When a dog has a torn cruciate ligament and needs surgery such as a TPLO, recovery, and everything it entails, can feel daunting. To help address some of the concerns and questions that commonly arise during the recovery period, integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby has put together these TPLO recovery FAQs.
Over the years, I have fielded many questions from my readers and clients about recovery from a TPLO (or other similar surgery). It is stressful enough to find out that your dog has torn his or her cruciate ligament. And then you have to face the prospect of an expensive surgery with a long recovery period. This can be overwhelming, even for an experienced dog parent.
In an effort to help make the entire TPLO experience a bit smoother for dogs and their parents, I have compiled and answered the most common questions about TPLO recovery. Since having an appreciation for what the surgery entails and making preparations ahead of time are also critical to a successful recovery, I have included some questions on those topics as well as questions about the actual post-operative period.
The TPLO procedure
First, in order to understand how to help your dog recover from a TPLO, you need to know a bit about the surgery itself.
Q: Why might a dog need a TPLO?
A tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) is one of several potential surgical procedures to repair a torn ACL in dogs. Other common options include the tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) and extracapsular lateral suture stabilization (ELSS).
Q: Why is a torn cruciate ligament a problem for dogs?
Normally the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) — the doggie equivalent of a human ACL—helps stabilize the knee. More specifically, it keeps the tibia (i.e. shin bone) from shifting forward relative to the femur (i.e. thigh bone).
When the CCL begins to tear, it doesn’t control movement between the femur and tibia well anymore. As a result, the end of the femur scrapes painfully against the back part of the top of the tibia. Practically speaking, this translates to the symptoms you see such as reluctance to move, difficulty changing from one position to another, and limping.
Q: What does TPLO surgery involve?
In order to provide stability to a knee with a torn CCL, a veterinarian, Dr. Barclay Slocum, developed TPLO surgery for dogs. During the procedure, the surgeon uses a specialized saw that makes a curved bone cut through the top part of the tibia. The bone cut is called an osteotomy.
Next, the surgeon manually rotates the separated piece of the tibia to change the angle at which the top of the tibia and bottom of the femur meet. This allows the femur to sit more squarely on top of the tibia instead of slipping off the back.
Finally, the veterinary surgeon will use a special metal plate and screws to attach the cut section of bone to the tibia in its new orientation. Eventually, the body will lay down new bone between the cut section and the rest of the tibia. But at first, that cut portion of the tibia is only being held in place by the TPLO plate and screws.
I mention this so you can understand the importance of following the orthopedic surgeon’s instructions about exercise restriction post-operatively. Letting your dog be too active during recovery can bend or break the TPLO plate, cause the screws to loosen, or hinder bone healing. All of these decrease the chances of a successful recovery.
Preparation for TPLO Recovery
Now that you understand how the TPLO procedure goes, I want to answer a few questions about preparation. What you do in the days or weeks leading up to surgery can also make a big difference in how easy your dog’s recovery is.
Q: How can I create the optimal recovery area for my dog?
When we are healing, we want a warm, soothing environment. Having a caregiver nearby that we can see and hear is comforting, too. The same goes for our dogs.
I recommend creating your dog’s “recovery space” in an area of the house where he or she normally hangs out. This is where his or her people are and where he or she feels comfortable. Being around you makes your dog feel more secure and it also makes it easier for you to keep an eye on him or her.
Your dog’s TPLO recovery area should be large enough for him or her to get up and take a few steps in any direction but not so large that he or she can run or jump. Including a dog bed can give your dog a nice cushy place to lay. However, you need to be careful with putting bulky comforters or blankets on the floor. They can bunch up and could cause your dog to trip and fall.
Some people set up a dog crate or small exercise pen to use for the recovery area. Others use furniture or baby gates to confine their dog to a small area. Whatever you choose, ensure that your dog doesn’t have access to anything to jump on. Also, keep other animals out of the recovery area so your dog isn’t tempted to play with them.
Q: Are there any products I can purchase to make TPLO recovery easier?
For the first few days post-surgery your dog may not be bearing much weight on the leg. Thankfully, there are a few products that can help him or her maintain good traction, feel supported when walking, and promote recovery.
ToeGrips
The first on my list of recommendations is our signature product, Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips® dog nail grips. These little rubber rings go around a dog’s toenails to help give added traction on slippery floors. A better grip means your dog can walk with confidence. Plus, it helps prevent him or her from slipping and falling, which could injure the surgical leg.
Encore Mobility
Second is our other product, Dr. Buzby’s Encore Mobility™ hip and joint supplement. Encore Mobility combines the powers of green lipped mussel for dogs and New Zealand deer antler velvet for dogs. Together these superstar ingredients reduce inflammation and promote joint health—two things that are very good for post-op dogs.
Plus, because dogs who have an orthopedic injury are prone to developing osteoarthritis in dogs, using a joint supplement for dogs is a good long-term plan.
Slings and harnesses
If you or your vet suspect your dog will have a difficult time getting around after surgery, you may also want to consider buying or borrowing a sling. For the kind of help most dogs need, I would recommend the GingerLead® Support and Rehabilitation Harness or a similar “as needed” sling.
To use it, slip it under your dog’s belly close to the hind legs. Then gently pull upward to support some of the dog’s weight. The key phrase here is “some of your dog’s weight.” You still want the hind paws touching the ground and bearing weight.
Alternatively, if your dog is having a hard time getting up from the floor, he or she might benefit from the Help ‘Em Up® Mobility Harness. This wearable harness has handles you can grab to help hoist your dog up off the floor.
If you do decide to get some sort of sling for TPLO recovery, I highly recommend you size it to your dog ahead of time and do some practice sessions. That way you aren’t fumbling with it when you need to use it to get your post-op dog up and moving. Plus, trying it out in short bursts prior to surgery can help you and your dog get comfortable with it.
Q: Is there any sort of training that is helpful prior to the surgery?
If your dog isn’t crate trained, I strongly recommend working on it before surgery. Your dog will need to be confined to a crate or small area, especially when you are gone. Attempting to escape from the crate or jump over a baby gate can cause serious injury to a recovering dog. So it is best if your dog can learn to see the crate (or another confinement area) as a relaxing, friendly, happy place.
Getting your dog used to the E-collar ahead of time is also very helpful. I know no one likes the “cone of shame,” but it is a necessary evil. A dog’s natural response to a painful or irritated area like the incision is to lick. But this can introduce thousands of harmful bacteria into the incision and lead to post-op infections.
Start by doing several short (three to four minutes at a time) E-collar training sessions a day. Give lots of praise and some treats when your dog calmly tolerates wearing the E-collar. If your dog is particularly distressed about the idea, check out this low-stress handling article on teaching your dog to love the cone.
Q: What are some other useful house preparations?
You may want to try to take some steps to cut down on your dog accidentally running or jumping. For example, consider hanging a sign on your door that says “Do not knock or ring the doorbell.” You don’t want your dog leaping up and sprinting to the door every time you have a visitor or delivery person.
You could also consider keeping your dog’s collar and a four to six foot leash hanging by the door. That way, should you need to open the door, you can have your dog on a leash first. Even a painful post-op dog is capable of an adrenaline-fueled run out the door after a squirrel, another dog, etc. You don’t want to be frantically chasing your dog, hoping he or she isn’t going to damage the surgical leg.
Recovery after TPLO Surgery
Finally, we need to answer the questions that might arise after you bring your dog home from the hospital.
Q: Why is my dog trembling after TPLO surgery?
Just like us, dogs may tremble or shake when they are in pain. Other signs your dog is in pain include:
- Hiding or withdrawing from the family
- Hunching up and being unwilling to move
- Increased respiratory rate
- Grimacing or holding the ears back
- Whimpering or whining
If you are seeing signs of pain, please talk to your veterinarian. Let him or her know if your dog seems to be in pain constantly or if it tends to be around the time the next dose of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory or other pain medication is due. Your vet may be able to adjust your dog’s pain medication schedule. Plus, he or she could add in other medications such as tramadol for dogs or gabapentin for dogs.
Alternatively, it is possible that your dog is shaking because he or she has a full bladder or needs to defecate. Think about how it feels when you are desperate to find a bathroom. Perhaps your dog is feeling the same way. If you think your dog might need to go to the bathroom, try a short leash walk. Keep your dog on a short (four to six foot) leash right by your side and only stay out long enough for your dog to eliminate.
Finally, a dog may also shake because he or she is feeling a bit chilled. Cover him or her up with a blanket, ensure the ” TPLO recovery area” is not in a drafty area, and provide a nice warm dog bed to get him or her off the cold floor.
Careful with heat and fentanyl patches
A word of caution about warming your dog up. If your dog has a fentanyl patch for pain control, do not use a heating pad/blanket/bed or allow your dog lie in the sunshine or become overheated. The increased heat can cause your dog to absorb more fentanyl than normal, which can be dangerous.
Q: Is bruising after TPLO surgery normal?
You may notice that your dog starts out with some red bruising around and below the incision. Then it may change over time to purple or shades of yellowish-green. This is generally normal and simply a result of cutting into skin, muscle, and bone during surgery. However, if the bruised area is large, other areas of your dog start to develop bruises, or you have any concerns with how your dog’s leg looks, contact your veterinarian.
Q: Is swelling normal after TPLO surgery?
Moderate swelling can be normal in the first five to seven days after surgery. The orthopedic surgeon may recommend using an ice pack on the incision and around the joint several times a day. This can help reduce the normal post-op swelling.
However, there are a few types of swelling that are not normal.
Sometimes a dog will develop a seroma. This is a squishy pocket of fluid that often gets bigger for a few days then goes away on its own. It is not painful for the dog and the area should not be hot or red. Typically, treatment involves warm compresses. It is also a good idea to further restrict your dog’s activity as a seroma may mean he or she is too active.
An infected incision may be swollen, red, hot to the touch, and/or oozing pinkish red or yellow liquid. The dog is usually painful as well. This typically happens within the first two weeks after surgery.
Additionally, a dog can develop a joint or bone infection in the weeks or months after surgery. In this case, the dog may have seemed fine for a bit. And then suddenly he or she starts limping again plus has a swollen, hot, and painful knee.
If you think there is any chance your dog could have an infection, please contact your veterinarian promptly. Left untreated, infections can become quite serious. Sometimes they may even require removal of the TPLO plate and screws.
Finally, if your dog was sent home with a bandaged leg, keep a close eye on the toes. If you notice your dog’s toes looking swollen, if the toes feel cool, and/or the two center toes are splayed apart, this may mean the bandage is too tight. Contact your vet immediately for instructions.
Q: Is it normal for dogs to act lethargic after TPLO surgery?
Especially if a dog goes home the same day as the surgery, he or she may still be a bit drowsy from the anesthesia and other medications. Moving a large groggy dog yourself can be challenging. So you may want to take someone with you to your dog’s discharge appointment and/or have someone available once you get home to help you get your dog in and out of the car.
Also, some dogs may be sent home on gabapentin as one of the pain medications. A common but usually harmless gabapentin side effect is sleepiness and an unsteady gait. Thankfully, this often resolves in a few days, and there are dosing strategies to make it less profound. However, if it is becoming problematic, please contact your vet.
On the other hand, if your dog had been normal for a few days, weeks, or even months and then suddenly becomes a lethargic dog, make an appointment with your veterinarian. Sometimes lethargy and fever can go along with a joint or bone infection.
Q: Why is my dog walking slowly after TPLO surgery?
Your dog’s leg will be sore, so expect hesitant walking. Also, early in the recovery process your dog’s leg may be swollen and have a limited range of motion. This also contributes to slow walking.
Realistically, I would much rather have post-op patients walk slowly and carefully than charge around like crazy. The slower your dog walks, the more likely he or she is to attempt to bear weight on the leg, which is what we want. So slow and steady is a good thing!
Q: When will my dog stop limping after TPLO surgery?
Understandably, you are eager for your dog to be able to get back to using all four of his or her legs. The exact progression can vary from dog to dog, but this is approximately what we would expect:
- First 48-72 hours post-op—Your dog will probably be non-weight bearing right after surgery. Often he or she will start toe-touching and bearing a little weight on the leg after 48-72 hours.
- 10 to 14 days post-op— The dog will continue to bear more and more weight on the leg.
- 4 weeks post-op—Typically, your dog is consistently weight bearing on the leg but still limping.
