735 Main Rd, Edgeworth,
NSW, 2285
Dog Orthopaedic Surgeon:
A Limp That Spoke Volumes
At seven years old, Skye, a spirited American Staffy with a tender heart and strong will, had begun showing signs that her back legs were letting her down. What started as a subtle limp turned into persistent lameness. For a dog who loved to move, it was a clear sign that something wasn’t right.
At Edgeworth Animal Medical Centre, a trusted vet in Newcastle, our team recognised the all-too-familiar pattern of cruciate ligament damage, and not just in one knee, but both.
A thorough orthopaedic assessment confirmed it: Skye needed the care of an experienced orthopaedic vet surgeon.
A Two-Part Plan for Two Injured Knees
Skye had suffered bilateral cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears, a common but complex condition in active dogs. In 2023, our orthopaedic vet surgeon performed her first TPLO (Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy) on the right knee. Then, in 2025, when her left knee began to fail, we followed through with the same procedure on the opposite side.
TPLO is a gold-standard orthopaedic surgery that stabilises the knee joint by adjusting the angle of the tibial plateau, restoring comfort, strength, and stability.
“You could see it in her eyes – she was ready to walk tall again. We just had to give her the legs to do it.”
- Edgeworth Animal Medical Centre.
Rest, Rehab, and Resilience
Recovery for Skye’s first TPLO was impressively smooth. She was back to near-normal function within three months, thanks to six weeks of strict rest and a gradual return to activity. Skye’s second TPLO came with the same careful recovery plan. At just three weeks post-op, she was already walking more confidently.
Though healing takes time, her joint is now inherently stable, and the long-term outlook is bright, a testament to expert surgical technique and collaborative follow-up care from our Newcastle vet team.
The Power of Stability
Cruciate injuries can rob dogs of their independence, but Skye’s case reminds us that with the right orthopaedic vet surgeon, dogs can bounce back with gusto. TPLO restored her ability to move freely, comfortably, and without fear.
If your pet requires an orthopaedic vet surgeon, contact the team at Edgeworth Animal Medical Centre.
“TPLO gave Skye more than just movement. It gave her comfort, confidence, and quality of life.”
- Edgeworth Animal Medical Centre.Veterinary Services
Trusted veterinary care across every life stage, from vaccinations and surgery to diagnostics, dental, and exotic care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TPLO surgery for dogs?
TPLO (Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy) is an advanced orthopaedic surgery performed by an experienced vet surgeon who has undertaken additional training in this advanced technique to stabilise the knee after a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL). It alters bone structure to eliminate the need for the ligament.
Why did Skye need two TPLO surgeries?
While people often tear their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL -the human equivalent of a CCL) during a dynamic manoeuvre on the sporting field, the canine injury is considered a degenerative disease. The incorrect angle to the top of the tibia creates a condition of constant wear and strain on the CCL, and ultimately, some dynamic movement or seemingly minor action will result in it partially or fully rupturing, causing lameness. The giveaway that this is a degenerative injury is that approximately 60% of dogs that rupture one CCL will eventually rupture the other one. Skye’s position of two CCLs that ruptured at nearly the same time is infrequent but regrettably common, and very debilitating for the patient.
How long is the recovery period after TPLO?
Full recovery typically takes around 12 weeks. It includes strict rest for 6 weeks, then a gradual return to activity guided by your orthopaedic vet surgeon.
What are the signs of CCL injury in dogs?
Limping, stiffness, difficulty rising, or favouring one leg are common. Untreated injuries can worsen and lead to arthritis.
Will my dog walk normally after TPLO?
In most cases, yes. Dogs like Skye regain excellent comfort and function, especially with proper post-op support from an experienced vet in Newcastle.
Google Rating
4.7
I would like to say a massive thank you to Dr Nicole and the rest of the team for fitting in our dog for a torn dew claw this morning on such short notice. Ashlee on the phone was so lovely and quick to make the appointment for me. Our girl was treated with such care and we are very grateful 💕
Tiarna H.
Google Rating
4.7
Best vets I’ve ever been to with rabbits! Vet was so kind, gentle & knowledgeable. She not only looked after the unwell bunny, but also took our other bunnies at home into consideration. All staff were so helpful. The follow up phone call & sympathy card were so appreciated & such a beautiful touch. Will never take our pets anywhere else after such an amazing experience! 🩷
La fee
Google Rating
4.7
I was referred to Edgeworth vets as they have experience with bunnies and took my rabbit Ross there, he was old and not able to be saved so I had make the hard decision to have him put to sleep. The staff there were so kind and the vet I saw Kimberly was amazing. She was very kind and supportive and so gentle with Ross. I was able to stay with him while he passed and she talked me through everything. I’m so grateful to them that they helped Ross pass in a peaceful manner and cannot recommend them highly enough.
Katherine J.
Google Rating
4.7
Got recommended this business today for a very sick bunny, they got her straight in and were amazing. They kept us updated with care and compassion and although we lost our beautiful girl they were amazing. Would highly recommend this business and staff.
Thank you for caring and trying to save our sweet girl.
Peta L.
Google Rating
4.7
Thank you for the compassion your staff provided on Friday. ALL your staff were so lovely to us. We weren’t a regular client but you guys accommodated us, were empathetic and helped us in a really difficult time. I’m so thankful that I called and would highly recommend this veterinary service.
Jon B.
Google Rating
4.7
Booked it our new kitten for his first vet visit after we purchased him. The staff was so helpful and nice, plus they help us out after he did not enjoy the car trip very much. But they made him feel welcome and helped me out. The vet we sure was so helpful and answered all our questions. They even gave us a little info pack about our kitten etc. They were recommended to us by a good friend and I would 100% recommend them to anyone that has a pet that needs a caring vet.
Ian K.
Google Rating
4.7
These guys truly care. I couldn’t get my rabbit into his usual vet, however, they took him. Unfortunately it was the end of the journey for Boris and they were helpful, compassionate and loving the whole way. I even got a sympathy card 2 weeks later. Thank you for your love and care.
Kristy H.
Google Rating
4.7
Fantastic vets, we have been bringing our chickens here for 3 years now and have no complaints. Recently moved our cats to Edgeworth as well. All vets we have seen here have been great as well as the vet nurses. The receptionists are very helpful, its a releif to walk in the door and know that our pets are going to be well looked after.
Annette F.
Google Rating
4.7
Thank you for the beautiful card and condolences to our family after losing a battle with Jet. She tried so hard and fought like a little champion that she was. Thank you for your ongoing support, care, advice, and strength you showed to us, so that we could be strong. Unfortunately, little Jet succumbed to her many health issues but is now pain free. We will be under Edgeworth Animal Hospital for all of feathered family members. I couldn’t have asked for more
Debbie H.
Google Rating
4.7
I had an emergency with my cat, and came without an appointment. I was seen straight away. Every single interaction I had with the lovely people at this vet was amazing. They are so kind and go 110% for your fur baby. They went above and beyond and made this cat dad feel like everything was going to be ok. I cannot thank them enough.
James D.
Contact Info
After-Hours Emergencies
Contact AREC(Animal Referral & Emergency Centre)
1300 838 669