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Refer

Flagship procedure

TPLO Surgery for Your Dog's Torn ACL

The knee injury is common. So is the fix - when it's done by a surgeon who has performed it more than 300 times. Zoomies gets your dog seen in days, into surgery in weeks, and back to being themselves.

Request a Consultation Referring Vet? Start Here

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Start with the injury

Want to Understand the Injury First?

Learn what a torn CCL means, the signs to watch for, and how TPLO surgery fixes the knee.

Understanding ACL/CCL Injury

Why Zoomies for Your Dog's TPLO

At Zoomies

Seen within 1 - 4 days, surgery within 1 - 3 weeks

At many specialty centers

Weeks to schedule a consultation, then surgery 4 - 6 weeks beyond that

  • Experience You Can Count On

    Dr. Jacob Mathias has performed more than 300 TPLO procedures, with case volume that has grown every year - because the results speak, and referring veterinarians and owners keep sending their toughest cases. He has trained across the country in the procedure and continues to refine it with every surgery.

  • Outcomes

    Our patients enjoy very good outcomes. We expect your pet to be using their leg more 2 weeks after the procedure than at the time of their first appointment. The limp fades over the following weeks, though a subtle limp can remain at the 8-week recheck. Most dogs are back to full activity by about 10 weeks, and full strength takes about 6 months. Of the CCL repairs, TPLO has the best return to function: most dogs get back to 90 - 95% of normal.

  • Healing Help Included

    Our standard TPLO includes a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection - a regenerative therapy that harnesses and amplifies the natural growth factors found in your dog's own blood to speed healing and reduce pain. This often costs an extra $800 - $1,500 at other facilities, but we include it because we believe it matters.

  • Quality

    We provide excellent veterinary care. Dr. Jacob has extensive training and experience. He has traveled all over the country for continued education and wet lab training. He continues to improve his techniques by applying what he learns and educating his team on each procedure.

  • Safety

    Safety for your pet is our top priority. We do everything possible to keep your pet safe, prevent infections, and get them back to normal as soon as possible. This includes safety measures before, during, and after the procedures.

    Our TPLO Safety Protocol, Step by Step

Back to Running, Jumping and Playing

  1. Day 3

    The typical day owners first saw their dog put weight on the leg.

  2. 2 weeks

    We expect your dog to be using the leg more than at their first appointment.

  3. 8 weeks

    Bone healing is confirmed by X-ray. Typical owner-rated mobility at this recheck: 98%, and no dog below 80%.

  4. 10 weeks

    Most dogs are back to full activity.

  5. 6 months

    Full strength - we typically can't tell which leg had surgery.

  • Dr. Jacob was amazing from start to finish. Our dog had a torn CCL and as a very active lab, it was hard to watch him struggle. The pre op team was so informative, the surgery was seamless and we felt well prepared for post op. We are now 6 months post op and he is back to 100% with no issues. Couldn't thank the surgery team enough for all their kindness and great care.

    Shelby R. ★★★★★ Google review 6 months after TPLO

  • The surgery went extremely well. The incision was impressive - at the first checkup it was virtually closed. Remi is at the 8-week mark, improving rapidly, and I expect she'll be bird hunting in the coming months. Dr. Jacob is an excellent surgeon, and I would certainly recommend him to any pet owner for TPLO repair.

    Brian M. with Remi 8 weeks after TPLO

  • Dr Mathias did my dog's second TPLO knee surgery. He was warm and informative, and did a fantastic job with the surgery. Her recovery was ahead of schedule most of the way and she shows no sign of having blown her knee out now. She runs and plays with no problems. ... It's really important to have a doctor you can trust with something that serious and Dr Mathias delivered for us.

    Tom K. ★★★★★ Google review Second TPLO

  • It was a great experience from start to finish - the scheduling, the step-by-step instructions before surgery, and the check-in afterward for extra reassurance. We couldn't have asked for a better team taking care of Tucker.

