Cranial cruciate ligament rupture and TPLO surgery

What is Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture?

Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture is a leading cause of lameness in the hind limbs of both cats and dogs, with surgery often recommended for optimal recovery—especially in dogs. The Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO) procedure is widely used in dogs and, less frequently, in cats to restore stifle stability and minimize pain.

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Signs and causes:

• Cats and dogs usually show hind limb lameness—sudden or intermittent limping—after a CCL rupture.
• In cats, trauma is a more common trigger, while dogs are more likely to develop ligament degeneration over time or due to obesity.
• Symptoms may include reluctance to bear weight, stiffness, swelling, visible pain, and difficulty jumping or rising from rest.

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Treatment options:

• Conservative management (rest, anti-inflammatories, weight control) is sometimes sufficient for smaller dogs (under 15 kg) and cats with mild or partial tears.
• Surgical repair is standard for active, large dogs and cats with significant ligament damage, as surgery prevents rapid progression of arthritis and further joint instability
• TPLO surgery is the most effective option for maximizing limb function in dogs and involves altering the tibial plateau angle to eliminate the need for the ligament; in cats, TPLO is less common but can also provide good results, especially after trauma.
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy are essential parts of recovery for all patients, aiding a return to normal function typically within three months post-surgery.

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What is TPLO:

TPLO, or Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy, is an advanced surgical technique used to treat cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture—most commonly in dogs, but sometimes in cats. The procedure involves making a curved cut in the top of the tibia (shin bone), rotating the bone segment to flatten the slope of the tibial plateau, and fixing it in place with a metal plate and screws.