TPLO Surgery for Dogs
in Melbourne
Comprehensive TPLO Surgery Package – $4,500 incl. GST
Has your dog been diagnosed with a ruptured cruciate ligament? Looking for another surgical option?
Moorabbin Veterinary Hospital offers TPLO surgery for dogs throughout Melbourne, including those diagnosed at other veterinary clinics.
TPLO surgery is performed in-house by Dr John Ley BVSc MANZCVS (Small Animal Surgery), with your dog’s care managed by our veterinary team from the initial consultation through to postoperative recovery.
Our comprehensive $4,500 surgical package includes the initial consultation, surgery, implants, anaesthesia, pain relief, meniscal assessment and treatment where required, immediate postoperative radiographs, medications and five postoperative examinations.
8-week follow-up radiographs are charged separately.
Initial TPLO Consultation Included
If your dog has already been diagnosed with a cruciate ligament injury, you can arrange an initial surgical consultation with Dr John Ley.
During this appointment, we will examine your dog, review any existing radiographs and veterinary records, discuss the operation and recovery, and provide an estimate of the anticipated total costs.
The initial consultation is included in our $4,500 TPLO package. If you decide not to proceed with surgery, there is no consultation fee.
No referral is required, and your dog can continue seeing their regular veterinarian for all other veterinary care.
Arrange an Initial TPLO Consultation
What Is TPLO Surgery?
TPLO stands for Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy. It is a well-established surgical technique for treating cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs.
The cranial cruciate ligament helps stabilise the knee. When it becomes damaged or ruptures, the knee becomes unstable, causing pain, lameness and progressive joint damage.
Rather than replacing the damaged ligament, TPLO changes the way forces act through the knee.
During surgery, a carefully planned curved cut is made in the upper tibia (shin bone). The upper portion of the bone is rotated to a predetermined angle and secured using a specialised TPLO plate and screws.
This changes the biomechanics of the knee, providing functional stability without relying on the damaged cruciate ligament.
Who Performs TPLO Surgery at Moorabbin Veterinary Hospital?
TPLO surgery is performed by Dr John Ley BVSc MANZCVS (Small Animal Surgery).
John has a particular interest in orthopaedic surgery, including the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament injuries.
Surgery is performed at Moorabbin Veterinary Hospital, allowing the same veterinary team to oversee your dog’s surgical planning, operation and postoperative recovery.
Is TPLO Right for My Dog?
TPLO is commonly recommended for dogs with significant knee instability caused by cranial cruciate ligament disease.
It is particularly suitable for many medium and large breed dogs, although smaller active dogs may also benefit.
During the initial consultation, we assess your dog’s size, age, activity level, knee stability, existing arthritis and general health before recommending the most appropriate treatment.
If your dog has already been examined by another veterinarian, we can review their findings and any existing radiographs as part of this assessment.
How Much Does TPLO Surgery Cost?
Our Comprehensive TPLO Package – $4,500 incl. GST
We aim to provide owners with a clear understanding of the anticipated cost of surgery and recovery before proceeding.
What’s Included?
Our $4,500 package includes:
Before Surgery
- Initial surgical consultation and orthopaedic assessment
- Review of existing radiographs where available
- Preoperative surgical planning
- Preoperative visit the day before surgery to administer pain relief
During Surgery
- General anaesthesia and comprehensive monitoring
- Comprehensive pain management, including local anaesthetic blocks and appropriate analgesia
- TPLO surgery
- TPLO plate and screws
- Assessment of the meniscus and treatment of meniscal injury where required
- Immediate postoperative radiographs to assess bone and implant positioning
After Surgery
- Hospitalisation and postoperative care
- Postoperative medications, including pain relief and antibiotics as prescribed
- Five postoperative examinations during the 8-week recovery period
- A course of Synovan arthritis injections
- Detailed home rehabilitation instructions
Our aim is to provide comprehensive surgical care while keeping the costs clear and predictable.
Are There Any Additional Costs?
Some investigations and follow-up procedures are charged separately from the standard $4,500 package.
1. Preoperative Radiographs – $280 (if required)
If recent radiographs are available, we will be able to use these for surgical planning without additional imaging costs.
If radiographs are required, these can be taken on the day of surgery under the same general anaesthetic for $280.
2. Follow-Up Radiographs at Approximately 8 Weeks – $350
The fifth postoperative examination takes place at 8 weeks and includes radiographs to assess bone healing.
