A cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear is a common cause of lameness and knee pain in dogs. Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) is the gold standard surgery for treating this injury, but it’s natural for pet owners to wonder if there are non-surgical or alternative surgical options available.
At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, we help pet owners understand their treatment options to make the best decision for their dog’s long-term health.
Do All Dogs Need TPLO Surgery?
Not every dog with a CCL tear requires TPLO surgery. The best treatment depends on:
- Your dog’s size and breed – Large, active dogs benefit most from TPLO.
- Severity of the tear – Partial tears may improve with conservative treatment.
- Age and overall health – Some dogs may not be ideal surgical candidates.
For small dogs or cases where surgery isn’t an option, there are alternative treatments to consider.
Non-Surgical Alternatives to TPLO
If your dog has a partial CCL tear or cannot undergo surgery, conservative management may help. This includes:
Strict Rest & Controlled Activity
- Limiting movement (no running, jumping, or rough play).
- Crate rest or small-room confinement for several weeks.
- Short, leash-controlled walks to prevent further injury.
Pain Management & Anti-Inflammatory Medication
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and swelling.
- Joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3s) to support cartilage health.
- Adequan injections to slow down arthritis progression.
Weight Management & Diet
- Excess weight strains the knee joint, worsening the injury.
- A vet-supervised weight loss plan can reduce pain and improve mobility.
Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation
- Hydrotherapy (underwater treadmill) to rebuild strength.
- Passive range-of-motion exercises to maintain flexibility.
- Cold laser therapy & acupuncture for pain relief.
Custom Knee Braces
- A stability brace can help support the knee joint.
- Best suited for small or inactive dogs.
- Not a long-term solution but may help with mobility.
Important: Conservative management can work for mild cases, but many larger dogs or full ligament ruptures will eventually need surgery for long-term success.
Surgical Alternatives to TPLO
If TPLO isn’t the right choice for your dog, there are other surgical techniques:
Lateral Suture (Extracapsular Repair)
- Uses a strong suture to stabilize the knee.
- Works best for small dogs (less than 15kg).
- Less effective in large dogs due to higher stress on the suture.
TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement)
- Similar to TPLO but uses a titanium implant to adjust knee mechanics.
- Suitable for medium to large dogs.
- Faster recovery than traditional suture repair.
CBLO (CORA-Based Leveling Osteotomy)
- A newer technique similar to TPLO but better suited for certain bone structures.
- Typically chosen based on individual knee anatomy.
At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, we assess each dog individually to determine the best surgical or non-surgical treatment for their condition.
Which Treatment Is Best for My Dog?
Choosing between TPLO, alternative surgeries, or conservative management depends on:
- Your dog’s size, weight, and activity level
- Severity of the ligament tear
- Risk of developing arthritis and secondary injuries
- Long-term success rates of each treatment
For active or large-breed dogs, TPLO remains the most effective solution, as non-surgical treatments rarely restore full function. However, small dogs or those with partial tears may improve with a combination of rest, therapy, and medication.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If your dog has a CCL tear, our experienced team at Sandringham Veterinary Hospital can help determine the best treatment plan for a successful recovery.
Call us today to book an appointment!