What Is Patella Surgery in Dogs?

Patella Surgery Dog

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, we often see dogs struggling with luxating patella, a condition where the kneecap (patella) slips out of place. This can cause lameness, discomfort, and difficulty walking. In moderate to severe cases, patella surgery is required to restore normal movement and prevent long-term joint damage.

What Is Patellar Luxation?

Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap dislocates from its normal position in the groove of the femur. It can be:

  • Medial luxation – kneecap moves inward (common in small breeds).
  • Lateral luxation – kneecap moves outward (more common in large breeds).
  • Intermittent or permanent – some dogs experience occasional slipping, while others have a permanently displaced patella.

Over time, patellar luxation can lead to:

  • Lameness and skipping gait
  • Pain and discomfort
  • Arthritis and joint wear

When Does a Dog Need Patella Surgery?

Not all cases require surgery. Mild cases may be managed with physiotherapy and weight control, but surgery is recommended when:

  • The patella is frequently dislocating.
  • Your dog has persistent lameness or pain.
  • There’s joint damage or arthritis.
  • Conservative treatments are not effective.

Types of Patella Surgery

Patella surgery aims to stabilize the kneecap and prevent it from slipping out of place. The most common techniques include:

Trochleoplasty (Deepening the Groove)

  • The groove where the patella sits is shallow in some dogs, making it prone to dislocation.
  • This surgery deepens the groove so the patella stays in place.

Tibial Tuberosity Transposition (TTT)

  • In some cases, the patella is pulled out of alignment due to the positioning of the tibia.
  • This surgery realigns the tibia to keep the kneecap in its correct position.

Soft Tissue Reconstruction

  • The ligaments and tissues around the patella may be tightened or released to improve stability.

A combination of these techniques may be used to ensure long-term success.

Recovery After Patella Surgery

  • First 2 Weeks: Strict rest, pain management, and controlled movement.
  • Weeks 2-6: Gradual leash walks and rehabilitation exercises.
  • After 8-12 Weeks: Most dogs return to normal activity with a stronger, more stable knee.

Schedule a Consultation

If your dog is experiencing knee issues, our experienced team at Sandringham Veterinary Hospital can help. We provide expert surgical care and post-op support to ensure the best recovery possible.

Call us today to book an appointment!

Will My Dog Return to Normal Activity After TPLO Surgery?

A cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear is one of the most common knee injuries in dogs, often requiring Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery for a full recovery. Many pet owners ask, “Will my dog ever run, jump, and play like before?” The good news is that most dogs make a full recovery and return to their normal activity levels after TPLO.

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, we perform TPLO surgery with a comprehensive recovery plan to ensure the best outcome for your dog.

What to Expect After TPLO Surgery

First 2 Weeks: Skin Healing & Rest

  • Your dog will have stitches and a protective collar to prevent licking.
  • Strict crate rest or limited movement is essential.
  • Pain management and anti-inflammatory medication will keep them comfortable.

No running, jumping, or stairs during this time.

Weeks 2-6: Bone Healing & Rehabilitation Begins

  • The bone starts healing, but activity must remain controlled.
  • Short, leash walks can be introduced gradually.
  • Gentle range-of-motion exercises help prevent stiffness.

At the 6-week mark, we take X-rays to confirm bone healing.

Weeks 6-12: Strengthening & Gradual Return to Activity

  • Once X-rays show proper healing, activity increases.
  • Longer walks and light rehabilitation exercises improve muscle strength.
  • Hydrotherapy and physical therapy can help with joint flexibility.

Jumping, running, and off-leash play are still restricted.

12+ Weeks: Full Recovery & Normal Activity

  • Most dogs return to normal activity by 3-4 months post-surgery.
  • At 6 months, dogs can fully resume running, jumping, and playing.
  • Some dogs even return to high-impact sports like agility and fetch.

A well-executed recovery plan leads to long-term success!

How Successful Is TPLO Surgery?

  • 90-95% of dogs regain full function after TPLO.
  • Prevents arthritis progression, improving long-term joint health.
  • Stronger and more stable than other surgical alternatives.

