TPLO Surgery in Nashville & Memphis

Board-certified TPLO for dogs with a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), performed by DACVS surgeons in Nashville and Memphis. Referrals welcome.

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What is TPLO?

TPLO, or tibial plateau leveling osteotomy, is a surgery that restores stability to a dog’s knee after the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears. Instead of replacing the ligament, it changes the angle at the top of the shin bone (tibia) so the knee stays stable without relying on the ligament at all. It is widely considered the gold standard for active dogs and medium-to-large breeds.

Quick Facts

Treats a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), the most common orthopedic injury in dogs
Best for active dogs and medium-to-large breeds
Orthopedic surgery under general anesthesia
Recovery: Most dogs are cleared for normal activity by 8 weeks, some as early as 6, with controlled activity until then.
Performed by board-certified surgeons (DACVS)
Locations: Nashville (Brentwood) and Memphis (Germantown)

Is Your Dog a Candidate for TPLO?

A torn CCL is the most common reason a dog suddenly starts limping on a back leg. The signs include favoring one hind leg, trouble rising or jumping, stiffness after rest, or a sudden refusal to put weight on the leg. Because the ligament rarely heals on its own, and an unstable knee leads to arthritis over time, surgery is usually the best path back to a normal, active life. TPLO is especially well-suited to active dogs. While the procedure has historically been used for medium-to-large breeds, newer implants now make it an effective option for some small and toy breeds, as well as cats. For small dogs with a steep tibial plateau angle (the slope at the top of the shin bone), TPLO is often the recommended choice.

Border collie, a strong candidate for TPLO surgery, at Apex Veterinary Surgery

Why TPLO is the Gold Standard

There are several ways to repair a torn CCL, including the lateral suture technique and TTA. Apex Veterinary Surgery favors TPLO because it stabilizes the knee by changing its mechanics, rather than relying on a ligament or implant to hold under load. That tends to mean a more reliable return to full, comfortable function. Your surgeon will walk you through the options and recommend the one that fits your dog.

What the Procedure Involves

TPLO is performed under general anesthesia by a board-certified surgeon. The surgeon makes a precise cut in the top of the tibia (shin bone), rotates it to level the joint surface, and secures it with a bone plate and screws while it heals. Most dogs go home the same day, and begin easing weight onto the leg within the first days to weeks.

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Surgery performed by board certified surgeon, Dr. Mac Maxwell.

TPLO Recovery Timeline

Every dog heals at their own pace. Your surgeon’s instructions always take priority.

Weeks 0-2: Rest

Rest and incision care. Short leash walks for bathroom breaks only. Pain managed with medication.

Weeks 2-8: Controlled activity

Gradually longer leash walks. No running, jumping, or off-leash play until your veterinarian clears your pet.

Weeks 8-12: Rebuilding strength

Activity increases as the bone heals, guided by a recheck exam. Many dogs are released around this time, but please confirm with the surgeon at your pet’s recheck.

Week 12+: Back to normal

Most dogs return to full, active life

Meet Your Surgeons

Dr. Chase Atwood, DACVS - board certified surgeon at Apex Veterinary Surgery in Nashville, TN

Chase Atwood, DVM, DACVS-SA

Nashville (Brentwood). Board-certified veterinary surgeon (DACVS); Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Mississippi State University; surgical residency at Memphis Veterinary Specialists. Full bio here.

Dr. Mac Maxwell, DACVS, board-certified veterinary surgeon at Apex Veterinary Surgery

Mac Maxwell, DVM, MS DACVS-SA

Memphis (Germantown). Board-certified veterinary surgeon (DACVS); Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and surgical residency from Mississippi State University; former assistant professor of small animal surgery. Full bio here.

For referring veterinarians

Apex is a referral-based surgical practice. If you have a canine CCL case that would benefit from TPLO, referral is simple. We keep you informed at every step and return your patient to your care for follow-up.

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Frequently Asked Questions

You can also check out the medically reviewed TPLO article inside our blog.

How much does TPLO surgery cost?

Cost depends on your dog’s size and specific needs. Reach out, and we will give you a clear estimate before anything is scheduled.

How long is TPLO recovery?

Most dogs need at least 8 weeks of controlled activity, then return to normal activity, guided by recheck exams along the way. Some dogs are released as early as 6 weeks. Every dog heals at their own pace. Your surgeon’s instructions always take priority.

Is my dog too old for TPLO?

Age alone rarely rules out surgery. Many senior dogs do very well. Your surgeon evaluates overall health to confirm your dog is a good candidate.

What is the success rate of TPLO?

TPLO has a high success rate and is considered the gold standard for active and larger dogs, with most returning to full, comfortable function.

What happens if we don't do surgery?

An untreated torn CCL usually means ongoing pain, an unstable knee, and progressive arthritis, and it often leads to a tear in the opposite knee. Surgery offers the best chance at a pain-free, active life.