TPLO
Surgery
TPLO surgery, when performed by an experienced team ensures that your dog has the best chance at a complete recovery.
Has your dog ruptured their cruciate ligament and you're looking for a skilled, compassionate team to guide you through surgery and recovery? At Eltham Vet, our Melbourne-based clinic offers expert orthopaedic care in a warm, supportive environment. With experienced orthopaedic surgeon Dr Steve Pryor and a caring team of trained veterinary nurses, we're here to support both you and your dog every step of the way.
What is included if you choose us?
Consultation with Dr Steve Pryor
We will book you in for a 30 minute consultation with Dr Steve Pryor before surgery. We do this as it gives you the opportunity to meet the surgeon who will be operating on your dog and will allow you time to ask any questions you may have about the procedure. During this time Dr Steve will also perform and full clinical exam on your dog. If you end up booking in your dog’s TPLO surgery with us we will REFUND you the cost of this consultation!
Pre-anaesthetic blood test
A blood test prior to any large surgery is important as it can provide insights into your dog’s overall health by checking red blood cells, white blood cells, liver and kidney function, thyroid function and glucose levels. This will allow us to make any adjustments needed to your dog’s anaesthetic to suit their needs.
Pre-op x-rays
We will x-ray your dog’s cruciate leg as well as their other knee and hips. Dr Steve will then assess the x-rays and re-examine your dog’s knee whilst they are sedated/under anaesthetic. We do this as it provides us with an overall assessment of your dog’s hips and both knees.
Nurse monitoring throughout surgery
We will have a nurse monitoring your dog’s anaesthetic throughout the procedure from start to finish. They will monitor your dog’s oxygen levels, heart rate and blood pressure throughout surgery and continue to monitor them in recovery until they are fully awake.
Follow up calls with Dr Steve and nursing team
Whilst in hospital, Dr Steve will call you to discuss how the surgery went and you will also receive updates from our nursing team during your dog’s stay with us
2-night hospital stay
Most vet’s provide one night in hospital however we feel that two nights provides a better understanding of how your dog is recovering post surgery. This will allow us to assess how they are coping with the pain relief and how they are using their leg post operatively.
Post op pain relief and antibiotics
Your dog will receive IV pain relief and antibiotics in hospital. We will also send you home with ongoing pain relief and antibiotics. Your dog will also have a pain relief patch which will provide continuous pain relief for 5 days.
Follow up appointments and Zydax injections
You will be required to come back in for weekly injections for 3 weeks following your dog’s surgery. These appointments will be booked with Dr Steve (where possible) and he will assess your dog’s progress and provide ongoing exercise and post op care.
Follow up x-rays
12 weeks after your dog’s surgery, we will perform follow up x-rays on your dog’s knee to assess how the bone has healed. Most dogs will be completely healed by this point. You will have a discharge appointment with Dr Steve where he will show you the x-rays and discuss where to from here. If this sounds like a surgery plan that suits you then please contact our friendly reception team on (03) 9439 8650 to arrange an appointment with Dr Steve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Eltham Vet for Your Dog’s TPLO Surgery?
At Eltham Vet, we combine advanced surgical expertise with genuine personal care. Every step of your dog’s treatment is tailored with empathy, precision, and clear communication—because we know how much your pet means to you.
How experienced is Dr Steve in performing TPLO’s?
Dr Steve has over 30 years’ experience in orthopaedic surgery, with a special interest in cruciate repairs. Steve is:
1) A member of the ANZ College of Veterinary Scientists (Surgery Chapter)
2) A regular attendee at surgical conferences and workshops
3) Skilled in the evolution of cruciate procedures, now specialising in TPLO
If you’d like to read more about how to choose the right surgeon for you, click here to read our blog
You are a relatively small practice, why should I pick you over a larger hospital?
The benefits of choosing a smaller practice is consistency. Each time you and your pet come in for a visit it is likely that you will see the same vet as well as reception and nursing staff. This also means that your follow-up will be done with staff who are already familiar with your dog.
How experienced are your nurses in caring for post op TPLO patients?
We do a high number of TPLO procedures throughout the year and our small nursing team all participate in the care of numerous patients throughout the year. Plus, a number of them have had their own pet’s cruciate surgeries performed at Eltham Vet so they have personal experience as well.
Where are you located?
We are conveniently located approximately 40 minutes north of Melbourne’s CBD - easily accessible from the city and surrounding suburbs.
What happens if my dog ruptures their other cruciate?
Unfortunately, sometimes once your dog has ruptured one cruciate, the chances of them rupturing their second cruciate increase. If your dog ruptures their second cruciate within 12 months of having their first one operated on with us, we will discount your second surgery.
Where can I find more information about cruciate ligament rupture and the TPLO procedure itself?
Click here to head to our pet cruciate ligament page to read more about the surgery itself and post op rehabilitation.