Advanced Dog Knee Surgery in West Leederville
When your dog starts limping or refusing to jump, it’s easy to hope the issue will pass. But subtle signs often point to a deeper problem, a torn cranial cruciate ligament, also known as a CCL injury. This condition is one of the most common causes of lameness in dogs and, if ignored, can lead to chronic pain and irreversible joint damage. At The Floreat Vet in West Leederville, you’ll find a veterinary team equipped with the experience, technology and surgical precision to restore your dog’s mobility through expert knee surgery solutions like TPLO.
This guide takes you through every stage of the journey, from recognising early symptoms to understanding your surgical options and post-operative care.
What Cruciate Ligament Injuries Really Mean
The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) functions much like the ACL in humans. It connects the femur to the tibia and stabilises the knee joint during movement. When this ligament is torn or ruptured, the bones no longer align as they should. Every step your dog takes then results in pain, inflammation, and joint instability.
This kind of injury often occurs from repeated stress rather than a single traumatic event. Some breeds are genetically predisposed to ligament failure, particularly if they’re active or carry excess weight. Without early treatment, even partial tears worsen into full ruptures that severely impact quality of life. Arthritis sets in quickly, affecting not just the injured knee but potentially the opposite leg as well.
Identifying the Warning Signs Early
You may first notice a subtle limp after a long walk or a reluctance to jump onto furniture. Sometimes it’s an awkward sitting position, or hesitation at stairs that once posed no problem. These early signs often appear mild but tend to progress over time.
More pronounced symptoms include stiffness after rest, swelling around the knee, or your dog holding one leg off the ground altogether. You might also hear a clicking or popping sound when the joint is manipulated. Such indicators strongly suggest a CCL tear, and early diagnosis can make a significant difference in the outcome.
If you’re based in West Leederville or nearby, a visit to The Floreat Vet allows for immediate orthopaedic examination, digital imaging, and personalised treatment planning. Acting early can mean a shorter recovery and fewer complications.
When Surgery Becomes Essential
Not all knee injuries require surgery, but in most cases of complete or advanced partial CCL tears, surgical repair is the only way to restore stability and prevent further damage. For medium to large breeds or active dogs, conservative management simply isn’t effective in the long term.
Left untreated, the knee remains unstable, leading to muscle wastage, joint inflammation, and cartilage deterioration. Over time, even the opposite leg becomes vulnerable due to overcompensation. That’s why surgical intervention is not only corrective, it’s preventative.
At The Floreat Vet, surgical decisions are based on breed, weight, lifestyle and overall health. Your dog is treated as an individual, and every recommendation is made with their comfort and long-term wellbeing in mind.
What Happens During TPLO Surgery
TPLO stands for Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy. Unlike traditional repairs, TPLO doesn’t attempt to replace the ligament. Instead, it alters the biomechanics of your dog’s knee to eliminate the need for the CCL altogether.
During the procedure, the top of the tibia (the shin bone) is surgically rotated to change the angle of the joint. This realignment stops the femur from sliding forward when your dog walks, which restores natural movement without relying on the damaged ligament.
The operation involves:
- Orthopaedic assessment and digital X-rays to measure joint angles
- A curved bone cut and rotation of the tibial plateau
- Fixation of the new alignment using a bone plate and screws
- Meniscal evaluation and repair if needed
- Closure of the surgical site and post-operative dressings
Performed under general anaesthetic, the surgery is completed by a board-certified veterinary surgeon with advanced orthopaedic training. Recovery begins immediately, with close monitoring and a tailored care plan to ensure safe healing.
Alternatives for Smaller or Less Active Dogs
Not every dog requires TPLO surgery. For smaller breeds under 15 kg or dogs with lower activity levels, a lateral suture technique may be more appropriate. This method involves placing a strong synthetic ligament outside the joint to provide temporary support while the body forms scar tissue to stabilise the knee.
Although the recovery time is generally shorter, lateral suture techniques may not offer the same durability or long-term results as TPLO in highly active dogs. Your vet will walk you through both options, weighing up the pros and cons based on your dog’s unique circumstances.
The Recovery Journey After Surgery
Healing from TPLO surgery is structured, gradual, and supported by your veterinary team at every step. Most dogs begin bearing weight on the operated leg within a few days. For the first fortnight, rest is vital. You’ll need to limit movement, prevent jumping, and use confined areas to reduce risk.
From week three, short leash walks are introduced and slowly increased in duration. Full recovery can take between eight to twelve weeks, depending on your dog’s age, weight and activity level. Follow-up X-rays are taken to monitor bone healing and assess when more freedom of movement is safe.
The Role of Rehabilitation and Pain Control
Post-operative care is more than rest. To ensure the best outcome, rehabilitation is woven into every recovery plan. Controlled exercise, joint mobilisation, and therapeutic sessions like hydrotherapy or cold laser therapy can dramatically improve your dog’s comfort and mobility.
Pain management is also carefully managed. Your vet will prescribe anti-inflammatory medication, and in some cases, temporary opioids to ease discomfort in the early stages. Ongoing reviews help monitor progress and adjust treatment if needed.
Support at home is crucial too. You may be advised to use non-slip mats, orthopaedic bedding, or ramps to help your dog avoid strain while healing. Every step is discussed with you so that you feel confident in your dog’s recovery.
Understanding Costs and What’s Included
Investing in dog knee surgery is a significant decision, and understanding the costs involved allows you to plan with clarity. At The Floreat Vet in West Leederville, TPLO surgery typically ranges between $4,000 and $5,800. This includes:
- Pre-operative consultation and imaging
- Anaesthesia and monitoring
- The surgical procedure with advanced implants
- Hospitalisation and pain relief
- Post-operative care planning and review consultations
Optional rehabilitation packages, orthotic support, and ongoing physiotherapy can be added to the plan depending on your dog’s needs. Flexible payment options and assistance with pet insurance claims are available, offering peace of mind at every stage.
Why Choose Our West Leederville Team
Your choice of surgical team is as important as the procedure itself. At The Floreat Vet, you benefit from specialist-level care delivered in a supportive, compassionate environment. From the moment of diagnosis to your dog’s final physiotherapy session, every element is handled with precision and empathy.
The surgical team includes highly qualified veterinarians with postgraduate training in orthopaedics and trauma. The nursing staff are trained in wound care, pain management, and canine rehabilitation. Together, they deliver outcomes that focus on comfort, recovery and long-term success.
When you trust The Floreat Vet with your dog’s knee surgery, you’re not just choosing a procedure. You’re choosing a future where your dog can move freely, play confidently, and enjoy life without pain.