- Stratford Clinic
- Whitfield Clinic
Dr Demian Bullock and Dr Rod Gilbert are Ulysses Veterinary Clinic veterinarians with a special interest and expertise in TPLO surgery.
As long-term Cairns veterinarians with decades of experience in orthopaedic surgery, Dr Demian and Dr Rod have helped hundreds of Cairns pets return to a happy and active lifestyle following orthopaedic injury.
The TPLO procedure (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) is considered the treatment of choice for cruciate repair as it provides patients with the best post-surgical outcome in terms of a return to normal joint functionality.
A ruptured cruciate ligament is one of the most common causes of hind limb lameness in dogs. When the anterior cruciate ligament ruptures this causes destabilisation of the stifle (knee) joint. This results in significant pain and inflammation and can lead to meniscal damage and osteoarthritis. Most dogs with a ruptured cruciate are unable to weight bear on the affected limb.
Diagnosis of a ruptured cruciate ligament requires a physical examination by one of our veterinarians, which is undertaken in a routine consultation at either our Stratford or Whitfield clinic. During this consult your veterinarian looks for signs of a destabilised joint, often identified though the presence of a “positive drawer sign”, where the tibia (shin bone) slides forward relative to the femur (thigh bone). If indicated, the physical examination is then followed by radiographs to confirm the diagnosis and rule out/diagnose any underlying pathology. Both our Stratford and Whitfield vet clinics are equipped with the latest x-ray equipment to investigate your dog’s requirements for orthopaedic surgery.
Following this investigative work up, surgery is then scheduled. Surgery is generally performed within the following week, so the joint can be restabilised and any fragments of torn meniscus removed, therefore allowing the joint to return to full functionality as soon as possible.
The Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO for short) is performed at our Stratford clinic. The primary aim of this surgery is to alter the angle of the head of the tibia in relation to the femur. This alters the biomechanics of the stifle joint such that the damaged cruciate ligaments are no longer relied upon to stabilise the joint.
To do this, a semi-circular cut is made in the head of the tibia. This allows this segment of bone to be rotated to approximate an angle of 5 degrees, to create a ‘level’ tibial plateau. The segment of bone is then fixed in place with a bone plate and screws, specially selected according to your dog’s radiographic measurements.
By carefully adjusting the slope of the top of the tibia, the stifle joint is stabilised resulting in reduced pain and inflammation and a reduced risk of osteoarthritis.
Your dog’s post-operative comfort and well-being is paramount to the staff at Ulysses veterinary clinic. This is why post-operatively your dog’s TPLO procedure includes a comprehensive course of anti-biotic and anti-inflammatory, pain relief medication.
Post-operative check-ups and radiographs to check on the progress of healing, will also be scheduled. A course of injectable glycosaminoglycan medication (cartrophen) to help prevent arthritis is also recommended. This medication is given during your dog’s post-operative checks.
Following your dog’s surgery, there will be a wound on the inside of the knee, with subcutaneous sutures holding the skin edges together. (These sutures do not need to be removed) This surgical wound will take about 2 weeks to fully heal.
Mild to moderate swelling around the knee and lower part of the leg is to be expected and should resolve within 1-2 weeks of surgery.
In the vast majority of Ulysses Veterinary Clinic’s patients, a return to normal function is rapid following their Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy.
Pet owners should expect to notice a gradual and progressive improvement in weight bearing on the operated leg, with toe-touching (light weight bearing) occurring in the first few days following surgery.
By two weeks, most dogs bear moderate weight on their leg, and by 10 weeks there is often no appreciable lameness.
Following your dog’s surgery, our experienced nurses will provide you with exercise and rehabilitation guidelines to gradually build your dog back to full their activity levels.
By 16 weeks most dogs will be able to walk and play normally.
However, as is the case with all joint surgeries, it is highly recommended to avoid high impact activities such as jumping and twisting.
Based on his 27 years of veterinary experience Dr Demian Bullock estimates a 65% increased risk of cruciate injury in the remaining leg, following cruciate ligament rupture in the first leg! This risk can be minimised by maintaining your dog at a healthy weight and avoiding over strenuous activities such as chasing balls, jumping from a height, and rough play.
Consultations for orthopaedic assessment with Dr Demian or Dr Rod, can be booked at both our Whitfield and Stratford surgeries.
© Ulysses Veterinary Clinic Cairns 2026