The additional $350 covers sedation and follow-up radiographs.
These radiographs help determine when your dog can safely return to normal activity.
Alternatively, you may prefer to have the radiographs taken by your regular veterinarian. We are happy to review them and advise on your dog’s progress.
3. Unexpected or Additional Treatment
Occasionally, additional investigations or treatment may be required because of other medical conditions or surgical complications.
These are not included in the standard package. Wherever possible, we will discuss any additional costs with you before proceeding.
What Happens During TPLO Surgery?
Before surgery, radiographs are used to measure the angle of the tibial plateau and plan the required bone rotation and implant selection.
Your dog is placed under general anaesthesia and closely monitored throughout the procedure.
The knee is examined, including assessment of the meniscus for injury.
A curved cut is then made in the upper tibia using a specialised surgical saw. The tibial plateau is rotated to the planned angle and secured with a TPLO plate and screws.
Radiographs are taken immediately after surgery to confirm the position of the bone and implants.
Your dog remains in hospital for postoperative monitoring, pain management and nursing care.
What Happens After TPLO Surgery?
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Most dogs begin using the operated leg during the early postoperative period, although complete bone healing takes considerably longer.
The first several weeks are particularly important.
During recovery:
- Exercise must be controlled and restricted to lead walking.
- Running, jumping and uncontrolled activity must be avoided.
- Access to stairs should be restricted where possible.
- Dogs should be confined to a small, controlled area when unsupervised.
- Exercise is gradually increased according to our rehabilitation plan.
Although your dog may appear much more comfortable within a few weeks, the bone still needs time to heal.
Five Postoperative Examinations Included
Our $4,500 TPLO package includes five postoperative examinations during the 8-week recovery period.
The first four visits allow us to monitor wound healing, assess comfort and limb function, administer Synovan injections and guide rehabilitation.
The fifth examination takes place at 8 weeks, when follow-up radiographs are performed to assess bone healing.
The examination is included in the package, while sedation and radiographs are charged separately at $350.
We provide a structured rehabilitation program with clear instructions for exercise and home care.
How Successful Is TPLO Surgery?
TPLO is a widely used surgical treatment for cranial cruciate ligament disease, and most appropriately selected dogs achieve good functional recovery.
The aim is to stabilise the knee, improve comfort and allow your dog to return to normal activity.
However, TPLO cannot reverse arthritis or cartilage damage that has already occurred.
As with any orthopaedic procedure, complications are possible. These include infection, implant-related problems, delayed bone healing and meniscal injury.
We discuss the expected outcome, potential complications and postoperative requirements before surgery.
Why Choose Moorabbin Veterinary Hospital for TPLO Surgery?
Experienced Surgical Care
TPLO surgery is performed in-house by Dr John Ley BVSc MANZCVS (Small Animal Surgery), who has a particular interest in orthopaedic surgery.
Comprehensive, Transparent Pricing
Our $4,500 package includes surgery, implants, meniscal assessment and treatment where required, medications and five postoperative examinations.
We explain additional costs before surgery so you know what to expect.
Initial Surgical Consultation Included
If your dog has already been diagnosed with a cruciate ligament injury, we can assess them and review their existing radiographs.
There is no consultation fee if you decide not to proceed with surgery.
Continuity of Care
Your dog’s surgery and postoperative recovery are managed by our veterinary team, allowing us to monitor progress throughout rehabilitation.
We Welcome Patients from Other Veterinary Clinics
You don’t need to be an existing client of Moorabbin Veterinary Hospital.
We welcome patients diagnosed elsewhere and are happy to review previous veterinary records and radiographs.
Your dog can continue attending their regular veterinary clinic for routine care.
Has Your Dog Been Diagnosed with a Cruciate Ligament Injury?
If your veterinarian has recommended cruciate ligament surgery, we welcome you to contact Moorabbin Veterinary Hospital to discuss TPLO.
We can examine your dog, review existing radiographs and explain the surgical procedure, recovery and anticipated costs.
Our comprehensive TPLO surgery package is $4,500 including GST, with the initial surgical consultation included.
There is no consultation fee if you decide not to proceed.
Arrange an Initial TPLO Consultation
Got any questions about our TPLO Surgery for Dogs services?
Reach out to the friendly reception team at Moorabbin Veterinary Hospital and they’ll aim to respond to you within 24 hours.
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