    Shelby B. with Tucker 6 months after TPLO

  • We were already familiar with TPLO surgeries from a former dog who had it on both knees. ... The receptionist was immediately ready to answer relative cost estimates and was able to get us in within just a couple of days. The doctor was very thorough and looked at X-rays from our regular vet. It was a fantastic experience, I'd recommend anyone looking for info to call and talk to their wonderful staff.

    Kelsie R. ★★★★★ Google review TPLO

  • This is the second time Dr. Jacob has done a TPLO for one of my pets, and I can't say enough good things about either experience. He was extremely thorough explaining the procedure, the recovery and what to expect, and it has gone seamlessly both times.

    Brandy M. with Memphis 8 weeks after TPLO

  • Dr. Mathias put our minds at ease and gave us all the information we needed to help Enzo through surgery and a good recovery. What seemed very daunting when we first heard he needed surgery turned into something that felt very much in control, with optimistic chances of a full recovery. We are so glad we found Dr. Mathias!

    Lisa C. with Enzo 8 weeks after TPLO

  • Amazing facility and staff, and top-notch bedside manner. Dr. Jacob never made us feel rushed, explained the procedure and answered all of our questions. I would recommend this surgery here to anyone, however far the drive. We come from Kettering, and I've recommended Dr. Jacob to colleagues in Columbus.

    T.J. A. with Nash 8 weeks after TPLO

  • Dr. Jacob is awesome - very informative and thorough. He genuinely cares for his patients and is great at answering your questions. The staff is amazing too! We never had a problem getting in for appointments, med refills or messages to the doctor when we needed them. Highly recommend!

    Tina P. with Cole 8 weeks after TPLO

  • Dr. Jacob did an excellent job with Oliver's TPLO surgery. He called me on the phone after surgery to give me updates on how the procedure went. You never want something wrong to happen with a pet, but I would wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Jacob to get them back on their feet again.

    Sarah B. with Oliver TPLO at 10 years old

  • Highly recommend - exceeded expectations. Very thorough with both pre and post op explanations and documentation. No surprises throughout the journey, which was great.

    Doug R. with Trixie TPLO at 6 years old

  • Dr. Jacob is excellent at educating you about the entire process, so you will feel comfortable and confident about going through with surgery. All of the staff are so caring and very responsive to calls and questions. No need to even contemplate anywhere else.

    Brian B. with Tucker TPLO at 12 years old

  • Dr. Jacob took care of Buddy as if it was his own dog. We drive an hour to get there, but we would never go anywhere else due to the care our pets receive.

    Trina F. with Buddy TPLO on both knees

Real owners, lightly edited for length. Every dog's recovery is different.

Read All Our Google Reviews

Every dog heals on their own timeline - age, weight, the other knee and how closely the plan is followed all play a part - so we'll set expectations for your dog at the consultation and adjust as recovery goes.

Read the TPLO Recovery Guide - Week by Week

Published pricing

What It Costs, Start to Finish

We publish our pricing because you deserve to plan for your dog's care with real numbers. There are two payments in a TPLO journey - never a surprise third.

Payment 1 of 2

The Consultation, Pre-Surgery Care, and Deposit

Every TPLO journey starts with an exam. You leave knowing exactly what's wrong, whether TPLO is the right fix, and the exact cost of surgery - in writing. What this visit costs depends on how far it goes:

  1. Route 1

    Exam Only

    The exam makes the answer clear

    $89

    • Orthopedic exam$89

  2. Route 2

    Exam with X-Rays

    Dr. Jacob needs X-rays to decide

    $472

    • Orthopedic exam$89
    • X-rays$298
    • Sedation$85

  3. Route 3

    You Elect to Proceed

    You book surgery, so pre-surgery care is added

    $89 - $986

    • Orthopedic exam$89
    • X-rays and sedation, if needed$383
    • Pre-anesthetic blood work, if needed$115 - $248
    • Medications before surgery, if needed$170 - $266
    • Deposit to hold your surgery date$500

    Due at this visit, inclusive of deposit

    $589 - $1,486

    The deposit comes off Payment 2.