- 8 to 12 weeks post-op—By now some dogs are normal at the walk. Others still show some degree of intermittent to consistent limping while walking.
- 6 months post-op—Most dogs should be walking and trotting normally (i.e. without limping).
Sometimes dog parents will notice that their pup will walk on all four limbs well when outside for a potty break and then hold the leg up again once back inside. This tends to be the case because when outside the dog is excited by all the signs, sounds, and things to sniff. He or she focuses more on the environment than on the sore leg so the limping disappears. Then when inside again where things are quiet and predictable, the dog is more focused on the leg and limps or holds it up again.
Exercise during recovery
To aid in your dog’s recovery and use of the leg, carefully follow the exercise instructions provided by your dog’s surgeon. In general, this will involve strict exercise restriction at first. Then you can gradually increase how much exercise your dog gets until he or she is back to normal activity levels. The surgeon may also give you a list of passive range of motion exercises for dogs or other ideas for helping your dog recovery physically.
Other recovery ideas include:
- Using an underwater treadmill for dogs to build muscle and stamina (as long as the incision is healed)
- Working with a rehabilitation professional to improve strength and mobility
- Acupuncture for dogs to provide pain relief
- Laser therapy for dogs to promote healing and relive pain
- PEMF therapy for dogs to aid in healing and reduce pain
Sometimes these therapeutic modalities can also be helpful prior to surgery. Talk to your vet about what would be right for your dog.
Q: How can I keep my dog entertained during TPLO recovery?
One of the biggest worries I hear from pet owners is how they are going to keep their dog from going crazy during the recovery period. I get it. For an active dog, weeks of exercise restriction sounds a lot like torture. And it can be logistically difficult if you have multiple dogs who normally play together to run off their energy.
It is possible though! There are ways to exercise and engage your dog’s brain so that he or she remains content with less physical exercise. And, while it may not be your favorite solution, your vet can also prescribe your dog some medications to help take the edge off if needed.
As difficult as it may be, carefully following the rules about exercise restrictions now will pay off big in the future. You only get one chance to help your dog’s TPLO heal correctly. And proper exercise restriction is one of the big things that can make or break TPLO recovery. It could be the difference between your dog getting full function of the leg back and always having residual problems.
So let’s talk about solutions. Here are some entertainment options.
1. Snuggles
Sometimes a dog just needs someone to be there with them. Try relaxing with your dog in the recovery area while reading a book or watching a show. Stroke your dog or scratch his or her favorite spot. Let your dog snuggle up to you. Or learn how to do doggie massage and try it out on your pup.
2. TV animals
Try turning on a video of dogs at the dog park, zoo animals, squirrels, or whatever else your dog may enjoy. As a word of caution, this one isn’t good for reactive dogs who would get worked up or start running around. However, it does work well for dogs who are interested in the world but calm about it.
3. Brain games
This is probably my favorite way to keep dogs occupied after TPLO surgery. Playing games that mentally stimulate dogs can be a very effective way of turning boredom around. The mental activity also tires dogs out, so don’t underestimate its magic.
You can look up brain games for dogs online and find a plethora of ideas. But here are two fun tools to get you started:
- Snuffle mats—These fabric mats or balls have pockets, flaps, and tassels where you can hide small treats. Dogs must use their sense of smell and touch to locate and unbury their edible treasures.
- Kongs or lick mats—You can stuff various foods into the Kongs or smear them on the lick mats. Licking is calming, and these toys give your pup something to work on for awhile. To up the challenge level, you can freeze them after adding the food.
Put on your chef hat and get creative with the foods you use! Some fun fillings include:
- Peanut butter—ok for dogs in moderation as long as your dog isn’t prone to pancreatitis in dogs and you check the label to ensure it doesn’t contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic for dogs
- Smooth style canned dog food
- Bits of kibble, meat or cheese
- Raw or cooked veggies—other than onions and garlic since they are toxic to dogs
- Fruit—beware of grapes, which are toxic to dogs, and blueberries which may stain your carpet
- Canned pumpkin for dogs
Watch your dog’s weight
A word of warning about using food in these brain games. Your dog will already be more sedentary during recovery, which lowers his or her caloric needs. Then, on top of that, you might be adding in extra treats. This combination is a recipe for weight gain if you continue to feed your dog the same amount of kibble as before surgery.
In order to account for the treat calories and your dog’s lower caloric needs, you will need to decrease your dog’s daily kibble allotment. Your veterinarian should be able to help you figure out how to make those adjustments.
Additionally, it is a good idea to learn how to find your dogs body condition score (BCS) so that you can keep an eye on your dog’s figure. If you determine that your dog is overweight, work with your veterinarian to help your dog lose weight. Not only do overweight dogs tend to have a shorter lifespan, but the excess weight also puts more strain on your dog’s joints. This isn’t good when your dog is trying to recover from knee surgery.
4. New tricks
Learning how to do new things can also help keep your dog from getting bored. You do have to be a bit careful with trick selection—no jumping through hoops or dancing on the back legs—but there are still plenty of options that don’t put strain on your dog’s leg.
Maybe you want to teach your dog to balance treats on his or her nose. Or work on the “leave it” command. You can also teach your dog to figure out which of your hands holds a treat, have him or her learn to pick up toys and put them away, or work on barking and “whispering” on command. These are just a few ideas to get you started. The internet is full of fun ideas for dog tricks.
TPLO recovery doesn’t have to be a drag
I know that helping your dog recover from orthopedic surgery can be a bit daunting. But look for the silver lining. It can also be a great way to strengthen your bond with your dog. You get to explore new activities together like tricks and brain games. And you can slow down and spend more time just hanging out together.
I don’t want to make it sounds like it is all fun and games, though. As you learned from some of the FAQs, you do need to keep a close eye on your dog as he or she recovers. If you notice anything concerning, don’t hesitate to reach out to the orthopedic surgeon or your vet. They are there to help your dog have a successful recovery.
With some preparation ahead of time, careful adherence to the discharge instructions from the orthopedic surgeon, and a good measure of patience, I’m confident you and your dog can get through a TPLO recovery together.
What questions do you have about TPLO recovery that I haven’t answered here?
Please comment below so we can continue to grow our FAQ list.
Sorry in advance this is going to be long. My English Bulldog is 8 and she is 14 months post op of her 2nd TPLO on the same leg. The first surgery was a failure because the hardware used was too small and it broke. We fallowed what the vet suggested as far as healing time and physical therapy at home the best we could and she seemed to be doing really well and we assumed the surgery was a success. We were wrong, she started limping really bad and refusing to walk at the end of December. We took her in for X rays and it seems it never healed properly. We travel for work and were home at the time. We are now in another state and they took more xrays to confirm and have also said she has an infection and most likely rejecting the hardware. The treatment plan they want to do is remove the hardware, do a bone graft and take some cultures, then when she heals from that do another TPLO surgery. I have asked the surgeon this question but can’t seem to get a straight answer and I am just trying to figure out the next best steps for my dog. My question is will the bone graft help heal the bone that previously didn’t heal or is that just a wait and see scenario? Would a 3rd TPLO surgery be necessary especially given her age? I have called a few other vets however no one will answer my questions without seeing her.
Dear Debbie,
I am sorry your Bulldog has endured these painful complications from her previous TPLO surgery. The purpose of the bone graft is to encourage bone to grow and help the healing process. While it isn’t 100% guaranteed, it does work in most cases. So, unfortunately there will be a wait and see component to this situation. I am not sure I understand what you mean when asking about a 3rd surgery. Are you asking if there is a chance this second operation could fail and require another procedure? There is always the possibility of complications with any procedure. But I am hopeful they will get things right this time and your dog’s body will respond favorably during the recovery process. Wishing you all the best of luck!
My 5 year old lab is 6 months post TPLO surgery. she did great, was cleared at all of her check ups and was told that she could return to regular exercise and play. we own about 10 acres with 3 dogs total, so she runs and plays a lot throughout the day. today she has started limping pretty bad with a good amount of swelling at the surgical site. we have separated her from the other dogs and are keeping her confined to one bedroom. started back on carprofen that we keep as needed. just wondering your thoughts, if you think there could be another tear or infection?
Hi Haven,
I am sorry your girl is experiencing this worrisome issue with her knee. Since it has been over 6 months since her TPLO surgery, any swelling in the joint is definitely abnormal and cause for concern. While infection is a possibility, I am also suspicious that some of the hardware may have shifted, or the screws may be trying to push their way out. I strongly recommend you contact your vet and schedule an appointment. They can do a thorough physical exam and take x-rays if needed. Hoping this can be resolved easily and your girl can get back to living her best life. Feel free to leave an update and let us know what you find out.
Hello
My 6 year old Labrador retriever is on week 5 of his TPLO recovery, as per the vet instruction he is now allowed to move through a few more rooms in the house. The past two days he has moved a lot more than the last 5 weeks, just being able to wander between rooms and I have noticed a small amount of swelling on the leg. Is this normal?
Hi Lauren,
I understand your concern for you Lab and think it is good you are monitoring him so closely. Without being able to examine him myself, it is hard to make specific conclusions about this swelling and his condition. If all your boy is doing is walking from room to room and has not been climbing stairs or running/jumping, then I would be concerned with the presence of this swelling around the joint. Dogs can be too active and cause inflammation and swelling, but I would be surprised to see this type of response from just walking. I encourage you to call your vet and discuss your concerns. Hoping all is well and praying for a full recovery for your sweet boy.
Hi,
our 8yr old red cattle dog had CBLO surgery in august 2024. She had a great recovery with.clewrance xray at 8 weeks that showed great results and for a return to normal activity. 13 weeks post op, she pulled up lame and was holding the foot the same as when she did the ACL. A week later and still not improved with rest and anti-inflammatories so she had a repeat xray and was found that the screws had loosened so they removed. We are currently week 3 post removal of screws, the xray showed the bone had healed exceptionally well and the plate was well set in the bone. We are on a slow return to exercise as per our vet but I am wondering how long it will take for healing post having the screws removed and the bone to heal again and what time frame she wil continue to limp occasionally or be stiff for?
Thanks.
Hi Brittany,
I am sorry your Cattle Dog experienced this post op complication. Bone growth takes the same amount of time regardless of what caused the injury (except with cancer). So, whether it is a fracture, or a hole drilled into the bone to place a screw, the bone should heal at the same rate. If the previous x-rays showed good results 8 weeks post-op, then I would assume the screw sites would heal within 8 weeks as well. There really is no way to know if your girl will have any lasting effects from this setback. Each dog is different, and her progress will have to be monitored week by week. It may be a good idea to get her started with physical therapy. You can ask your vet for a referral if needed. How are things today? Hoping all is well and that the recovery process was smooth. Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance. Best wishes to you and your pup!
My 6.5 yr old female GSD, very active Search and Rescue dog had TPLO surgery and is 4 weeks post op Dec 25, 2024. CCL had partial tear (surgeon said about 5% but had a shredded meniscus tear that tore laterally with significant cartilage damage. She is still in help em up harness for safety sake. Her activity is very limited and controlled (because she is very high drive!). She is kept primarily in our living room/great room area. She is allowed to walk on runners in house, to get drinks, eat, and to follow us, on occasion into our bedroom. She is walked on leash, for bathroom breaks 4-5 x a day, slow controlled walks. She is still on NSAID 1x a day because of the extensive cartilage damage at surgeon’s urging after taking her off after 2 weeks and seeing limping again.. When she walks, she does put weight on the surgical leg, does not seem to have any pain. However, she has a high pain tolerance. When she stands, she only puts partial weight on leg, standing slightly off center with surgical leg. She does not limp or hold the leg up though as she did after surgery. We do our PT exercises 2-3 x a day. Is the off center stance with moderate weightbearing in her leg normal at this stage?
Hi Michelle,
I understand your concern for your Shepherd and think it is great you are keeping such a close eye things. From what you describe, her behavior does sound normal for this stage in the recovery period. If this issue continues as time goes by, then I would ask for a one-on-one session with a veterinary rehabilitation professional. They can assess your girl and add on different exercises as needed to encourage her to shift her weight and use the affected limb more (when the timing is appropriate). How are things today? Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance. Hoping your girl is back to living her best life and wishing you both continued success as a working team.