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, our team ensures your dog receives the best post-operative care for a smooth recovery and return to normal life.

Helping Your Dog Recover Faster

To speed up recovery and ensure long-term success:

  • Follow all post-op restrictions – avoid excessive movement.
  • Rehabilitation & physiotherapy – helps rebuild muscle strength.
  • Maintain a healthy weight – prevents excess strain on the joint.
  • Regular vet check-ups – to monitor healing and progress.

Will My Dog Ever Be the Same?

For most dogs, yes! With proper care, rehabilitation, and time, your dog can return to an active, happy life after TPLO surgery. Many pet owners report their dogs are even more energetic once they’re pain-free!


If your dog has a CCL injury, schedule a consultation at Sandringham Veterinary Hospital today.

Call us to book an appointment!

Are There Alternatives to TPLO Surgery for Dogs?

TPLO Surgery Dog

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!

How Do I Know If My Dog Needs TPLO Surgery?

Dog TPLO Surgery

If your dog is limping, struggling to stand, or avoiding activity, they may have suffered a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear—one of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs. Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery is the gold standard treatment for repairing a ruptured cruciate ligament, but how do you know if your dog actually needs it?

At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital, we specialize in diagnosing and treating CCL injuries, helping your dog regain mobility and live pain-free. Here’s what you need to know about when TPLO surgery is necessary.

Signs That Your Dog May Need TPLO Surgery

If your dog has a CCL tear, they may show one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Limping or Lameness – Most dogs with a CCL tear will avoid putting weight on the affected leg.
  • Difficulty Standing Up or Sitting – A torn ligament makes it painful to rise from a resting position.
  • Swelling Around the Knee Joint – Inflammation is common after a ligament rupture.
  • “Toe-Touching” Gait – Dogs often keep their toes on the ground but avoid full weight-bearing.
  • Clicking or Popping Sounds in the Knee – This can indicate joint instability.
  • Progressive Worsening of Symptoms – A partial tear can worsen over time, leading to a full rupture.

If your dog is showing any of these signs, schedule an appointment at Sandringham Veterinary Hospital for an evaluation.

How Is a Cruciate Ligament Tear Diagnosed?

Our veterinarians will perform:

  • A Physical Examination – Checking for knee instability and pain.
  • Palpation Tests – Identifying abnormal movement, such as the “drawer sign”, which confirms a ruptured ligament.
  • X-Rays – Evaluating joint health and ruling out other causes of lameness.
  • Advanced Imaging (If Needed) – MRI or ultrasound for complex cases.

Does My Dog Need TPLO Surgery?

Not every CCL tear requires surgery, but TPLO is recommended for:

Large or Active Dogs: Medium to large-breed dogs (e.g., Labradors, Rottweilers, German Shepherds) put more stress on their knees, making surgery the best option for long-term recovery

Dogs with Complete Ligament Ruptures: If the ligament is fully torn, the knee is unstable, and surgery is the only way to restore normal function.

Dogs That Have Not Improved with Conservative Management: Small dogs and partial ligament tears may improve with rest, pain management, and physiotherapy. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, surgery becomes necessary.

Dogs Experiencing Secondary Joint Damage: A torn CCL often leads to arthritis, meniscus damage, and chronic pain. TPLO surgery helps prevent further joint deterioration.

Why TPLO Is the Best Surgical Option

Unlike in humans (where ligament replacement is common), dogs’ knees do not respond well to ligament grafts. Instead, TPLO surgery changes the way the knee works, eliminating instability without affecting natural leg movement.

  • Works for dogs of all sizes
  • Permanent solution with a high success rate
  • Faster recovery compared to other surgical techniques
  • Reduces the risk of arthritis and long-term pain

What Happens If My Dog Doesn’t Get Surgery?

Without surgery, dogs with complete CCL ruptures often develop:

  • Chronic pain due to continued joint instability
  • Severe arthritis and long-term mobility issues
  • Muscle loss in the affected leg
  • Injury to the opposite knee, as dogs compensate for the weak leg

Call Sandringham Veterinary Hospital today to book an appointment!