X-rays and sedation ($298 + $85) only when Dr. Jacob needs them to confirm TPLO is the right fix - and you may not need new ones if your family veterinarian has already taken them.

Blood work ($115 - $248): a basic panel is often enough for a younger dog; for an older dog, a more comprehensive panel can tell us more. Recent blood work may not need repeating.

Medications ($170 - $266) are dosed by your dog's size and matched to what your dog needs - breed, age, and lab results can all play a part. Your family veterinarian may provide them instead.

Dr. Jacob's recommendations are tailored to each patient, with your dog's best interests and needs in mind.

Payment 2 of 2

The Surgery & Aftercare Package

$4,297

Up to 90 lbs

$4,789

Over 90 lbs

Your written quote is the price you pay for the planned surgery.

One price covers the surgery and routine follow-up care after it: balanced anesthesia with comprehensive monitoring, IV fluids, complete pain control, the TPLO procedure itself with premium American-made VOI plates and screws, and post-operative X-rays. Also included:

  • A platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection with every standard TPLO - something many practices charge extra for
  • Your 2-week recheck
  • Your 8-week recheck, with the sedated X-rays that confirm the bone has healed

Total estimate, if you go ahead

Your Dog's TPLO, Start to Finish

Consultation $89 - $986Surgery $4,297 or $4,789

Dogs up to 90 lbs

$4,386 - $5,283

Dogs over 90 lbs

$4,878 - $5,775

The deposit is part of these totals - it comes off the surgery price. Not included: optional rehabilitation, surgery on the other knee, and treatment for complications such as infection or a second surgery. If something unexpected comes up, we'll explain it and agree the cost with you first. Prices effective October 2026.

Optional

Rehabilitation, If Recommended

Only if Dr. Jacob recommends it - and only if you choose it.

Not every dog needs rehab after a TPLO. Based on your dog and on how the surgery went, Dr. Jacob may recommend rehabilitation to help the recovery along. If he does, he'll explain why, and it's your decision whether to add it.

How Rehab Works

Paying for care

Ways to Pay

We know surgery is a major investment, and we'll do everything we can to help you navigate it.

  • All Major Forms of Payment

    We accept cash, checks, all major credit cards, and mobile payment options.

  • Payment Plans Through Cherry

    Monthly payment plans, including 0% APR plans for qualified applicants, subject to approval by Cherry. Most owners apply from their phone in about a minute, and Cherry says checking whether you qualify won't affect your credit score.

  • Pet Insurance, Including Direct Pay

    We accept pet insurance, and we're set up for Trupanion direct-pay - so if your dog is insured with Trupanion, the covered portion can be settled at checkout without you fronting it.

Full Pricing and Payment Options

Possible Complications, and How We Prevent Them

Complications after TPLO are uncommon when the recovery plan is followed. Here is what can happen, and what we do about each one before, during and after surgery.

Infection

What Can Happen

It can show up days or, rarely, years after surgery, and licking the incision is the most common cause. Treatment is antibiotics, and sometimes removing the plate and screws once the bone has healed.

What We Do About It

We give antibiotics before, during and after surgery, have you wash the leg with an antiseptic shampoo the night before, prepare the skin with three antiseptics and an Ioban drape, and send your dog home in a cone.

Slower Healing

What Can Happen

Too much activity causes tiny movements at the bone cut that slow healing - usually stretching it from about 8 weeks to 12, though it can be more.

What We Do About It

Keeping your dog from running and jumping prevents it. Because most dogs who tear a CCL are active ones, we routinely send home calming medication to help.

Plate or Screw Failure

What Can Happen

Running and jumping during recovery can fatigue the metal, like bending a paperclip back and forth until it breaks. It is rare. We have never seen it in our own surgical patients.

What We Do About It

Following the activity plan is what prevents it.

Arthritis

What Can Happen

Surgery stabilizes the knee so the body doesn't have to stabilize it with arthritis, but it can't reverse arthritis that is already there.