My dog is 7 weeks post op on the right. His left is planned for a year from now – the right was much worse and symptomatic than the left, so we started with that side. A few days ago, we noticed a popping sound, and a little more investigating showed it is the left hip making the popping while walking. He doesnt seem to be in pain with it, maybe walking a little different but its hard to really tell since we have just be approved to start short walks with him again. Should we be concerned that this is a sign the left side needs surgery asap versus waiting until next fall? Or do we think this is him favoring the right leg still which is causing the hip joint to be popping? Thanks!
Hi Nicole,
I am sorry your dog is facing additional issues and another surgery in the future. I am suspicious that your boy may have some hip dysplasia or other type of joint disease that has remained hidden. But with bearing extra weight on the left leg to compensate for the weakness on the right, it has uncovered this “new” hip issue. Popping is definitely not normal and should not occur even with a recent TPLO surgery. Have you talked to your vet about this problem? It may be a good idea to have some x-rays performed to get a better look at the joint. Hoping you can get the answers you need to find a clear path forward with treatment. Praying for an easy solution and a positive outcome for your sweet boy.
Hi Dr. Buzby,
My 3.5-year-old German Shepard has had both knees done. The left in January 2024, surgery and recovery were both uneventful. The right knee was done in May 2024 and has been a constant struggle. Everything was good at his 2-week suture removal appointment, but he developed what the surgeon thought was a superficial infection and treated it with a course of antibiotics. Everything was good until late August 2024 when the swelling and limping started again. His surgeon treated prescribed a second round of antibiotics and everything seemed to be going well again. Roughly 3-weeks later he was put on a different antibiotic for an autoimmune issue with his nose, so I think this antibiotic held the reoccurrence a bay a bit longer. I noticed minor swelling and limping about 10 days ago and started giving him an anti-inflammatory medication which seemed to help. This past Saturday, I noticed a lump about the size of a grape on the inside lower part of his leg and last night during the night, he developed an open wound with drainage, nor foul smell. I’m assuming this is possibly a ruptured abscess. His surgeon is telling me the only way to get rid of the infection is to remove the plate. Even though he’s not having issues with the left leg she is recommending removal of the implant in the left leg as well to avoid a 4th surgery in the future. This hasn’t slowed him down any. He’s still running, jumping, horseplaying with his four-legged brother as usual. Just looking for your thoughts or recommendations. Are there other options that don’t require surgical removal?
Hi Mary,
I am sorry you have been through so much with your Shepherd over the past year. I do think, based on what you have described, that removing the hardware from the affected knee may be the only way to resolve this issue. I am a bit surprised the surgeon wants to remove the hardware from the unaffected knee. I understand they are wanting to try and prevent another problem down the road, but I am not sure there will be another problem. I hate the thought of trying to “fix” something that isn’t “broken”. Ultimately, you have to trust your intuition and do what you are comfortable with. Feel free to leave an update and let us know how things are going. Praying for healing and a full recovery for your sweet boy. Bless you both.
Our 5yo Staffie mix received TPLO surgery 4 days aga. We were give Trazedone to keep her calm. We are suppose to give it to her every 8-12 hours. Today, it has only been 6 hours and she is more active than usual. Is it ok to giver her another dose, or is it to soon
Hi William,
Sorry for the delay in reply. I hope you were able to get things straightened out with your pup’s medications. In the future, please go ahead and contact your vet for guidance with these types of situations. They know the details of your dog’s medical history and can give specific instructions on dosing frequency and monitor for side effects. Some dogs just don’t respond as expected to certain drugs and they can actually have the opposite effect. Hoping the recovery process is going well and wishing your girl all the best.
Hi my staffy is 5 and is 11 weeks post opp
She was limping some times after week 6-9 physio walks
We’re now on week 11 and up to 20 mins walk morning 15 night but I noticed her not wanting to put weight on your leg tonight
Should I be worried
Hi Luke,
I understand your concern for your girl as she is recovering from TPLO surgery. If the limping only lasts for a day or two, then it is likely she may just have overworked herself a bit and caused some minor inflammation to the surgical site. If this limping persists, then I recommend you schedule a recheck with your vet. I hope things will resolve quickly and your girl will go on to make a full recovery. Wishing you both all the best and keep up the good work.
Hi, there!
We’re in week 7 of recovery, and I can’t help but be worried I’ve screwed-up my dog’s recovery. In weeks 5-6, I was letting him in the yard off leash a bit (I know – he’s just a really independent dog, and I thought a little autonomy would make his recovery more tolerable), and he got some great sprints in after the squirrels. He also was jumping around like a maniac on furniture. He has never, since getting surgery, evenly distributed his weight between his hind legs, though when he walks, he is typically using his repaired leg (rather than his tri-podding from a few weeks back). He is also reluctant to sit/ sit fully into both his hind legs.
I sent the surgeon videos of him walkinf, and she thinks we’ve just been doing too much/ that he’s very sore, so we’ve really dialed back our activity – right now we’re just doing short leashed walks in the yard and some light tricks. And we’ve increased his sedative dose, just to keep him calm.
Our 8 week check-up is next week. And I think I’m just looking for some reassurance that I haven’t ruined his chance of recovery? And also – is there anything else I should be doing for him to encourage him to use his leg?
Hi Veronica,
I understand your concern for your pup and think it is good you have decreased his activity level. I agree he was overdoing things a bit and that may be why he wasn’t putting as much weight on the leg as expected. I wouldn’t think this would cause any permanent issues, but that would be something your vet would have to evaluate to be sure. It is hard to make specific conclusions without examining your boy myself. There are activities and different weight shifting exercises that can be done to encourage more use of the affected leg. But those would be best assigned by your vet or a rehabilitation vet that is aware of your dog’s current situation and stage of recovery. How are things today? Hoping all is well and praying your boy will make a full (and uneventful) recovery!
Hello, my 7 year old female lab had TPLO/meniscus surgery 10/16. moved bowels soft after surgery but only peeing once or twice daily. I go out every 4 to 6 hours. she is drinking. another concern is fecal leakage while she is lying down. she is on carprofen (chronic) gabapentin(past 2 weeks) and trazodone. has never had this issue. Does not seem overly sedated. I do have a call out to surgery vet.
Hi Michelle,
I am sorry your pup is having so many GI issues since her surgery. Honestly, I am not sure what could be causing this other than side effects of the medications. I know you mentioned she isn’t overly sedated, but I am suspicious this still may be the cause. Of course, without examining her myself it is hard to make specific conclusions. I do think it would be wise to have your girl evaluated by the surgeon. Hoping for clear answers and an easy solution. Praying for a full recovery for your pup.
My 9.5 y/o Belgian Malinois is a little over 24 hours post TPLO surgery and has been knuckling since we brought her home. While I know we are VERY early in recovery, I was just looking for some guidance if knuckling is normal and if she will work this out on her own or if we need to consult with her surgeon?
Thank you!
Hi Eric,
I understand your concern for your Malinois and think it is great you are paying such close attention to her behavior. Knuckling can be “normal” for this stage of the recovery process, but I do recommend you contact the surgeon and make them aware of this issue. This will allow them to monitor your girl’s progress and intervene if needed. Hoping all is well and that things have been smooth and uneventful. Best wishes to you both!
Our 5 year old Aussie female somehow injured 2 days ago and was seen at the Vet today and they performed an xray. It is Likely a CCL and she may need surgery. Waiting for the orthopedic Vets input on the xray.
She will not put any weight on her back right leg. She gets around okay but we are keeping it minimum. However, I don’t think she is using the bathroom. Is there anything I can do to help her?
Hi Sheri,
I am so sorry your Aussie sustained this worrisome injury. I assume your girl was trying to avoid using the bathroom due to the pain that was caused when trying to posture. A harness such as the Help ‘EM Up Harness can be very helpful to offer extra support and take some of the weight off of the rear legs. Some dogs do well with this type of assistance, but others may refuse to potty while someone is in direct contact. You may just have to give it a try and see how things go. Please make sure your vet is aware of this issue. They may be able to prescribe some additional pain medications or offer other suggestions. Hoping all is well and that you received the information you needed from the orthopedic vet. Feel free to leave an update and let us know how things are going.
Hello there,
first of all thank you so much for your article and assistance it has really helped!
My pup is now 11 weeks post TPLO, he has been doing great, has a set back 4 weeks in which made him limp a bit for a few weeks, he is now weight bearing on both legs more and doesn’t limp, he’s even trying to run a little. We are following the vets advice with gradual increased walks to build his muscle up, and the vet is happy with the progress!
My question is around when it is generally safe for the dog to be able to go back onto the couch. We’ve had a mattress on the floor for the last 11 weeks and we’re wondering when is usually safe for them to be able to jump up and off a slow sofa? He has to go down two steps to go for a wee and that causes no issues. We won’t be letting him go upstairs in our house until he is 100% but the couch would make life easier for all of us.
Many thanks!
Hi El,
I understand your concern for your pup and think it is great you are ensuring his activity is restricted during this critical recovery period. Jumping can be tricky. There is no way to know how much strain this will put on the surgical site as each dog does this a bit differently. The other problem is while the TPLO surgery helps prevent the bones in the knee from sliding at a severe angle, it does not completely stabilize the joint and abnormal movement is still possible with extreme activities (such as jumping). I think this would be best discussed with the surgeon or even a veterinary rehabilitation professional. I also like to ease into things. Is there a way to add little dog steps up to the couch or utilize a wedge-shaped pillow as a ramp? Hoping your boy will continue to make a full and uneventful recovery. Best wishes to you all.
Hello! My 7 year old Husky dog is 4 days post TPLO he seems to be doing fine, limping and picking up his leg some which is to be expected. He is an escape artist as we tried to shut him in a small room so we don’t leave his side. He gets up and down a lot though and spins in circles before laying back down (he has always done this) I was wondering if that could cause any problems with the recovery?
Hi Emily,
I understand your concern for your boy and think it is great you are paying such close attention to his behavior during this critical recovery period. The circling and getting up and down should be ok. Activities such as jumping, running, or swift/quick movements are more of what we want to avoid. If you have any lingering concerns or think something may be wrong, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet. Wishing you both all the best and keep up the good work!
My 4 year old Belgian Malanois had TOPL over two weeks ago. While he walks great bearing full weight on his leg on leash, around the house he continues to limp / tri-pod. I have to really encourage him to use his leg anytime we are not out on a walk. The surgeon says if he is still doing this in two weeks, we need to have an early x ray to check the hardware, and that it’s probably phsycholgical.
What can I do to help him quit limping when we are NOT out on active leash walks?
Hi Cherish,
I understand your concern for your boy during this critical recovery period. Without examining him myself, it is hard to make specific conclusions. I can tell you that it is common for dogs to get in the habit of holding the injured leg up while walking and running. So once the leg has been surgically stabilized and can be used, they may continue to avoid using the leg, not because of pain but due to habit. In these circumstances I like to get a rehabilitation veterinarian involved. They can give you specific exercises to do at home that will help encourage use of the leg. Of course, it is always good to rule out any issues with the surgical site first. An early x-ray may not be a bad idea. Hoping for clear answers and an easy solution. Praying for healing and that your boy will make a full recovery.
Hi there! My pup just had TPLO surgery and I was curious if it was ok for her to lay on the leg she had surgery on. She seems to be comfortable and ok with laying on it and does switch to the other said but just want to be cautious!
Hi Lena,
Yes, it should be ok for your girl to lie on the affected leg. As long as it is not causing lameness when she wakes up, I would let her sleep in the position she chooses. Wishing your girl a smooth recovery!
Hello!
My dog is 12 weeks post-op from TPLO surgery on both knees and has had a few moments where he would escape and run into the backyard. He had the zoomies and did a spin which resulted in him yelping and limping on one leg. Since the incident he has been putting weight on it again and doesn’t seem to be in pain (though I know this doesn’t mean he isn’t) Could this mean he reinjured himself? Or could it be that it’s still a bit painful since he hasn’t been as active?
Hi May,
I understand your concern for your boy and think it is great you are keeping a close eye on him. Without witnessing the incident myself, I can’t make specific conclusions. In general, if he is not limping and there is no swelling, redness, or discharge then there is a good chance an injury has not occurred. TPLO surgery helps to prevent the bones in the knee from sliding against each other at an odd angle. It does not completely stabilize the knee joint (nothing can really replace the function of the original ligament) and improper movements can still take place, especially when zooming around and acting crazy. If you have any lingering questions or concerns about your dog’s knee, don’t hesitate to contact your vet. Hoping all is well and wishing your sweet boy a long and happy life.
