Cruciate ligament surgery in East Kent
Advanced Practitioner-led TPLO surgery for dogs, with clear pricing, local follow-up and close communication with your usual veterinary practice.
Local orthopaedic referral care
If your dog has been diagnosed with cranial cruciate ligament disease, TPLO surgery may be recommended to stabilise the knee and support a return to comfortable use of the limb.
East Kent Veterinary Referrals provides TPLO assessment, surgery and structured follow-up, we accept referrals from practices in the Thanet, Canterbury, Dover and wider Kent area.
TPLO surgery
From £3,600
With a 12-week surgical guarantee*
Initial 40-minute orthopaedic consultation: £126 Including a full assessment and discussion of the recommended treatment plan
The cranial cruciate ligament helps stabilise the knee. When it becomes damaged or ruptures, the joint can become painful and unstable.
Signs can include:
These signs can have several causes, so an examination and appropriate imaging are needed before a treatment plan is recommended.
TPLO stands for tibial plateau levelling osteotomy. The procedure changes the angle at the top of the shin bone so the knee is stable during weight-bearing without relying on the damaged cruciate ligament.
1
The patient is examined and the knee is assessed using appropriate imaging and measurements to plan surgery.
2
The tibia is carefully cut and repositioned, then secured using a veterinary orthopaedic plate and screws.
3
A structured rehabilitation plan and follow-up checks support healing and a gradual return to activity.
BVetMed, BSc(Hons), CertAVP(GSAS), MRCVS, PgD AVPS
RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery
Andy leads our advanced surgical service and holds additional certifications in general small animal surgery and advanced small animal orthopaedics.
He brings over a decade of surgical experience from busy hospitals and a specialist referral centre, combining clinical expertise with a calm and collaborative approach for owners, patients and referring vets.
Meet AndyWe will guide you and your usual veterinary practice through each stage.
01
Request an estimate, or ask your usual vet to send us the relevant history and referral.
02
Andy examines your dog, reviews available imaging and discusses suitable treatment options.
03
If TPLO is recommended and you choose to proceed, our team arranges surgery and explains the day in detail.
04
You receive a structured recovery plan, follow-up arrangements and clear guidance on returning to activity.
EKVR case study
Betsy was referred with persistent hind-leg lameness caused by cruciate ligament disease. Following assessment and imaging, she underwent TPLO surgery and a structured recovery programme.
Her case explains the referral, surgery and follow-up process, as well as how cruciate disease can sometimes affect both knees.
Read Betsy’s case study
TPLO stands for tibial plateau levelling osteotomy. It is an orthopaedic procedure used to stabilise the knee after cranial cruciate ligament damage. The angle at the top of the tibia is altered and secured with a plate and screws so the joint is stable during weight-bearing.
No. The most appropriate treatment depends on factors including your dog’s size, age, activity, knee stability, other health conditions and the nature of the cruciate injury. An orthopaedic assessment is needed before TPLO or another treatment can be recommended.
TPLO surgery starts from £3,450. We will provide a written estimate based on your dog’s individual requirements before surgery. Any additional costs that may be required will be clearly explained in advance.
Our TPLO service includes a 12-week surgical guarantee, subject to the guarantee terms and the recommended recovery plan being followed. We will give you the full written terms before surgery so you can understand exactly what is covered.
If Beacon View is not your usual veterinary practice, your vet will need to refer your dog before surgery can be arranged. You are welcome to request an estimate first, and with your permission we can contact your practice for the relevant clinical history.
No. We work with your normal veterinary practice throughout the referral process. Your dog can return to their usual vet for ongoing first-opinion care once the referral episode is complete.
Recovery is gradual and usually involves several weeks of controlled exercise and activity restriction. Follow-up checks and imaging may be recommended before exercise is increased. Your dog’s individual recovery plan will be explained at discharge and adjusted where necessary.
Many pet insurance policies provide cover for cruciate ligament investigation and surgery, but this depends on your policy limits, exclusions, excess and remaining benefit. We recommend checking your cover with your insurer before treatment. We can provide a written estimate and supporting clinical documentation.
EKVR is part of the award winning Beacon View Vets near Sandwich in East Kent. We accept referrals from veterinary practices throughout Kent and the surrounding area, and free off-street parking is available outside the practice.
Owner enquiry
If your dog has been diagnosed with, or is being investigated for, cruciate ligament disease, complete the form and our team will explain the referral process and likely costs.
Submitting the form is an enquiry and does not commit you to surgery. A clinical assessment and referral history are required before treatment can be recommended.
If you already have an estimate, referral letter or radiographs, you can upload them with your enquiry.
Refer a patient securely through East Kent Veterinary Referrals, or contact our team for advice about case suitability and next steps.
Unsure whether a case needs referral?
Submit a clinical advice request and one of our team will be happy to discuss options with you.
Contact Us
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