Complications of TPLO Surgery, Dog Knee Braces are a Better Way!
Why Aren’t Dogs Given the Same Holistic Treatment Options as Humans? 
When a human suffers a ligament tear, doctors typically recommend non-invasive treatments first—rehab, orthotics, joint braces, rest, and physical therapy. Surgery is often the last resort. So why don’t we offer dogs the same approach?
At Specialized Pet Solutions, we’ve been asking these questions for years:
- Why isn’t dog knee bracing the first course of action for a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury?
- Why do veterinarians often present surgery as the only option?
- Why aren’t pet owners given the information they need to make informed, educated decisions?
The Risks of TPLO Surgery
Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery is a common recommendation for dogs with CCL injuries. However, the risks and complications are more frequent than many pet owners realize.
According to Today’s Veterinary Practice, common complications include:
- Incisional pain, swelling, infection, or non-healing wounds
- Wound infections
- Persistent joint instability (lasting up to 2 years)
- Further meniscal injuries
- Patellar desmopathy (affecting 80–100% of dogs post-surgery)
- Delayed or incomplete healing
- Decreased range of motion in the stifle joint
- Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)—dogs that undergo TPLO are 40 times more likely to develop bone cancer than those who don’t
The same article notes that recovery can be long and frustrating, with complications affecting up to 25% of dogs and recovery times stretching up to two years.
In 2018, the American Veterinary Medical Association confirmed these concerns, stating:
“Dogs with a history of TPLO were 40 times as likely to develop proximal tibial osteosarcoma as were dogs with no history of TPLO.”
A Safer, More Affordable Alternative
At Specialized Pet Solutions, we’ve helped hundreds of dogs heal from CCL injuries—without surgery. Our custom dog knee braces offer a safer, more affordable solution with significantly less downtime.
- TPLO surgery: $4,000–$7,000
- Our custom dog knee brace: $695
Each brace is 100% custom-made to fit your dog. We start by casting your dog’s leg, then build the brace around that mold. The brace works by preventing drawer motion, the primary cause of CCL tears. By stabilizing the knee, the brace allows the ligament to rest and heal naturally.
Most dogs wear the brace for a few weeks to a few months. Some owners choose to continue using it during playtime to prevent reinjury—especially for active dogs.
We’re Here to Help You Help Them
At Specialized Pet Solutions, we care deeply about your dog’s health and happiness. Our mission is to help your pet heal easily, safely, and affordably—so they can get back to living their best life.
👉 Learn more about our custom dog knee braces