Hello! My dog is a little over 2 months post op for TPLO and acl surgery. We keep him crated but he has snuck off and jumped on the bed a few times. The bed is very low and we just had him x rayed. The x ray showed everything was good and in place. However, he is swollen and now walking with a limp again. He was doing really good before this, walking basically back to normal. I did get another antibiotic and pain meds for him. I am worried something is wrong still. Could he possibly be sore from overuse?
Hi Jenny,
I am sorry your little pup has experienced this setback. While this could definitely be from overuse, the swelling has me concerned. I am glad your vet prescribed an antibiotic and pain meds. How are things today? If the swelling and limping did not improve while taking the medicine, it may be time for more in-depth investigation. Hoping all is well and praying your boy has made a full recovery. Feel free to leave an update and let us know how he is doing.
hello, thanks for all the information it’s super useful.
My doggo is 5 days or so days post op and he is a lovely lurcher staffy cross of 7 years old. When trying to get some pills in him this morning which he hates swolling, he jerked his knee sideways twice trying to get away from me, I held him back but it was a fast movement. I worry I’ve messed up his recovery, and just wondering how robust the surgery is, should I be worried? are the pins in there keeping his leg in place to some extent? it’s so hard to tell just how fragile his knee actually is as all the advice is basically saying to treat the leg with so much caution. What is the success rate for this type of surgery and success of post op recovery? I can’t imagine what it would be like trying to control a younger dog in this situation!
thanks very much for your thoughts
Hi Ju,
I am glad your pup’s surgery was successful but understand your concern with taking things cautiously during the recovery period. I am not sure how to describe the “robustness” of the surgery, but rest assured the hardware that is used is very strong. The weak point is the bone that is healing. As long as your boy is not whining, acting painful, refusing to use the leg (more than before the fast sideways movement episode), and there is no increased swelling or redness at the surgical site, I would not be worried about a complication. The success rate for TPLO is greater than 90% (that includes recovery post-op). As always, if you have any lingering concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet. Wishing your pup all the best at a full recovery and many happy years ahead.
Hello,
My pup is 4 weeks post TPLO, and he’s been doing great, no limping whatsoever and seems much more himself. We went for our final post op check up today and in the excitement of seeing the vet and nurses, he jumped up a couple of times, to greet them, and when we got him back home he is limping and not bearing weight on the operated leg, the vet didn’t seem concerned he prescribed 10 more days of drugs to help keep him calm as he is a very excitable dog. Could this just be a bit of inflammation from excitement and will subside in a few days of rest? I will make him take it easy and told the vet I would send videos over the next few days of walking just so the vet can monitor. Many thanks!
Hi Shaun,
I understand your concern for your pup and think it is great you are staying on top of things as he makes his way through the healing process. This absolutely could be just inflammation from over doing it at the vet. It sounds like you have a good plan with continuing medications for a few more days and the videos are a great idea. Hoping all is well and praying your boy makes a full recovery. Wishing you all the best and keep up the good work!
My dog has TPLO surgery 2 months ago. He does great with two 1 mile walks a day with no limping or delays; however, he licks his knee a lot after the walks. Am I walking him too much or is he still him recovering and just feeling the area healing?
Hi Brandi,
I am glad your pup seems to be doing so well since his TPLO surgery. While each dog is different and exercise requirements can vairy, this does sound a bit excessive for only 8 weeks post-op. Without examining your boy myself, it is hard to make specific conclusions and recommendations. It may be best to discuss this with your vet. Is your boy currently taking a good quality joint supplement? Hoping you can get to the bottom of this puzzling issue. Wishing you and your boy all the best.
My rescue Pittie/huskey/collie mix is 2 days post op for a full ACL tear and meniscus tear. She is moving ok, letting the repaired leg dangle as she walks. However my husband had her outside, and when he opened the door she ran in and up 4 stairs to the kitchen. I am worried she injured her leg again. She is on antibiotics but her leg looks red and is warm. I guess I’m looking for reassurance that she didn’t undo anything we just had repaired and might just be an infection. I have read all the questions posted and thank you for all the help you are giving to worried pet parents like me.
Hi Jennifer,
I am sorry your girl is facing potential complications with her surgical site. Without examining her myself, it is hard to know if this is cause for concern or not. If the redness and warmth is a recent change then I would think this needs to be evaluated right away. Even if the surgical site has not been damaged, an infection like this needs to be addressed quickly. Hoping all is well and this won’t cause a setback to the healing process. Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance.
My 160 pound 2 1/2 year old English Mastiff has TPLO 2 weeks ago. He seemed to be doing better but then seemingly over night he completely stopped using his repaired leg. My vet doesn’t seemed concerned, gave him a steroid shot and put him back on antibiotics- but I am terrified that there is something seriously wrong. Can this be normal just two weeks after surgery?
Hi Stephanie,
I am sorry your big guy is having this issue and I understand why you are concerned. While setbacks are not normal, they are common. If you vet was not overly concerned, it is my assumption that your boy may have just over done things a bit and strained the tissues around the surgical site. Hopefully the steroids will help to reduce the inflammation and allow him to return to normal function. Your vet probably included an antibiotic just to err on the side of caution and cover all the bases. If you have any lingering concerns don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet for advice and guidance. Wishing you all the best and praying for a full recovery for your sweet boy.
Hi! Not sure if this is a weird question or not but For TPLO surgery how does the metal plate and screws not damage her muscles over time? Or like come thru her skin? I feel like I can feel her metal plate sometimes and I’m always wondering how it doesn’t just come thru her skin
Hi Robin,
This is a great question but a difficult one for me to try and describe the answer. I will do my best! As long as there are no sharp edges on the metal implants it should not cause damage to the tissues. Just like the bones in your dog’s leg, they are very hard, but the tissues glide over them due to the natural lubrication and fluids the body produces. It is possible for pressure sores to develop over the metal if there is not enough padding when your dog lies down, but this is the same for the joints and bony prominences normally present on a dog’s body. Hoping this will help to ease your mind a bit. Wishing your sweet girl all the best at making a full recovery.
My dog had TPLO surgery in December and is all healed up now but I’m hearing some sort of clicking sound occasionally when he gets up or walks. Could this just be a joint popping? He also still sits a little abnormally. Could this just be a permanent thing due to his TPlO?
Hi Brooke,
I am glad your dog’s surgery was successful but understand your concern with this new clicking sound that has emerged. Without examining your pup myself, it is hard to make specific conclusions. The sound may be nothing to worry about or could be a sign of a tear in the meniscal cartilage in the joint. I would err on the side of caution and have your boy evaluated by the surgeon or your regular vet. Hoping for clear answers and wishing you both nothing but the best.
Hello! Thanks for the article I have found it very helpful! My dog is now approaching 3 weeks post TPLO and he has done great, the vet has checked up twice and seen no issues with the plate or his walking. I had one question around the post op, it says on my literature from the vet that we may have to do a postoperative x ray at week 8/12 of the recovery. Whilst I will do this if nessesary, I’m over my limit for the insurance now and have already had to spend towards the cost of surgery, the d rays will be another circa £1000. And I am worried about my dog being under anaesthesia 4 times in the last six months. Is this absolutely necessary, or if he is doing fine and no issues can this be an optional thing?
Hi Ray,
I am glad your dog’s surgery went well and the recovery process has been smooth. I understand your concern with the follow up x-rays. You can always decline this follow up imaging, but it is the best way to ensure the bones are healing as expected. Generally, a mild sedation is used for this type of procedure and full anesthesia is not needed. Feel free to ask your vet about the medications that will be used and be honest about your concerns. Hoping you can get the answers you need to make the best choice for you and your pup. Praying for a full recovery and wishing you all the best.
Is it worth it to get TPLO surgery if your dog seems to be only limping intermittently. My dog is a 5 y.o lab mix. She was limping steadily for about a month and a half but hasn’t been limping much now for a month.
Hi Heather,
I am glad your girl seems to be doing better and her mobility has improved. It is possible for some dogs to recover without surgery, especially if it was only a partial tear of the cruciate ligament. I would encourage you to speak to the surgeon that would do the TPLO and get their expert opinion about your dog’s case. Also, it might be good to talk to a veterinary rehabilitation professional. I will attach links to other articles with more information on all details surrounding cruciate surgery and treatment. Hoping you can find the answers you need to feel confident with how to proceed. Best wishes to you and your sweet boy.
1. Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Dogs: The Partial Tear
2. Dog Torn ACL Treatment Without Surgery: A Rehab Vet’s Approach
3. Torn ACL in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Surgery Options
4. Dog ACL Brace? Veterinarians Share Answers
5. TPLO Surgery for Dogs with a Torn Cruciate Ligament
My boy is 11 weeks postop and Has had a pivot shift which started about three or four weeks after surgery. He has gone through 10 Physio sessions and we have not seen an improvement. We have been told that he will need a second surgery in which they will add a stabilizer in hopes of helping with the pivot shift. What are your thoughts on this?
Hi Anna,
I am sorry your boy is experiencing this unfortunate complication from his TPLO surgery. Without examining him myself, it is hard to make specific conclusions or recommendations. If rehabilitation is not helping to fix the problem and your vet is recommending a follow up surgery, then that might be the best course of action. Hoping you can get the answers you need to find a clear path forward. Praying for comfort and healing for your pup. Bless you both.
My doggie came home today from surgery on his back right leg CCL. They want him to try to get up every few hours to try to use the bathroom. My guy is not walking at all. He is not putting weight on his front legs or left back leg. So right now, he is using the bathroom on himself. I have a sling and I’m trying to get him to move, but his front legs are just spreading out to the sides and his not working. I know it’s also the first day. Should I be concerned?
Hi Cassandra,
I am sorry your dog is having so much trouble getting up to walk. It sounds like he may still be under the effects of the sedation/anesthesia that was used, and it may take time for it to wear off. Try to use pee pads or a diaper for now and keep encouraging him to get up. Also, please make sure your vet is aware of this behavior as they will want to stay updated on his progress and any setbacks. They can let you know if there are any concerns and advise you if a recheck is needed. Hoping all is well and praying for a smooth recovery.
Hello!
Thank you for all this information and support you provide for us pet parents. Your site is very useful. My 5yo boxer is 2 days post TPLO surgery for her right hind leg. It appears she has been struggling getting comfy. She insists on lying on her right side / surgical leg. I have adjusted her to lay on her left where her surgical leg is resting on top but she moves and wants to lay on it. Is this something I should be concerned about or keep preventing? I figure she knows her pain and if it hurts she wouldn’t do it but I’m concerned it could cause other issues. Thank you.
Hi Brittani,
I understand your concern for your Boxer and think it is good you are being cautious during this recovery phase. It shouldn’t be a problem for her to lay on the surgical side. You are correct in thinking that if it caused pain, she would avoid it. Of course, I encourage you to continue to monitor her daily for any sign of complications such as redness, swelling, and discharge. Hoping things will continue to progress smoothly and wishing your girl all the best for a full recovery.
Thank you so much!
My dog is 1 week bilateral CBLO surgery. He is having knuckling of both feet. Is this normal and approximately how long should I expect it to go on. Currently I am only doing range of motion exercises, applying heat and walks only goes outside for bathroom. What else can I do to help?
Hi Mayte,
I am sorry your boy is having some issues since his CBLO surgery a week ago. I am not used to seeing knuckling after this type of procedure and think you should get this evaluated by your vet. This may not be anything to worry about, but without examining your boy myself, I can’t make specific conclusions. I’d rather err on the side of caution and get things checked out. You are doing a great job with the rehab therapies you are using at home. Wishing your pup all the best of luck at making a full recovery. Keep up the good work!
My girl is 4 days post op TPLO. She is knuckling on the surgical leg. She didn’t do this for her left leg previously in recovery. Is this nerve damage from the surgery?
Hi Julianna,
I understand your concern for your pup with this new issue that has emerged. Without examining your girl myself, it is hard to make specific conclusions. It can be normal to see knuckling at this stage in the recovery process. But to be certain all is well, it would be best to discuss things with your vet. They can let you know if a recheck is needed or if you should give it more time. Hoping this has resolved and things are back on track. Best wishes to you and your sweet girl.
