TPLO surgery on my dog Cadillac.
TPLO Surgery on Your Dog
My Personal Story, Costs, and Recovery Tips
It is every dog owner's nightmare. Your active dog suddenly starts limping while playing. You hope for a minor strain, but the lameness persists. That is exactly how the journey with my own dog, Cadillac (Cadi), began. The diagnosis came as a bombshell: a torn cruciate ligament and a mild patellar luxation. The only option? An invasive and expensive TPLO surgery.
As both a dog photographer and a worried owner, my world collapsed for a brief moment. What does such a major knee operation entail? How do you survive rehabilitation? In this blog, I share my personal story with Cadillac, the hard numbers, and how this journey has changed my perspective on our dog's life.
What a TPLO operation actually entails
During a TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) operation, the anatomy of the canine knee is permanently altered. The surgeon actually saws through the tibia (the lower leg bone). Subsequently, the angle of the bone is adjusted, and everything is firmly fixed in place with a metal plate and medical screws. As a result, the cruciate ligament is no longer needed to keep the knee stable.
I took Cadillac under the knife at De Verwijskliniek in Bergen op Zoom with Dr. Radboud. The moment you leave your sleeping buddy behind in the operating room and have to wait for that one redeeming phone call... It is nerve-wracking. Fortunately, they immediately corrected Cadillac's mild patellar luxation (dislocated kneecap), which prevents an additional operation in the future.
How much does a TPLO operation cost for a dog?
Let's not beat around the bush: a TPLO operation is a very costly procedure. It is a specialized, orthopedic surgery. On average, the costs in the Netherlands range between €2,500 and €3,500, depending heavily on your dog's weight and the necessary materials. It is a significant financial outlay, but it is simply the risk of owning an animal that supports you through thick and thin.
Small steps, big feelings: The TPLO recovery
After the surgery, the hardest part begins for you as the owner: the marathon of strict rest and rehabilitation.
The grueling first week
The first week with Cadillac was tough. Your heart breaks when you see him limping and notice that he is in pain. In the first few days, Cadi also started vomiting from the strong pain medication and antibiotics, which meant we had to switch to a stomach protector immediately. It is a period where you constantly think: will this ever be okay?
The rehabilitation (Weeks 1 to 12)
The recovery requires an enormous amount of patience. For the first few weeks, he is literally only allowed out in front of the door to relieve himself. Every step in the right direction feels like a huge victory. From week 2, we were allowed to very gradually build up the walks (one minute longer each day).
Now, 12 weeks later, Cadillac walks smoothly again and truly enjoys moving once more. His kneecap is stable and the stiffness is gone. It was a mentally tough journey, but the result is priceless.
The hard lesson: Don't wait until it's too late
This entire medical journey with Cadillac has brought me, as a dog photographer, face to face with the facts. Our dogs are vulnerable. Their time with us is already so incredibly short, and a sudden injury or illness painfully reminds you how quickly fate can strike.
Now that Cadillac is fully himself again after 18 weeks—cheerful, headstrong, and happy—I realize more than ever: we must celebrate and capture these moments. Don't wait to create memories until your dog's health fails or until that shiny snout is gray and old. Make sure you don't regret later the portraits you never had taken when he was at his absolute peak.
As a specialized dog photographer in Oud-Beijerland, I know how to translate your dog's regained zest for life, strength, and unique personality into a high-end work of art for your wall. In our quiet, safe studio, Motherpuppers, we celebrate the life of your companion.
Dogs' lives fly by. Capture his character now while he shines.
Please note: This blog is based on my personal experiences with Cadillac. Always consult a veterinarian immediately in case of medical complaints or suspected torn cruciate ligament.