What We Do About It

Timing is the best prevention: when the knee is stabilized within 4 - 6 weeks of the injury, arthritis build-up is minimal.

Cartilage Damage

What Can Happen

A stable knee lowers the risk of future cartilage damage but doesn't remove it. If it happens, your dog may be sore, and we would recommend repair or treatment.

What We Do About It

Every TPLO includes a platelet-rich plasma injection into the knee to reduce inflammation and pain and help damaged cartilage heal.

A Reaction to the Implant

What Can Happen

The plate and screws are designed to stay for life, but occasionally the body reacts to them.

What We Do About It

A sore over the surgical site that won't heal, pain or warmth that lasts well past the 8 - 12 week healing period, or sudden lameness are reasons to call us for a prompt evaluation.

Our TPLO Safety Protocol, Step by Step

Knowing our lane

Cases We Refer Out

Part of doing this procedure well is knowing exactly where our lane ends. A small number of cases are better served at a specialty referral hospital, and we'll tell you at the consultation if your dog is one of them.

After reviewing your dog's X-rays, Dr. Jacob will tell you plainly whether your pet's case is in his wheelhouse. If it isn't, we'll point you to the right place. No guesswork, no ego.

35°+

Extreme Plateau Angles

Extreme tibial plateau angles (greater than 35 degrees)

Angular Limb Deformities

Angular limb deformities requiring corrective planning beyond a standard TPLO

170+ lbs

Very Large Dogs

Some very large dogs (over 170 lbs) need specially sized implants and are a more challenging procedure, so we assess each one before deciding whether we can perform the surgery to our standards.

Under 10 lbs

Very Small Dogs

Dogs under 10 lbs, for whom we can often perform a lateral suture repair instead - a better fit for small patients

Questions

TPLO Questions Owners Ask

Something we didn't cover? Call or text 937-506-4123.

Does my dog really need surgery? Can we wait and see?

For most dogs over about 20 lbs with a torn CCL, surgery is the only path back to a stable, comfortable knee. Waiting usually means more arthritis, more muscle loss, and a harder recovery. If conservative management is a realistic option for your dog, we'll tell you at the consultation. More in Can a Torn ACL Heal Without Surgery?

My dog is older. Is TPLO still worth it?

Age by itself is rarely the deciding factor - overall health is. Dogs in their double digits do well with TPLO regularly. The pre-surgical exam and bloodwork exist precisely to answer this question for your individual dog.

What about the other knee?

Roughly half of dogs eventually tear the other side. We won't pretend otherwise - but it also means we plan for it. The odds are lower for older dogs: in a study of 831 dogs aged 8 or older and at least 15 kg (about 33 lbs), about 1 in 5 tore the second knee. Many owners of bilateral dogs stage the two surgeries months apart, and the second recovery usually goes smoother because everyone knows the drill.

How long until my dog can run again?

Bone healing is confirmed at the 8-week X-rays, and activity builds progressively from there. The full week-by-week plan is in our Recovery Guide - including when the couch, the stairs, and the tennis ball come back.

Will my dog need to be crated the whole time?

Confinement matters most in the first weeks, but that doesn't have to mean a crate around the clock. A small room or pen works for many dogs. The Recovery Guide covers the setup that works.

Is TPLO painful for my dog?

Surgery hurts less than living on an unstable knee. Your dog gets comprehensive pain control - local anesthetics, IV pain medication during the procedure, and take-home medications - and most owners are surprised how quickly their dog is comfortable and weight-bearing.

Do I need a referral from my vet?

No. Many of our patients come from referring veterinarians - and if yours referred you, they'll get a full report at every milestone - but owners are welcome to reach out directly. Either way, your regular vet stays your regular vet: Zoomies doesn't provide wellness care.

Let's Get Your Dog Back to the Zoomies.

A limping dog doesn't have to wait weeks for answers. Call or text 937-506-4123, email hello@zoomiesvet.com, or send us a request online - and know the plan, the timeline, and the cost by the end of your first visit.

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