Hi. I will gladly accept all the help I can get. We are two days post TPLO and I’m a wreck! My dog was injured 4/7/2024 (today is 5/21/2024) and first had surgery to replace the ligament with line. It failed, so we progressed to TPLO.
Waylon came home two nights ago and slept well. Yesterday he rested, ate well, and did his PROM. Today he rested, and this evening we went it to “do business”. He will. NOT let me help hold his weight with a towel, he puts the injured leg down lightly to poop. He panted while going and I’m sure it hurt. When we came in to do PROM he became really agitated, he’s normally the most docile boy in the world. I stopped immediately. He was agitated for several minutes before calming down.
1. I’m afraid missing out on PROM will hurt him but it can’t be helped. How long can we wait?
2. I’m worried about him injuring himself while pooping but he won’t let me help him and he has to go. Any suggestions?
3. Any tips will be most helpful and welcome. Thank you!
Hi Tim,
I am sorry you are dealing with these stressful issues with your pup. Some dogs just won’t tolerate any type of contact while using the bathroom while others may adjust better if a harness or hip support sling is used rather than a towel. Sometimes it’s just the bulk of the towel that is annoying. Utilizing PROM definitely speeds up the recovery process but you have to make adjustments to the therapy based on your dog. If he needs a couple days to rest, then I wouldn’t worry about it too much. Hoping your boy is healing well and you are seeing a steady improvement in his mobility. Wishing you all the best of luck and praying for a full recovery.
Hi my 2 yo pointer had a TPLO on his right leg yesterday. Today while walking, I hear popping. I feel like it’s his hips because he really isn’t trying to use the leg that was operated on. I don’t see how there would be a correlation there but interested to hear your opinion. His hips are in good shape and free of dysplasia.
Hi Colten,
I understand your concern for your pup. Without examining him myself it is hard to make specific conclusions. From what you describe I do think this needs to be evaluated by your vet. A popping sound can be an indication of a meniscal tear in the knee or a complication with the surgical hardware. My best advice is to take your boy in for a recheck. Hoping all is well and praying for a positive outcome.
My golden doodle is 1 week post op. She has been doing great but today I’ve noticed that her other leg seems sore/shaking when she walks.. is this normal or something you would suggest we get looked at? We have been using a sling and we have been watching her making sure she isn’t jumping/running. I just thought I would ask!
Hi Grace,
I am glad your girl seems to be doing good with her surgical recovery. I understand your concern about this new weakness that has emerged in her other leg. I do think it would be best to have her examined by your vet. Most dogs that tear a cruciate ligament end up having the same issue in the other knee within a year. While I can’t be sure this is the cause of your girl’s problem, it would be best to find out for sure. Another common possibility is since your pup has been using the “good leg” more, she may have pushed it a bit too far and now is having some muscle pain from taking up all the slack from the injured leg. Either way your vet should be able to help guide you toward the best solution. Wishing you all the best and praying for healing for your pup.
Hi there. My 10 year old dog had TPLO surgery at the end of January. Her series of xrays came back all clear and she was healing nicely with the help of hydrotherapy. After getting the all-clear from her final xray (about 8 weeks after surgery), we ended up moving her from the water treadmill to the pool which totally wiped her out — she was hopping for about a week and we ended up resting her for a couple of weeks as opposed to taking her on longer walks. After that, we went out of town for a week and left her with some friends. When we got back a few days ago, she was putting no weight on her leg at all, which apparently was happening the whole time we were gone. She also seemed really uncomfortable. We took her to the vet this past weekend and did xrays again — all looks good with her leg, the plate in her leg, and her back. The vet prescribed rimadyl and gaba and is asking that we rest her for the week then rechecking her. She is totally stumped and baffled as to why she’s uncomfortable, not walking on the leg, and in pain. I know you can’t diagnose but I’m seeking out different opinions to see if folks have ideas of what might be going on. She seems to have lost a lot of the muscle mass that she gained through hydrotherapy and I’m wondering if she just regressed over the 3-4 weeks she didn’t do hydrotherapy and we rested her from extensive activity or if we should be more concerned about something else. Any insight or suggestions you have would be appreciated!
Hi Kristin,
I am so sorry your girl has had this tremendous set back since her TPLO surgery in January. Since her x-rays look normal, it is my suspicion that your pup may have just over done things a bit and caused some strain and inflammation around the joint. It would be normal to see muscle loss if she has been exercise restricted and is not currently using the leg. The saying “if you don’t use it, you lose it” is absolutely true. I think the idea to start medications for inflammation and pain paired with rest sounds perfect. Hopefully once the tissues are less inflamed, you can begin physical therapy again to regain muscle mass and strength. Laser therapy is also great for this type of issue! Wishing you all the best of luck and keep up the good work.
Thank you for your response! An update in case it helps others — she ended up tearing her other CCL a few days after I wrote this and had a second TPLO surgery. During that surgery, they removed the plate from her original TPLO and it was very loose. We suspect that was causing her a lot of pain. We’re about a month out from her second TPLO surgery and she is recovering well from that (though she faced a bought of pancreatitis in the past month and is now dealing with a liver mass — always something!). All of our fingers and toes are crossed that she can recover fully from all of these things together.
Hi Kristin,
Goodness! Your poor girl has really been through a lot over the past few months. Glad you were able to get some answers and move forward with surgery and plate removal. Hoping things will begin to settle down and praying for comfort and peace for everyone involved. Thank you for the update!
my Lab had TPLO surgery on her left leg 6 months ago.. she,just started holding up and limping on her right leg. but she seems to only do it after she,has,been laying down .. I didn’t see her hurt her right leg. and she doesn’t always hold it up or limp on it. I’m terrified that she, might need another TPLO and we’re only 6 mo. out from the first. financially a,second isn’t in the cards right now. I’m so upset I don’t know,what to do for her..thanks
Hi Debra,
I am sorry your girl is experiencing another knee issue only 6 months after TPLO surgery. Cruciate ligament tears in dogs tend to be a degenerative process and do not have to be associated with an injury. Because of this, the cruciate ligaments in both knees are usually affected to a similar degree. This is why statistics show most dogs end up rupturing the cruciate ligament in both knees within a year of each other. Without examining your girl myself, I can’t say for sure if this ligament is causing the problem. It would be best to have your vet evaluate her and offer guidance on how to proceed. I will attach links to other articles that may offer additional information. Wishing you all the best of luck and praying for a positive outcome for your sweet girl.
1. Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Dogs: The Partial Tear
2. Dog ACL Brace? Veterinarians Share Answers
3. Dog Torn ACL Treatment Without Surgery: A Rehab Vet’s Approach
In 2023 my dog had TPLO surgery on both knees (Feb and Nov). He got a pretty bad infection after his last one in November. It resolved with meds. It is now almost March and the vet thinks the plate is bent. There is a large bump and to just lightly touch it causes my dog pain. If it needs to be removed and the bone hasn’t healed or healed incorrectly what would be the next step to help him regain some semblance of a pain free life. He is only 5 (lab/shepherd rescue). He has been through so much. He is showing aggressiveness (just showing, not acting on it). I think its because he is in pain. Meds are not great because he has hemmoragenic gastroenteritis. He deficates all blood with a change in treats…thats how sensitive his stomach is. Lately he has been lethargic, not eating well, throwing up and his stool is very mushy, no blood. I think the plate needs to be removed but we already spent over 10k on the 2 surgeries so if it has to come out it will but then what? Thanks so much in advance for any advise…my heart literally hurts seeing him go through all this. Sheri
Hi Sheri,
I am sorry your boy has been through so much over the past year. I understand your frustration and concern with this difficult situation. It does sound like the plate may need to be removed. The bone should definitely be healed by now and if not, that would make me suspicious about ongoing infection or that there is something else contributing to the problem. A bone fracture (whether it was acquired by injury or surgery) should be completely healed within 12 to 16 weeks. It is possible that when the plate is removed, the surgeon may replace it with a smaller one or use a different technique to stabilize the knee joint. With his sensitive stomach, I would recommend you talk to your vet about using probiotics or alternative therapies to help with discomfort. Things like acupuncture, laser therapy, or herbal remedies may offer the benefits you seek without causing so many issues for his GI tract. Hoping you can find the best way to restore your sweet boy’s quality of life and offer relief from pain. Best wishes and feel free to leave an update if you have a chance.
We are 4 days post surgery with our 3yo rottie. We were instructed to use a sling any time she is up to potty, but she refuses to do anything with the sling on. Take the sling off and she will awkwardly squat and pee. Looks like she is attempting to poop but as soon as she squats she crumples to the ground. She’s eating fine but has only pooped a little bit 24hrs ago. Not sure what to do since she can’t squat without support and refuses to try with support.
Hi Michael,
I am sorry your girl is hesitant to use the bathroom while the sling is in place. It could be that a different type of sling would be tolerated better, or the placement may make a difference as well. Some dogs don’t like the sling to slide farther back on their abdomen but are not as bothered if it stays more forward toward the chest. You may can find a happy medium where you can still offer some support but keep the sling more off the stomach. It’s not ideal but I have seen this work! Also, they make slings that the dog can wear for longer periods of time and then the handles are attached when you need to offer support. This could help her get used to the sling, so it isn’t’ something “new” that shows up just for bathroom breaks. Hoping she will quickly start to show improvement in her mobility and the sling won’t be needed for much longer. You are doing a great job. Keep up the good work and I wish you all the best.
Our 7 week post op TPLO dog’s plate seems to be stretching the skin. And irritating it. We took her in to the vet and are waiting to hear. She got antibios and a culture of the fluid in her bump at the base of the plate. Could this mean the plate will need to be removed:(????
Hi Jennifer,
I am so sorry your pup is experiencing these complications after TPLO surgery. It is possible that the hardware may need to be removed, but that is not common, and I would try not to worry about it too much at this point. Hopefully the culture will offer some definitive answers and provide a clear path forward with treatment. Praying for a full recovery for your girl and feel free to keep us updated on how things are going!
I’m considering TPLO surgery for my 14 pound dog. To what degree will he feel the metal in his body? As humans the metal can be very irritating I know from experience.
Do you have any information on the way of dog feels about metal in their body? What degree did they feel the metal?
Hi Kristen,
This is a very interesting question! I am not sure we have this kind of specific information about dogs that have metal hardware surgically implanted. We can gather information about pain scores, but since we can’t ask a dog how they feel, we rely heavily on signs of discomfort and lameness. I can say that I have never had a patient seem to be bothered by the metal plate. I do know that in rare circumstances, a dog’s body can reject the implant and then it may need to be removed. But this is not common, and I would not let it deter you from pursuing TPLO for your pup. I assume they can feel metal in the same way we do but think the quality of life gained from the surgery outweighs the risk of irritation from the implant. Hoping you can get the answers you need to make the best choice for you and your boy. Best wishes and good luck!
Hello very helpful article!
just wondering about walking into the house the day of acl hind leg surgery on a 7 year old labrador and getting into and out of the car, as well as standing while the car is moving. she always stands and looks out window.
Hi Michelle,
Unfortunately, we can’t keep our pets in a protective bubble. So, we have to do the best we can with the situation at hand. I would be prepared with a harness or towel to assist your girl with transfers from the hospital back to the house. She may still be a bit sedated when you pick her up and that could help keep her lying down during the car ride. If she still wants to stand in the car, see if you can have someone sit with her just to make sure she stays steady. Ultimately, it probably won’t be as difficult as you are expecting and hope you will be pleasantly surprised at how well things go. Wishing you and your sweet girl all the best and praying for a full and uneventful recovery.
Our pup is 4 years old and just had TPLO surgery on March 22. She had the same surgery on her other leg October 19. We have a road trip planned for April 6 that will require a day of driving there and a day driving back. We have a ramp for the car and a help me up harness for her. Do you have any suggestions on how to ensure we keep her safe during this time?
Hi Dawn,
I am glad you are planning ahead to ensure your girl remains safe during the road trip. As long as she has a comfortable place to rest for the entirety of the trip, she should be ok. Having her on a soft bed in a crate could be ideal. This will make sure she isn’t moving around too much and will help prevent her from falling should you have to stop suddenly or make unexpected shifts due to traffic. But some dogs don’t tolerate crates well and having to stay in one for several hours can increase anxiety and stress. Ultimately, you have to trust your intuition as you know your girl best. A calm and resting dog is always best for recovery. Wishing you much success and good luck!
