An active dog will usually get bumps and bruises or feel soreness from time-to-time. All of these can lead to them wanting to just relax or maybe even walk a little differently for a couple of days. But what if you notice your dog is limping constantly and not acting normal for several days or weeks? Before you spend a significant amount of money on veterinarian bills trying to diagnose your dog’s problem, learning about TPLO can save you some time and money. And most importantly, you can get your dog the proper treatment as soon as possible. Identifying the signs can be difficult, but if you’re conscious about them, then you’ll be able to give your dog the care they need.
Your Dog Limps Occasionally
Dogs sometimes limp for several reasons. They may have something stuck on their paw or have a cut or a scrape causing them to walk differently. But if you check your dog’s paws and there’s nothing visible, it should be a sign to you there may be another issue. Monitor your dog’s walking for the next several days and weeks and take notes when you see them walking differently. A dog ACL tear can develop slowly, so it’s important to monitor them over time to determine whether TPLO surgery may be necessary.
Your Dog Sits Awkwardly
If your dog has an ACL injury, they may sit with one leg out to the side, rather than both legs underneath them. This is one of the easiest signs that TPLO surgery may be needed, since dogs won’t sit in this position normally. It indicates they are experiencing some sort of pain in their leg and needs to be examined.
Your Dog Doesn’t Put Full Weight on The Leg
Not putting full weight on a leg can be visible when your dog is walking or standing still. When walking, you’ll notice it by your dog limping. But when they are in the standing position, their toes may barely be touching the ground. This is a sign they are experiencing some pain or weakness in the leg, and you may need to pursue dog ACL surgery options as a result.
First Steps to Take When Noticing These Signs
Many times it’s easy to detect when your dog needs TPLO surgery. Other times it’s not as obvious. When you notice these signs, it’s important to make note of and document all of the different things your dog has done over the last couple of weeks. These habits can help a veterinarian accurately diagnose the issue and properly present dog ACL surgery options to you. Of course, if it appears your dog is experiencing a high level of discomfort, then you want to see a vet right away. TPLO Info wants to educate pet owners on exactly what is TPLO and what our role is as pet owners. An ACL injury for dogs is just as painful as it is for humans, so proper care is needed to make a full recovery. And once the best treatment is provided, your dog will be back to being a happy and healthy pooch.
