A tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) surgery is a common procedure that addresses a canine’s torn cruciate ligament (CCL). Many veterinarians recommend it for dogs with mobility issues of any size and breed.
Despite the surgery’s high success rate, vets still say that proper post-operative care is crucial in ensuring full recovery from TPLO surgery. After your pet’s surgery, you’ll need to prevent them from doing activities that could harm the incision site, such as running or jumping around.
It may be challenging to prevent them from doing these actions, especially if your dog is typically hyperactive. So, what happens if you can’t get to them in time and your dog suddenly runs after TPLO surgery?
We’ll discuss what to expect during your dog’s recovery period from its TPLO surgery, what to do if they suddenly run or perform strenuous activities after the surgery, and how to create the perfect TPLO recovery plan for them.
What to Do If Your Dog Runs After TPLO Surgery
Let’s say your dog suddenly got up and ran after having TPLO surgery–what should you do? First, you must determine at which stage the incident happened. If it happens during their first-week post-op, you must check on their incision wounds to ensure the stitches are intact. The surgery site hasn’t fully healed, so sudden movements could pull out the stitches.
If you notice any bleeding, apply gentle pressure on the open wound and wrap it with a gauze bandage to prevent exposure to germs or dirt. It would be best to contact your veterinarian immediately to determine if your pup will need more sutures to close the open wound.
Suppose your dog ran during their eighth-week post-op. In that case, you’ll need to observe them first. Monitor your canine’s incision site and check for any inflammation or bleeding. If you notice a bit of swelling or loss of appetite, contact your vet immediately. They will examine your pup’s surgery site and determine the proper treatment.
The Ultimate TPLO Recovery Guide
Your canine companion will undergo different recovery stages after TPLO surgery. Each stage typically comes with a set of guidelines you should strictly follow.
Knowing which part of the process your dog is on is important so you can respond appropriately when they suddenly run or jump after their surgery. Learning what to do and what not to do at each stage is vital in ensuring a speedy recovery.
First Week Post-op
The initial week after your pet’s TPLO surgery may be uncomfortable. Typically, your veterinarian will prescribe painkillers to help manage pain and discomfort. Depending on your pet’s condition, they may recommend your pup for confinement for the first few nights for further observation.
Once your pet is discharged, you must ensure they get as much rest as they can at home and that their wounds are clean. We recommend providing your dog with fresh, soft bedding to reduce the risk of infection and ensure proper rest. Toys will help you keep your dog entertained, preventing them from licking their wounds out of boredom.
Your vet will provide you with a wound-cleaning routine to follow, which may involve inspecting the incision site once or twice a day for any signs of swelling or discharge. You should contact your veterinarian for advice if you notice any puffiness or redness around the incision.
Eight Weeks Post-op
Once your dog’s incision site stitches heal, your primary focus will be to wait for its bones to heal. Your veterinarian will likely recommend slow, leashed walks, emphasizing the importance of restricting your pet’s movements. Your canine’s bones are still healing, and any intense activity could cause them to have a complication, such as a bent/broken implant or a fracture at the site of the bone cut.
It would be best to keep your pup stationed in their soft crate and keep them entertained with their toys or brain games. You’ll be able to effectively prevent your pet from running or jumping around your home if you keep them mentally stimulated.
Over time, you can increase your leash walks depending on your vet’s advice. Typically, once a dog’s recovery period hits the fifth or eighth week, they can go for extended walks.
Two to six Months Post-op
Two months after your dog’s TPLO surgery, your vet will conduct imaging tests to check if your pet’s bones are healing well.
Gradually returning to their regular activity levels is a must to build up their strength at this stage. Your veterinarian will likely recommend you do specific physical therapy exercises with your dog, like weight-shifting and sit-to-stand exercises.
Similar to your dog’s exercises during their eighth week in recovery, a gradual increase in movement is crucial in preventing them from reinjuring themselves.
How to Create A Proper TPLO Surgery Recovery Plan
Preparation is key in ensuring a smooth recovery after your dog’s TPLO surgery. Before your dog undergoes the procedure, we recommend creating a recovery plan you can follow after the TPLO surgery.
Start by preparing your dog’s crate with soft bedding and puzzle toys for mental stimulation. Remember that your dog will have a more challenging time restricting its movements if they feel bored or anxious.
We also recommend laying down a few house rules, like leaving your pet unsupervised, to ensure that your dog gets the proper rest and prevents them from running or jumping. Lastly, you can look for physical therapy exercises and massages you could do to help your dog manage pain and discomfort.
For more information on guaranteeing your dog a smooth and speedy recovery from a TPLO surgery, you can visit our blog here.