My Am. Bulldog is 17 days post surgery – she was doing amazingly well – not even a limp but after having the staples removed, (without any obvious mishaps, like running or jumping, ) she no longer wants to use the leg and has a pronounced limp when she does. Coincidence? Is it possible that removing the staples hurt enough to set her back or am I making something out of nothing being so early into recovery?
Hi Cheryl,
I understand your concern for your Bulldog and this recent change in her mobility. Removing staples should cause very little, if any, discomfort (most dogs don’t even feel them when removed). So, I would not expect there to be any pain or limping associated with their removal. Anytime there is a sudden change in behavior, especially if pain is suspected, it needs to be discussed with your vet. Without examining your girl myself, it is hard to make specific conclusions or recommendations. Your vet will try to determine if there are new complications associated with the surgical site or if some adjustments need to be made to your girl’s medications to better control pain and inflammation. Hoping you can get some answers and find the best way forward. Praying for healing and a full recovery for your sweet girl.
My Sable shepherd had his surgery 28 March and also had the same issue after stiches were removed. He was walking perfectly on his leg from day 2 of the surgery (carefully monitored by the Drs). Day after having stiches removed he developed a Seroma and started limping. Dr’s suspect that he just needs more time on the pain and inflamation meds. Just found this comment interesting as its the same situation we are experiencing.
Hi Stephanie,
I am sorry your Shepherd experienced this small setback. What I am suspecting is that when the sutures are removed (or staples as was the case for Cheryl’s dog) this is also the time when the vet is discontinuing medications and also allowing a return to more activity/exercise. So, it is not the removal of the sutures that causes the problem, but more likely the other events surrounding the suture removal. I am glad your vet was able to prescribe some additional days of anti-inflammatory medications. Hoping all is well and that your Shepherd is on his way to making a full recovery.
Thank you for taking the time to respond. Just for anyone else who may be reading this, it turned out she ended up with a pretty nasty infection – MRSA specifically. It appears she has responded well to antibiotics and we will keep her on them until healing is complete and plates can be removed (if needed). Again for others….this has been a long haul and there have been days of elation and others that have been soul crushing….I was prepared for the recovery process – a long but smooth recovery process – I was NOT prepared for setbacks, infections etc…. but these things can and do happen. I’m optimistic that we are headed in the right direction now…..fingers crossed 🤞😊 Thanks again.
Hi Cheryl,
I am so sorry your girl ended up with this nasty infection but glad you were able to get a definitive diagnosis. Hoping the antibiotics will work as anticipated and your pup will be back to normal very quickly. Wishing you all the best and thank you for the update!
Hello Doctor.
Just wanted to say thank you for having this forum. It’s made my extreme anxiety about my dogs surgery better.
But I have a couple questions.
Today my dog isn’t using the leg as much and hopping around (we are 12 days post op, but has been consistently trying to use it daily) he is using it but not as much. Now in saying that, he fights getting medications and I was only able to get his pain meds in late, so could that be the problem? I have literally had to buy his medications twice to get liquids over pills and then get those compounded to taste better and he still doesn’t take them. I have tried everything. He is so smart that he won’t take food from me anymore because he fears medication is in it.
Foot and leg look normal. No swelling.
I’m just worried this has failed. I do have an anxiety disorder so some reassurance is needed please lol.
Second question. Do you have any ideas to get hot and cold therapy on my dog? He won’t tolerate it and I won’t be fighting him anymore on things as I feel I am wrecking my relationship with him.
Lastly, are there any signed of early failure of the surgery? He’s been up on a bed twice and a couch once. Never jumped off he was picked up and taken off.
Any help would be appreciated
Tristan
Hi Tristan,
I understand your concern for your dog and think it is great you are reaching out for advice. I am sorry your pup is giving you trouble with taking his medications. Here is a link to an article with ideas on how to make the medication process easier: Your Dog Won’t Take Pills? 5 Easy Solutions for Uncooperative Pooches
It is possible his reluctance to use the leg is due to missing his dose of pain meds, but this could also be due to overuse. If your boy is feeling better and was staring to use the leg more, he may have over done it a bit and just need to rest for a day or two. If your pup won’t let you apply a warm or cold compress, then the only way I know to accomplish this would be to have him stand in warm or cool water. This is only possible if the sutures have been removed and there is no opening in the skin. Signs of complications would be if your boy becomes completely non weight bearing on the leg or if you see any redness, swelling, discharge, or the skin is warm/hot to the touch. From what you describe, I think your boy is healing well and is on the right track for making a full recovery. If you have any lingering concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet or ask for a recheck exam. Hoping all is well and wishing you both nothing but the best!
Hi there,
My staffy cross is 4 weeks post TPLO surgery and knee was dislocated too. She is walking well at slow speed but lifts the leg the minute you increase speed. The vet examined her and says she is ok but I would value a second opinion.
Hi Claire,
What you describe sounds like what I would expect for this stage of recovery. A second opinion is always an option and may give you peace of mind. I cannot give you specific answers without personally examining your girl, so your second opinion would need to come from scheduling an appointment with a vet in your area. Hoping all is well and wishing your pup all the best for a full recovery.
Is it okay that my dog is laying on his leg that he had TPLO surgery on? He’s comfortable, not whining, but I just want to know if it’s okay…
Hi Thuy,
I understand your concern for your pup. Without being able to observe your dog firsthand, it is hard to make specific conclusions. But from what you describe, I would think this sleeping position is ok for your boy. If you start to notice changes to the limb or any new symptoms emerge, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet for advice and support. Wishing you both all the best.
My bulldog mix (45lbs) is 3.5 weeks post op. She was doing quite well and we were able to do 3-10 min walks a day. Her leg slipped going up a step and seems to have set her back. She limps more and also lifts it with a little jump when walking sometimes. I guess i’m just concerned something shifted (if that’s possible) or injured something else on that same leg. She did finish her pain meds about the same time as her leg slipping so i’m not sure if that is also the cause of the more “pained” walking. Do i call and ask for more anti-inflammatory meds to help with any discomfort she has? She is only on Dasuquin and a Vet’s best ache’s and pains ( i was hoping that adding the aches and pains would suffice)
Hi Erin,
I am sorry your girl has incurred this setback while recovering from her TPLO surgery. I would suspect she just strained the knee a bit and caused some inflammation around the surgical site. But since I can’t examine her myself, I can’t say for sure that nothing has been damaged. It would be best to have your vet take a look at her just to err on the side of caution. Also, it is always ok to ask your vet for a few more days of medication. I am sure after hearing what happened they would want her to take something for pain and inflammation for a bit longer. Hoping all is well and she has made a full recovery. Wishing you both the best for many happy years ahead.
I’m so grateful to have found this site, and I ordered the Help Me Up Harness earlier today after reading about it here.
Our precious Lab mix rescue had TPLO surgery yesterday. She is used to sleeping in our bed (we bought a king-size bed to accommodate her when she grew). She seemed very upset that she couldn’t sleep with us last night — she whimpered and tried to get out of her crate (we’ve crated her for her sake … we’d love for her to be with us, too). We moved her crate to beside our bed, but she didn’t offer us a single tail wag this morning — which is very unlike her — and she seems withdrawn today. Am I projecting my worries onto her, and is this merely a post-op/medication issue (she’s on Gabapentin and Trazodone), or might she really be upset about the bed issue? We’re spending a lot of time next to her, petting her, but she still seems withdrawn.
Thanks so much for any wisdom you can offer!
Hi Suz,
I am glad you will have the harness to help offer support to your sweet girl as she goes through this recovery process. It hurts my heart to think that she may be sad about not being able to get in the bed. While a little sadness is possible, I too am suspicious that her medications could be contributing to her withdrawn state. Hoping this difficult stage has passed and praying she is back to living her best life. Feel free to leave an update and let us know how things turned out. Best wishes!
Hello,
We are almost 3 weeks post surgery and our dog is not really using his leg. He is *able* to stand on it and use it, but isn’t. He had his two week post-op visit and they worked with him to encourage using the leg and saw no signs of a problem (no pain, swelling, signs of rejection), but we’re still struggling to get him to use the leg. I’ve put in a call to a local PT, but am wondering if you have any tips/tricks to encourage more use of the leg. (Vet said he’s in good shape, so hopping around on 3 legs isn’t difficult for him….he doesn’t seem to see the need to start using that leg.)
Thanks in advance for any suggestions you may have!
Hi Erin,
I am glad your boy is healthy and in such good shape. I understand why you are concerned with his lack of use of this leg. Without being able to evaluate him personally, it is hard to make recommendations about exercises. You really have to have knowledge of where his body is in the healing process and tailor the exercises to his specific needs. I think your idea of working with a veterinary rehabilitation professional is best. They will be able to assess your dog’s current mobility constraints and formulate an exercise regimen to get him back on track. Hoping all is well and praying your sweet boy is living his best life!
Hi, my 6 year old Cavapoo had TPLO surgery 4 weeks ago. She’s been doing great overall. Walking pretty normal with occasional limping but today I kinda noticed when she walks her knee kinda bends a bit left and right (in and out) kinda like it’s not totally stable and maybe giving out on her? I’m afraid the screws have come loose or the surgery failed? She doesn’t seem to be in any pain. Is this normal? Should I worry?
Hi Daniel,
I understand your concern for your girl with these strange joint movements she is experiencing. Unfortunately, it is hard for me to make specific conclusions without examining her myself. Your best bet is to contact the surgeon and have them perform a recheck exam. This joint movement may be normal for a post-op TPLO patient. The screws and hardware that are used in TPLO surgery do not actually stabilize the joint themselves. A piece of bone is cut and then replaced (the screws and bone plate hold it in the new position) to decrease the angle of the joint movement, but it does not prevent joint movement all together. It is hard to explain without visual aids! The orthopedic surgeon should have a model or video they can use to help you understand the new mechanics of your dog’s knee. As always, if you have lingering concerns, you should be reaching out and asking questions. Hoping all is well and wishing your girl the best for making a full recovery.
Hey there,
My stuffy Benny had Tplo surgery 10 weeks ago. He is walking on it but as soon as we pick up the pace he starts to hold his leg up ( leg that had surgery) my vet said he is happy with him however I’m worried. I’m just wondering if this normal? I am about to start him with a hydra therapist as he has a lot of muscle wastage and just wondering if this is a good idea?
Thanks
Hi Neidin,
I understand your concern for Benny and think it is great you are reaching out for advice. It can be normal for dogs to hold up the affected leg when moving quickly, not necessarily due to pain but just out of habit. As long as your vet is happy with how things have healed then I wouldn’t worry. Water therapy is a great idea and could be the encouragement and training your pup needs to start using the leg normally. Hoping all is well and wishing your sweet boy nothing but the best!
My dog had surgery 1 week ago. She seems to be doing well. She is bearing weight but not fully but appears that her right foot/knee is turning out. Is this normal?
Hi Karen,
Yes, the turning out of the knee joint can be normal after TPLO surgery. But as always, it is a good idea to contact your vet and make them aware of this change. If they have any concerns, they will schedule a recheck and continue to monitor the recovery process. Best wishes to you and your pup!
My bully breed had ACL repair 2yrs ago. She has developed a lump at the knee area, sort of soft to touch. Has not limited her mobility or noticed any pain. She doesn’t mind me touching it or feeling it. What could this be and should I be concerned if it’s not bothering her.
Hi Karen,
I understand your concern for your pup and this strange lump that has developed on her knee. This could be a fluid pocket, scar tissue, a mass, or MANY other things. I recommend you schedule an appointment to have your vet examine your girl. They can give you a better idea of what the possible causes would be and help guide you to the best treatment if any is needed. Hoping for quick answers and wishing you all the best.
Hey there. My pup is on her 3 wk after surgery. Seems to be doing very well. My only concern is how warm her leg is. I’m not able to find anything online about this. Is this normal
Hi Camie,
That is very interesting! Without getting to personally examine your dog, it is hard to make specific conclusions. The leg may feel warmer due to direct contact with the skin since the hair had to be shaved for surgery. Also, if skin feels warm to the touch, this can be an indication of inflammation or infection. It would be a good idea to mention this to your vet just to err on the side of caution. But in general, if there is no redness, swelling, or discharge and your girl is walking normally, then I would not expect this to be cause for concern. Best wishes to you and your pup.
