Restriction Recommendations

Post-Operative Care Instructions: TPLO Surgery for Dogs

Introduction: After your dog's TPLO surgery, it's essential to follow these home care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and avoid complications. The first eight weeks of recovery are critical, as the implants (plate and screws) are relied upon to stabilize the surgical site. During this time, the bone requires sufficient healing to form strong scar tissue. This healing process may take longer for older pets or those with additional health conditions. Always consult your veterinary surgeon for any specific concerns or modifications to the following recommendations.

General Recommendations for Post-Operative Care:

  • Weeks 1–2 (Immediate Recovery Phase):

    • Confinement: Keep your dog confined to a small room or kennel to limit unnecessary movement and reduce the risk of complications. Radiographs at the two-week follow-up will help determine if bone healing is progressing properly.

    • Activity Restrictions: No running, jumping, or playful activities (including jumping on or off furniture).

    • Leash Walks: Gradually begin short leash walks (3-5 minutes, 3-5 times per day) to allow for controlled elimination. Use a short leash to prevent excessive movement.

    • Support on Slippery Surfaces: Use a sling or a folded towel under your dog’s belly for extra support, especially on slippery floors.

    • Passive Range of Motion (PROM): Perform PROM exercises 3 times per day to maintain joint flexibility.

    • Follow-Up: A recheck appointment should be scheduled at the two-week mark to assess the incision site and overall recovery progress.

  • Weeks 3–4 (Early Mobilization Phase):

    • Continue Confinement: Continue limiting your dog's space to prevent excessive movement.

    • Leash Walks: Increase the duration of walks to 8 minutes per session in Week 3, and 10 minutes per session in Week 4. Ensure your dog is using the surgical limb during walks.

    • Strengthening Exercises: Follow the instructions from your veterinarian or rehabilitation therapist to incorporate specific strengthening exercises designed to build muscle and improve body awareness.

    • Passive Range of Motion: Reduce PROM exercises to twice daily.

    • Off-Leash Restrictions: No off-leash activity during this phase.

  • Weeks 5–8 (Strengthening Phase):

    • Discontinue Heat/Ice Therapy: Stop using ice or heat packs at this stage, as they are no longer needed for swelling control.

    • Gradual Increase in Walks: Continue increasing the duration of walks—12 minutes in Week 5, 15 minutes in Week 6, 18 minutes in Week 7, and 20 minutes in Week 8.

    • Ongoing Exercises: Maintain strengthening exercises and continue promoting weight-bearing on the surgical leg.

    • No Off-Leash Activity: It is critical to continue avoiding off-leash activity until the vet clears your dog for more intense exercise.

  • Weeks 8–12 (Return to Full Activity Phase):

    • Radiographs at 8 Weeks: Your veterinarian will take radiographs at Week 8 to assess bone healing. Once confirmed, gradual reintroduction of more dynamic activities, such as running and jumping, can begin.

    • Increase Activity Gradually: Start introducing off-leash activity from Week 9 onwards, but always under controlled conditions. Gradually increase walking durations as tolerated.

Additional Considerations:

  • Always follow your veterinarian’s guidance regarding activity restrictions and recovery milestones.

  • Monitor your dog closely for signs of pain, swelling, or discomfort. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any concerning symptoms.

  • If your dog has any other medical conditions, the recovery process may require additional considerations or extended restrictions.

By adhering to these recommendations, you'll help ensure a smooth and successful recovery for your dog after TPLO surgery.

Rehabitilation

While physical rehabilitation protocols aid recovery after a TPLO, no standardized protocol exists. It is crucial to tailor a rehabilitation plan to each patient, considering their range of motion, strength, healing progress, and ability to perform exercises.

Just as returning an athlete to the game too soon can lead to re-injury, excessive rehabilitation can hinder recovery from a TPLO procedure. Ideally, each pet would follow up with a rehabilitation therapist to develop an individualized plan. However, this is not always possible.

If professional rehabilitation is not an option, several gentle at-home rehabilitation protocols are recommended. Please check with your veterinary surgeon to ensure there are no extenuating circumstances for your pet.

Frequent leash walking is crucial in TPLO aftercare. Weight-bearing is beneficial for bone healing, maintaining joint range of motion, and preserving muscle mass. We recommend short 5-minute leash walks multiple times a day, starting within 24 hours post-surgery. Gradually increase the duration of these walks over a few weeks, so by 8 weeks post-surgery, your pet can have 15-20 minute walks once or twice a day, along with a few shorter walks. Restrict high-impact activities (running, jumping, playing) during this period.

Ice therapy applied directly to the incision site for the first 3-5 days post-surgery helps reduce inflammation and pain. Passive range of motion exercises are also essential in at-home rehabilitation. Here are videos demonstrating passive range of motion exercises and icing therapy.

Once your pet consistently bears weight on the surgical limb (typically around 3-4 weeks post-surgery), you can introduce activities to build balance and strength. Perform these on a non-slip surface, such as a yoga mat or rug.

  1. While your pet is standing, gently nudge their hind end from side to side to help them shift weight from one leg to the other.

  2. With your pet in a standing position, lift one leg (non-surgical limb) off the ground for 10-15 seconds. Alternate legs, excluding the surgical limb, to encourage weight shifting.

  3. Have your pet sit down and then stand up to improve joint range of motion in the hind limbs.

If your pet shows signs of regression in limb function while performing additional activities (weight shifting exercises, sit-to-stands, S-shaped walking, etc.), stop the exercises and consult with your veterinary surgeon or a canine rehabilitation therapist for further guidance.