TPLO Surgery in Halifax (Serving HRM, Located in Dartmouth)

If your dog has a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL)—often described as a “dog ACL”—you’re probably looking for clear answers and a plan you can trust. ROVRS provides TPLO surgery for dogs serving Halifax and the HRM, and we’re located in Dartmouth.

ROVRS is an independently owned veterinary surgical clinic led by a board-certified surgeon. We operate out of Metro Animal Emergency in Dartmouth, but ROVRS is a separate entity.

What is TPLO surgery?

TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) is a common surgical procedure used to stabilize the knee after a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury. Instead of “replacing” the torn ligament, TPLO changes the mechanics of the knee so it can function more stably during walking and running.

TPLO is often recommended for:

  • Medium to large dogs

  • Active dogs

  • Dogs with a complete CCL tear

  • Dogs with ongoing pain or instability despite rest and medication

The right procedure depends on your dog’s size, activity level, knee anatomy, and overall health. We’ll walk you through options during your consult.

Signs your dog may have a CCL injury

Not every limp is a cruciate tear, but these are common signs we see:

  • Limping or “toe-touching” on a back leg

  • Stiffness after rest (worse in the morning or after naps)

  • Difficulty rising, jumping, or using stairs

  • Sitting with one leg out to the side

  • A “skipping” gait that comes and goes

  • Swelling around the knee

If your dog is limping and you’re in Halifax/HRM, an orthopedic assessment can help you get answers quickly.

What to expect at your TPLO consult

Our goal is to make the process straightforward and transparent.

At your appointment, we typically:

  • Review your dog’s history and symptoms

  • Perform an orthopedic exam and gait assessment

  • Discuss diagnostic imaging (often radiographs/X-rays)

  • Confirm whether a CCL injury is likely and whether TPLO is appropriate

  • Review a surgical plan, recovery plan, and pain management plan

  • Answer your questions about timing and expectations

If surgery is recommended, we’ll outline next steps and help you understand the timeline.

What to expect at your TPLO consult

Our goal is to make the process straightforward and transparent.

At your appointment, we typically:

  • Review your dog’s history and symptoms

  • Perform an orthopedic exam and gait assessment

  • Discuss diagnostic imaging (often radiographs/X-rays)

  • Confirm whether a CCL injury is likely and whether TPLO is appropriate

  • Review a surgical plan, recovery plan, and pain management plan

  • Answer your questions about timing and expectations

If surgery is recommended, we’ll outline next steps and help you understand the timeline.

The TPLO procedure

While every patient is different, TPLO generally involves:

  • Careful anesthesia and monitoring

  • A surgical cut in the tibia (shin bone)

  • A controlled rotation of the tibial plateau to improve knee stability

  • Fixation using a plate and screws

  • A tailored pain management plan for comfort during recovery

We’ll explain what this means for your dog in plain language—no jargon, no pressure.

Recovery after TPLO: what the timeline can look like

Recovery is a big part of success. We’ll give you clear, written instructions and talk you through what’s normal vs what’s not.

Typical milestones (general guidance):

  • Weeks 0–2: Strict rest, short leash walks for bathroom breaks, incision care, pain control.

  • Weeks 2–6: Gradual increase in controlled activity as advised; recheck(s) as scheduled.

  • Weeks 6–12: Progressive strengthening and longer controlled walks; activity increases based on healing.

  • 12+ weeks: Many dogs return toward normal activity, with guidance based on follow-up assessments.

Some dogs benefit from rehabilitation exercises or physiotherapy. We’ll recommend what’s appropriate for your dog.

Why pet owners choose ROVRS for TPLO in Halifax

Choosing surgery for your dog is a big decision. Here’s what you can expect with ROVRS:

  • Board-certified surgeon leading your dog’s surgical care

  • Locally owned, independent clinic (not part of a corporate chain)

  • Clear communication—we explain options, recovery, and expectations in plain language

  • Comfort-focused care with thoughtful pain management planning

  • Efficient scheduling and a straightforward process from consult to surgery to follow-up

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes! It is important to visit your Primary Vet to have them access your dog, run some tests and properly diagnose your dog. They will fill out a referral form, submit documentation and x-rays for us to review. After the initial review we will call you to make an appointment to discuss the next steps.

  • Surgical time varies by patient. We’ll explain what to expect for your dog, including the day-of timeline and discharge planning.

  • Not always. The best procedure depends on your dog’s size, activity level, knee anatomy, and overall health. We’ll review options and recommendations during your consult.

  • Many dogs do well with a structured home plan. Some benefit from formal rehabilitation. We’ll advise you based on your dog’s needs and recovery progress.

  • We offer flexible pricing based on project type and complexity. After an initial conversation, we’ll provide a transparent quote with no hidden costs.

  • Yes! Dr. MacDonald is a board certified surgeon, and is sought after for her expertise and care when it comes to advanced procedures in surgery. We can help maximize your experience by sometimes offering same day consults and surgeries. We are located in an area that is close to hotels with pet friendly services. We would be happy to discuss this with you.

How to get a Referral