Barnes, a clinical associate professor at Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, shares the signs of CCL tears, how TPLO surgery works and why choosing the right surgeon is so important.