Hello,
My 3-Year Frechie (supposedly purebred, but I expect mixed because he’s 36lbs and not overweight according to the vet) is only about 9 days post-op still has his stitches in. They did both hind-legs at the same time, We did this because when he walked his legs would “bow-out” quite a bit, however, despite the amount of bowing the vet said one-leg was a grade 1 almost 2, and the other was a grade a 3. He’s not limping and is eating normal, However, my concern is that I noticed on this right leg(grade 3) it appears to be bowing-out again, so my question is can legs bow-out by the kneecap even though the patella is fine? or is that a possible sign the surgery may be failing on that leg? The other question is, is it okay if they’re beds are thick and soft? I’m worried a little that the softer bed may be causing issues for stance.
Hi Isaac,
I understand your concern for your Frenchie and think it is good you are searching for advice. From what you describe, I am not exactly sure what type of issue your boy was dealing with. I assumed he ruptured his cruciate ligament and had TPLO surgery, but with the mention of his patella and the grading scale, it is sounding more like he had a luxating patella. These conditions are very different from each other and have their own issues and complications to watch for. I think your best course of action is to contact the surgeon and discuss the symptoms your pup is displaying. They may need to schedule a time for an exam/evaluation to make sure things are on track for a full recovery. Hoping all is well and praying for a positive outcome.
my overweight 11 year old mini Australian shephard had TPLO surgery 3 days ago. She cannot get up herself and it is very hard for me to lift her. during trying to help her up she will go down a few times and I’m concerned this is going to ruin the surgery. I received a help me up harness that I will need assistance putting on her since someone needs to lift her and hold her up while someone else puts the harness on.
Hi Candy,
I am sorry your girl is having so much trouble since her TPLO surgery a few days ago. I think the harness will be an amazing help to you if you can get it in place. Is there any way a neighbor or friend could come over and offer some assistance? Hoping you can get things figured out and wishing you both the best of luck!
Our pyredoodle tore both her CLs-she had a tibial tuberosity advancement. a week ago, we brought her home and she is basically immobile. she won’t even stand to pee. She has been going to the bathroom at night and today her stiches were out and her wound was open. We took her back to the vet and they think the urine dissolved the stitches. She is 84 lbs and won’t move around much. If we bring her home again, I’m afraid the same thing will happen she will dissolve the stictches by peeing on them-do you have any suggestions-I was thinking a diaper. The vet does not want to put a bandage on the woulnd?
Hi Kathy,
I am sorry your dog is having so many issues post-op. Diapers may be a big help, but you could also ask your vet if they can close the site with staples instead of suture if this is an ongoing problem. Also, I highly encourage you to partner with a veterinary rehabilitation professional that can monitor your girl’s healing progress and intervene if she is not progressing as hoped. I feel confident that with the right support, you can ensure your big girl makes a full recovery. Wishing you nothing but the best.
Good day, my 3 year old Rottweiler is 4 days post op from TPLO surgery. I took him outside this morning and it is very cold here in Michigan with snow and ice on our deck. He has been walking on the leg very well since the surgery. Hardly a limp. This is his second TPLO surgery. Had his left leg done almost a year ago to the day and that recovery went very smooth. Now his right CCL tore and he had to have surgery on his right leg. Anyway, when I went to walk him back in the house this morning he was stepping over the threshold of the doorway and his front legs were in the house and his back legs were still on the slippery deck and he slipped and his whole backend went down on the deck. He didn’t yip or act like it hurt at all. He just got back up and came the rest of the way in. However, now I’m noticing he’s limping more than he was and is not holding his leg up, but you can tell he isn’t putting weight on it like he was before when standing. He was almost standing at a normal stance and now you can tell he just has his toes on the floor and not really putting any weight on it when he stands. However, when he walks slowly across the floor he seems to be putting weight on it normally and has a normal gate. Should I be worried that he loosened the plate or anything? The vet did tell us he used the large plate on his leg so, not as easy to damage as smaller plates, but I’m worried that he messed something up. Leg is still swollen from the surgery so I can’t really tell if it’s swelling more. Thanks!
Hi Cindy,
I am sorry your boy slipped while trying to get back inside. Honestly, it may be too soon to tell if he has done any damage to the surgical site. It is possible he just aggravated it a bit or caused some inflammation. Your best bet is to contact your vet and let them know what happened. They may want to you give him a couple days to see if it resolves on its own or they may want you to go ahead and schedule a recheck. How are things today? Hoping your boy has been able to rest and get the healing process back on track. Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance.
My Formosan Mountain Dog is 6 weeks post op. She has been pretty much on schedule with recovery, although she has been bearing weight and very rarely limping since week 2.
The past couple days she’s been wanting to just hang out in her crate and sleep or just chill. When she comes out she seems a little more hesitant walking around than usual.
Oh, I do have an 80lb pit that she usually
plays hard with, there has been no playtime since surgery. Now that she’s feeling better, he’s interested in play…we of course don’t allow it. My spouse is thinking the “den” like behavior is because she knows she’s weak and she feels safe in her crate.
I think she may be depressed with the limitations placed on her.
Thank you
Hi Jennifer,
I am glad to hear your girl is healing well despite these new strange behaviors. I am not sure why she is spending more time in her crate. A sudden change in behavior can sometimes be an early warning sign of complications or other issues. If this behavior continues it would probably be a good idea to mention it to your vet. They can decide if a recheck exam is needed or if it is ok to continue monitoring at home. Hoping all is well and wishing your girl the best for a full recovery.
My golden is almost 2 years post op from tplo surgery. She has done really well and never had any issues. Now the past 2 days she started favoring her surgery leg and not wanting to put full weight on it. It’s very cold where we live. Could this just be arthritis or is there a concern something more serious could have happened with her leg again? She is 9 years old.
Thank you for any feedback you can give. Trying to decide if a vet visit is warranted or not, or let it go a few days to see if it heals up.
Hi Desirae,
I am sorry your girl is painful, and I understand why you are concerned. With her not putting full weight on the leg and since this has continued for more than one day, I think a visit to your vet is warranted. The most common causes of lameness at this point would be an issue with the hardware, arthritis formation, or a meniscal tear. Hoping you can get some answers and find the best way to relieve your girl’s discomfort. Praying for an easy fix and a positive outcome!
Hi there! My almost 4-year old dog had his TPLO procedure in July 2023. He has done great post-op (an occasional “skip” here and there when running, but very infrequent), but in the past few days, he has started running on 3 legs again. The leg that he is not using is the leg that was operated on. There is no puffiness, heat, discharge, etc. I understand that some diagnostics are likely necessary, but I was wondering if this is a common occurrence 6 months after surgery
and what some of the potential causes might be. Thank you!
Hi Becca,
I am sorry your pup is having issues with the same leg again. You are correct that your boy will need to be evaluated and I suspect x-rays will be part of the investigation. Without examining your dog myself, I can’t make specific conclusions. But the most common reasons for this type of thing are a meniscal tear, arthritis formation, and an issue with the hardware. Hoping you can get some answers quickly and find the best way to restore your sweet boy’s mobility. Praying for a full recovery.
Hello-
My dog is 5 days TPLO post op and we have started manual range of motion exercises as directed. When supporting and bending the knee joint I feel a slight click. Is this cause for concern?
Hi Krystal,
This could be very important information for your veterinarian to know. Without examining your dog myself, I can’t tell if this is cause for concern or not. A clicking sound in the knee can be an indication of a meniscal tear which would need to be addressed. I encourage you to reach out to your vet and see if they want to schedule a recheck.
Hi there. Our 7 yr yellow lab, Bailey, had knee surgery mid December. She has recuperated quite well, and is almost back to her normal self again. We have noticed however, that when I take her on her walks, (about 1 1/2miles) she will occasionally come back limping on her good knee (the one that wasn’t operated on) and sometimes she limps on the operated knee as well. We followed doctor’s orders very carefully and gradually introduced her to her daily walks 12 weeks after her surgery. Our vet said she would limp a little – as she put it, “she will not be able to run a marathon in a day,” Should we be concerned that she sometimes limps after her walks? Thank you’ for your time.
Hi Dania,
I understand your concern for Bailey. Without examining her myself it is hard to make specific conclusions or recommendations. The limping on the operated knee could be due to overuse. While the TPLO surgery helps to correct abnormal movement of the joint, it doesn’t replace the torn ligament and the knee can still move a bit too much under certain circumstances. Just to err on the side of caution, it may be a good idea to have your vet do a recheck exam and make sure nothing seems out of place. It is possible that the limping she is experiencing on the “good leg” is a sign that there are issues with the cruciate ligament in that knee. Most dogs that experience a cruciate injury end up having the same type of issue in the other knee within a year. Arthritis is also a possibility. Ultimately, the only way to rule some of these things out is to have your girl evaluated by your vet. They can offer guidance and give you peace of mind. Hoping all is well and wishing you both nothing but the best.
Hi. My 12 year old cocker spaniel has damaged both rear leg ACL. The surgeon has recommended unilateral surgery but I was more inclined to have both done at the same time. What are your thoughts and recommendations please ? Thanks. Kieron
Hi Kieron,
I am sorry your pup is having issues with both knees. There are definitely benefits and complicating factors with either of these approaches to surgery. With a smaller pup I would be more inclined to do both knees at the same time. Ultimately the choice is yours and you have to go with your intuition. Wishing you all the best and praying for a successful surgery.
My 1 year old pit mix had TPLO surgery on Monday and he had a brace inserted to support his floating kneecap.
He had 1 normal bowel movement and has been incontinent with #2 ever since. Sometimes I don’t think he is aware it’s coming out.
Is this normal? Any advice on how to stop the leakage?
Hi Colleen,
I am sorry your pup is having so many issues since his surgery on Monday. This fecal incontinence could be a side effect of some of his medications or he may be too painful to posture correctly and go outside. Please reach out to your vet with this concern. They may be able to offer some solutions over the phone or it might be best to schedule a recheck exam. Hoping for quick answers and praying for a full recovery!
Hi Dr. Buzby,
My 11 year old cockapoo had TPLO surgery 3 weeks ago. He was starting to put weight on the foot and making progress. Today is went to stand up on all fours and he squealed out in pain, lifted the operated leg and refused to put it down for a few minutes. I have him walking again, but he’s limping a bit more than usual. Is this to be expected, or should I be concerned?
Hi Joe,
I understand your concern with this situation, and it has me a bit worried as well. Some dogs are more sensitive than others and will have an extreme reaction when there really isn’t much to get upset about. But with the type of reaction you describe, I think it would be best to have your vet check things out. Better to play it safe than sorry. Hoping all is well and you will get a good report from your vet.
My dog had surgery 18 days ago, stitches had been removed and she has been doing great, but yesterday i noticed a bump above the scar, its kind of hard and sure if is a bone or just inflammation, is this something to be concerned about.
Thank you
Hi Catalina,
I understand why you are worried about this hard bump that has appeared near the incision site. Without examining it myself, I can’t tell if there is cause for concern. To play it safe, I think it would be best to inform your vet of this new development. They can advise you how to proceed and schedule a recheck if needed. Hoping all is well and wishing your pup the best for a full recovery.
Hi,
My almost 9yo Berner is on day one post op. Can the hardware be felt through the skin? Her leg is shaved and there is a lump the size of a blueberry that doesn’t feel like a fluid filled cyst or a hair follicle. It feels hard. I’m certainly not pressing on it, I just slid my fingers gently to examine it. The area is not open and nothing is sticking out. Is it possible to feel the screws?
Hi Patty,
Yes, it could be possible to feel the hardware from the surgical site under the skin. Of course, if you have any concerns, it would be best to relay them to your vet. This way they can monitor your dog’s recovery process and intervene quickly if any issues are suspected. Wishing your big guy, a smooth and speedy recovery.
