Though operations like TPLO surgeries are relatively safe, they put a lot of stress on our dogs. It’s understandable that we want to do everything we can to help them.
One of the best ways to do this is by making recovery easier for them. However, this can be hard to do if you don’t understand how the healing process works. What if your dog’s legs start shaking post-op? Should you immediately panic and be concerned?
If your dog’s legs are shaking after TPLO surgery and you don’t know what to do, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’ll explore why some dogs experience leg shaking after ACL surgery and what you can do to help.
Understanding How TPLO Works
Before diving into why some dogs experience leg shaking after a TPLO surgery, we need to understand how the procedure works.
TPLO is a procedure that treats ruptures in our dog’s knee joints. When the ligament around their knee ruptures, it becomes unstable and causes their leg to look like it’s giving way. Most pups suffering from this injury find it difficult to walk, and if not treated immediately, it could damage the cartilage surrounding their knees.
How does TPLO help? The surgery stabilizes the dog’s knee through a curved cut on the tibia which, in turn, repositions it at a five-degree angle. Surgeons will use a metal bone plate to keep the bone in place, allowing the tibia to heal in its new position.
Since the operation is invasive, your dog will need to be under general anesthesia during the entire procedure.
Why Are My Dog’s Legs Shaking After The Surgery?
There are plenty of reasons why your dog’s legs are shaking after a TPLO surgery. For example, there’s anesthesia.
General anesthesia is known to cause leg shaking, especially when the drug starts to wear off. The drug puts your dog’s body in a deep sleep, which prevents it from regulating its temperature. Once the anesthesia wears off, your dog’s body will try to induce heat by contracting its muscles.
Fortunately, this side effect only lasts a short while. Anesthesia typically wears off in 12 to 24 hours. However, there have been cases when a dog’s leg won’t stop trembling until after a few days.
Aside from this, the shaking could also be caused by pain and anxiety. Major procedures like TPLO can be particularly stressful for our dogs, physically and mentally. Their brain sends a message to the rest of the body whenever they feel sick or in pain. As a result, some dogs wake up after surgery shaking because their body feels exhausted from the procedure.
Lastly, shaking can also be a sign of nausea. Nauseousness is another known side effect of general anesthesia. If you notice your dog shaking and yawning, they’re probably feeling nauseous from the drug.
How to Manage Your Dog’s Shaking Legs
Here’s how you can help your dog with their shaking legs:
Create A Calm & Comfort Environment
Your dog needs a quiet and safe space to rest and recover. Once your pet is discharged, we suggest finding a calm and comfortable place for them at home. Provide them with a soft crate or bed and a steady supply of water so that their movements stay limited.
If you have kids, we recommend telling them to steer clear of your dog for the time being. Doing so will help lessen the anxiety and stress your pet may already be feeling from the operation.
Regulate Temperature
If your dog just recently got out of surgery, chances are they are still feeling the effects of the anesthesia. As a result, you’ll need to help your pet regulate their body temperature while they’re still unconscious.
Give them a thick blanket that could keep them warm or a heated pad they can use. Doing so will help reduce their chances of experiencing hypothermia, which could cause their legs to shake.
Give Gentle Massages
Gently massaging your dog’s legs will help improve blood circulation and reduce muscle tension. Use gentle, circular motions when you massage the affected leg. Also, you must be mindful of areas that are still sore from the surgery when you do this.
When to Be Concerned
Although shaking is a common side effect of anesthesia, this doesn’t mean you should dismiss it completely. There’s a possibility that your dog’s body is telling you it’s experiencing post-op complications. Here’s how you can identify if the shaking is normal or not.
Observe The Frequency & Duration
Normal leg shaking should only happen within days after the surgery and last a few seconds. However, if you notice that your dog’s legs are constantly shaking or the tremors don’t go away, this could be a sign of an underlying health issue.
Check The Intensity
Pay close attention to your dog’s tremors and their intensity. Normal leg shaking after a TPLO surgery is mild and shouldn’t interfere with your dog’s daily activities.
If your pet shows any sign of pain or discomfort, like whining or licking the affected leg during an episode, you should call your vet immediately.
Look For Swelling or Redness
Swelling or redness in the incision site is never a good sign. These symptoms, paired with your dog’s shaking legs, indicate an infection or other complications. It would be best to bring your pet to your veterinarian for a proper evaluation.
Key Takeaways
It is not uncommon for dogs to experience shaking or trembling in their legs after TPLO surgery. Leg shaking is a normal part of the healing process and can be attributed to your pet’s body adjusting to the changes in the joint.
Although seeing your dog’s legs shake after a TPLO surgery can be alarming, it’s important to remember that most dogs recover successfully with proper care, support, and veterinary guidance.
By providing your dog with patience and a supportive environment, they’ll regain mobility in no time and be active again.
If you want to learn more about TPLO recovery, including tips, exercises, and other helpful information, visit our website here.
