At Metropolitan Veterinary Associates and Metropolitan Veterinary Urgent Care & Specialty—the premier veterinary orthopedic hospitals serving the Philadelphia tri-state area—our Surgery and Rehabilitation teams function as one coordinated service, with rehabilitation delivered in partnership with Hickory Veterinary Specialty Hospital. From the first sign of a limp to full return to activity, we focus on cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease and TPLO surgery (a procedure that stabilizes the knee after a cruciate tear), paired with structured rehabilitation to restore comfort, strength, and long-term joint health.
TPLO & Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Disease
Cruciate ligament injury is one of the most common causes of hind-limb lameness in dogs. Our board-certified veterinary surgeons at Metropolitan Veterinary Associates and Metropolitan Veterinary Urgent Care & Specialty provide advanced diagnosis and surgical management for dogs across Greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
• Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) – our primary technique for stabilizing the stifle after cruciate rupture
• Comprehensive stifle evaluation – including assessment of both knees and any additional orthopedic contributors to lameness
• Meniscal evaluation and treatment at the time of TPLO
• Individualized surgical planning based on your dog’s size, anatomy, lifestyle, and activity level
What Is TPLO Surgery for Dogs?
TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) is a specialized knee surgery used to treat a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL)—the canine equivalent of the ACL in people. When the CCL is damaged, the knee (stifle) becomes unstable and painful, causing limping and, over time, arthritis.
Rather than replacing the ligament, TPLO changes the angle of the top of the tibia (shin bone) so the knee can stay stable during weight-bearing. The goal is to reduce pain, restore function, and help protect long-term joint health—especially for active or larger dogs.
Integrated Rehabilitation for TPLO Patients
What happens after TPLO is also important as the body recovers from the procedure. Our Rehabilitation team at Hickory Veterinary Specialty Hospital partners closely with our surgeons at Metropolitan Veterinary Associates and Metropolitan Veterinary Urgent Care & Specialty to guide your dog through each stage of TPLO recovery, from early healing to full return to function.
To support this, we include a complimentary 30-minute rehab consult with our TPLO surgery.
During the complimentary rehab consult, Dr. Tiffany Kay will:
• Review safe at-home exercises
• Help set expectations for the recovery timeline
• Educate owners on what rehab options exist if they are interested in pursuing formal rehab therapy post operatively
• Assess comfort and recovery—Dr. Kay has a strong interest in pain control in orthopedic cases and can reinforce multimodal pain management and identify patients who may benefit from additional support
Why the TPLO & Rehab Partnership Matters
To help patients recover comfortably and regain function as smoothly as possible, our Surgery and Rehabilitation teams collaborate early in your pet’s recovery. This coordinated approach between the surgery and rehabs teams and across the entire MVA Family of hospitals means:
• A coordinated TPLO treatment plan that includes surgery and rehabilitation
• Shared decision-making with you and your family veterinarian about timing, expectations, and long-term goals
• Continuous communication between the surgery and rehab teams throughout your dog’s recovery
• A unified strategy to reduce pain, restore function, protect the other limb, and support long-term mobility
Is This Service Right for Your Dog?
This combined TPLO and rehabilitation service may be appropriate if your dog:
• Has been diagnosed with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture or partial tear
• Is limping or toe-touching on a hind limb and your veterinarian suspects cruciate injury
• Is an athletic or working dog needing a safe, guided return to sport after TPLO
Speak with your veterinarian about a referral, or contact Metropolitan Veterinary Associates, Metropolitan Veterinary Urgent Care & Specialty, or Hickory Veterinary Specialty Hospital to discuss whether our TPLO Surgery & Rehabilitation services are the right fit for your dog.
TPLO Surgery FAQs
Recovery timelines vary by patient. Most dogs progress through staged rehabilitation over several months, with activity advanced based on healing, comfort, and return-to-function goals set by your surgeon and rehab team.
Rehabilitation is strongly recommended. A structured plan helps restore range of motion, rebuild strength, improve gait symmetry, and reduce the risk of compensatory injury while supporting long-term joint health.
Yes. We routinely coordinate with your primary veterinarian and/or surgeon to create an individualized rehab plan after TPLO or other orthopedic procedures.