Hello,
My GSD is about 5 weeks post-TPLO. Up until two days ago, she has been improving every day. Now she appears disinterred and is limping more than usual. Her incision does not look infected and her knee does not look swollen. I have noticed that while outside, she is not limping as bad. Could this be a result of overdoing it (she snuck outside the other day and chased a squirrel)? I’d hate to bring her to the vet (as she’s terrified) if it can be fixed by resting. If that may be the case, how long should I let her rest before I bring her to the vet for a checkup?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Adam,
Yes, it is possible this new lameness is due to overactivity/strain of the affected joint. While this may resolve on its own with rest, I still recommend you contact your vet. If nothing else they can make a note of this issue in your dog’s medical record, but they can also advise you if a recheck exam is needed. How are things today? Hoping your girl has improved and is back on track to make a full recovery.
Hello and thank you for this fantastic blog! My rescued Shepard/Pittie mix had TPLO surgery on 12/19/23. We believe she is about 11.5-12 yrs old. She seems melancholy and doesn’t put any weight on her leg yet. She drinks water and has had small amounts of chicken/kibble mix. We give her meds via a peanut butter ball. The Vet has us administering Convenia, Cefpodo, Rimadyl, and Buprenorphine. She was given Nicita prior to be discharged. They also said to continue the gaba pain med. Could it be that she is overmedicated? She had a tough start to life. We rescued her eating out of a dumpster and pregnant in 2013. We just want the world for her 🙁
Thank you for any guidance.
Kelly 🙂
Hi Kelly,
I understand your concern for your pup and think it is great you are reaching out for advice. It is possible that her medications have her somewhat sedated and groggy. Honestly, at this point in the recovery process, this could be a good thing! Most of my clients have trouble keeping their dogs calm and wish they had something to help sedate their dogs after surgery. As long as her melancholy attitude doesn’t linger for days/weeks, I wouldn’t be too worried. I suspect within a few days your girl’s energy levels will increase and she will begin trying to walk/toe touch with the affected leg. As always, please make sure your vet is aware of how things are progressing. It would be a good idea to tell them about this behavioral change even if they just make a note of it in her medical record. Praying your pup will have a smooth recovery and be back to living her best life in no time.
Hi! My 4 year old beagle is 2 weeks post op from his second TPLO (10 weeks post op on the first leg). We just saw the vet today to get his stitches out and they said everything looks great. Tonight when my partner got home, my dog stood on his hind legs in his enclosure because he was excited. He squealed and sat down. I saw it happened and didn’t see anything bend weird and he didn’t jump, it was just a very quick stand on his hind legs. He’s walking fine and doesn’t seem in pain now. Do you think it was just too much for his legs too soon? I just want to make sure he didn’t do actual damage. Should I just watch out for any signs of pain and limping/lameness? He has his 8 week recheck in January.
Hi Maura,
I understand your concern for your pup and can only imagine how scary it was to hear him cry out in pain. As long as he isn’t limping or showing any other worrisome symptoms, you are probably ok to just continue monitoring at home. If he had injured something or done damage to his surgical site there would be signs such as swelling, pain, redness, lameness, etc. It might be a good idea to inform your vet of the incident just so they can keep a close eye on your dog’s progress. Otherwise, it sounds like things are going well and your sweet boy should make a full recovery.
Hi-
Thank you for all of the great advice on your website. Your toe grips were a lifesaver for my prior dog before she passed and helped her lead a much fuller life when mobility became an issue.
My new 2 year old dog got tplo surgery 5 weeks ago and seems to be doing really well. She has had a few instances of standing on hind legs in excitement, low jumps into her kennel and bed and short bursts of running but otherwise mostly in kennel and calm, nothing that seemed to injure her or that could be prevented. She walks almost completely normally around the house and outside, bears weight on the let, but when getting up from rest or sleeping she keeps her surgery leg up and limps for a minute and then seems to be fine once she’s “warmed up’, is this normal? Will this happen less as she recovers and regains muscle in the leg with the tplo surgery? Any suggestions to minimize this?
Thanks- Bridget
Hi Bridget,
Thank you for the kind words and I am happy to hear that ToeGrips were such a big help to your previous pup. What you describe with your current dog sounds like normal behavior for only 5 weeks post TPLO. I would think this stiffness/lameness would start to decrease as healing progresses, but I would still mention it to your vet just to be extra cautious. It is always best to keep your vet informed of any potential issues and concerns. That way they can monitor your dog’s progress and ensure she makes a full recovery. Wishing you both the best of luck and praying you have many happy years together.
My Great pry had surgery 4 weeks ago but from 2 days ago she has some problem looks like is infected. Is it going to be problem or just cure with antibiotics any comments?
Hi Shima,
If you are noticing a problem with the surgical site, I highly recommend you contact your vet right away. An infection could cause major issues and you would want to catch this as early as possible.
My Pitty had TPLO surgery 10 days ago, and in a couple weeks I would like to start taking him to therapy. He is about 60 pounds, and too large for me to lift into my car. is it OK for me to use a ramp for him to get in/out of the car? If yes, should I also use a harness to help him on the ramp? Thanks for your advice, I have enjoyed reading all your FAQs and appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and answer questions.
Hi Winnie,
Yes! A ramp would be great. Also, I highly recommend the Help ‘Em Up Harness for dogs. It gives you a great handle to help lift their hips/rear end. I am so glad you are planning to get your big guy into physical therapy. I think you will be very pleased with the results. Wishing your sweet boy a full recovery that goes smoothly.
My 9 year old dog just got TPLO surgery for both back legs done. He is 5 days post op but I am concerned about how much he has been getting up and turning in his bed on his own. He gets uncomfortable and makes several turns in his bed before laying back down. Is this bad for his legs as I am concerned about him bending the plates or hurting himself
Hi Taylor,
I understand your concern and think it is great you are reaching out for advice. As long as your boy is not running, jumping, or being overly active, this small bit of movement should not be a problem. Also, I am not sure how you would be able to stop this behavior. Are there any other symptoms or signs that things are not healing as expected? As always, if you have any lingering worries or questions, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet. They can get your guy in for a recheck if needed. Wishing you the best and praying for a smooth recovery!
Hi there! My Great Pyrenees had tplo surgery a week ago. She had had about 3 accidents in the house even though we have been taking her out to the bathroom more frequently. I’m not sure if the meds may be causing this? Maybe she is in pain and just decides to go so she doesn’t have to go out? Is this something you’ve heard of before? Any feedback is very much appreciated. Thanks!
Hi Tracy,
I am sorry your big girl is dealing with urinary issues while recovering from her TPLO surgery. Yes, these could easily be side effects from some of her medications. With that being said, I would still mention it to your vet. They may want to check a urine sample just to be extra cautious. I would hate for her to be developing a urinary tract infection and it go undiagnosed just because of the timing related to the surgery. Hoping things have improved and your pup is healing nicely. Best wishes to you both!
Hi
My pit-lab had tool surgery about a week ago. Her toes are pointing outwards about 10-15 degrees more than her healthy leg. Is this a concern?
Thanks so much
Jake
Hi Jake,
This is commonly seen in dogs post TPLO. As long as there are no other issues with recovery I would not be overly concerned about this bit of rotation. I do think it would be a good idea to make your vet aware of this situation. They will probably want to take a look at conformation of the leg at your pup’s next recheck just to be extra cautious and thorough.
Hello thanks for the helpful info!
I was wondering at what point is it okay to allow licking? My dog is 3-4 weeks past tplo and she has always been a big groomer and likes to clean up her legs and feet each evening. The stitches have been removed and there is no longer an open incision but I’ve been not letting her lick just in case. I think she’s just itchy from the hair growing back so wants to lick all of the leg, not just the incision, but when is it safe to allow this and stop wearing the cone overnight?
Thank you for any help!
Rachel
Hi Rachel,
Licking should not be a problem as long as the skin incision has completely healed. I usually only have my patients keep the cone on for 10-14 days after surgery. As always, it is best to talk to your vet, but you are probably ok to discontinue using the cone and I would not think liking would cause an issue at this point.
Hello, thanks for all tips !
I wanted to ask what to expect during recovery progress. My dog is now in 7th week after surgery and there are days that he almost doesn’t limp and days when he starts to limp and keep leg “in the air”. So my concern is if the recovery path is simple and each day it should be better or can be that we do regress and it is normal?
thank you!
Hi Kat,
Thanks for the kind words and great question. While it would be great if recovery was linear, it does seem like sometimes dog may have a better day or a worse day. Do you think he could be overdoing it a bit on some days, causing him to be a bit more painful on other days? Does he seem to limp or hold the leg up more if he has been laying down for a while? Any licking or chewing at the leg? Sometimes dogs can be a bit stiff when first getting going or overuse the leg a little, leading to a temporary increase in pain. However, if you feel like he is having more and more days of limping or holding the leg up, or if he previously was rarely limping or holding the leg up and is now doing so, it would be a good idea to check in with your vet or the surgeon to ensure that he is healing as expected.
I hope he continues to heal well and is back to normal soon!
Thank you for your replay. It keeps me calm. Yes, he mostly holds leg after being laid on that leg. He licks a little his pelvic area. Can licking be a symptom of something going on inside ?
Thank you !
Hi Kat,
Licking can sometimes be a symptom of discomfort or pain, but it can also be a way dogs relieve stress or comfort themselves. I would not automatically assume there is an issue. But if you have any concerns, it would be best to relay this information to your vet. Take care and keep up the good work!
My dog had TPLO surgery 3 weeks ago. After 2 weeks he was permitted 5 minute walk. On leash. He had to be slowed down , was walking pretty well. After 4 days he began to limp and hold leg up . It is now 4 days and he will no use the leg. When he does take a step or 2 the leg is straight and he is abducting leg from midline. Does this mean he injured his leg. ?
Hi Patricia,
I understand your concern for your pup and think you are right to reach out for advice. It has me a bit worried that you have seen a decline in his mobility over the last few weeks. I highly recommend you contact the surgeon and let them know about these issues. I think it would be best to schedule a recheck and have everything evaluated. Hoping you can get to the bottom of this problem quickly and praying for a positive outcome.
We’re 6 days post OP and it looks like the incision area is beginning to scab. Redness and swelling in the area is getting less and less. Just curious about the scabbing and if that is normal? It almost has a crusty look, but doesn’t look like “puss” or “oozing”.
Hi Brian,
Scabbing over the incision site can be normal. But without seeing your dog’s incision site firsthand I have no way to tell if what you are describing is normal or cause for worry. I’d recommend you reach out to your vet for advice. You may even be able to send them a picture for them to review.
hi,my german shepard is 18weeks post op his first TPLO and 8weeks post op his second TPLO so he’s been through a lot he’s walking very well the vet says he’s 100% mobility on the first leg and 70%on the second he’s walking 20minutes x3 daily and is not limping but be struggles slightly when getting up is it because his muscles need building up ?
Hi Margaret,
I’m so glad to hear that your dog is overall doing so well after the two TPLOs. With needing both of them done, I would not be surprised if he has lost some muscle mass in his hind legs after the injury and during the recovery period, which could contribute to him having a bit of trouble getting up. Or it may also be that it is more painful for him to get up than to walk so he struggles a bit more. I love using my signature product, ToeGrips for dogs who are recovering from TPLO because the extra traction does seem to help them get up a bit easier. I’ll include a link below in case you want to check them out. Additionally, working with a vet who specializes in rehabilitation can also be a great way to help your pup rebuild muscle mass and optimize mobility. I’ll include a link to a rehab vet database as well.
I hope that these things help him get up easier and that he is back to full function in no time!
Here are the links:
1) Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips® dog nail grips
2) Find a Rehab Vet
Hello ! Thank you for your job ! It was really helpful. I have my dog 3 weeks after TPLO and we try to have him as calm as possible but sometimes when he hears something or sees he gets “crazy” and from laying he stands up super fast and I am worrying if that can destroy the whole surgery as he does it very anxiously and with a lot of weight ? It is something we can’t do anything about and makes me very nervous. Also sometimes I see he starts to limp a little and then he goes better and then worse again. Is that normal ? Thank you.
Hi Katty,
I understand your concern for your dog and how difficult it can be to keep him calm during this recovery period. It is normal to see them have days where they are a bit more painful than others. It is similar to when we have an injury and overdo it a bit and then are sore for a while until things settle down again. As long as the limping goes away quickly with rest, I wouldn’t be too worried. Make sure you stay in close contact with your vet on how the healing process is going. If you have any questions or lingering concerns, don’t hesitate to call them and give them an update. Hoping things will continue to progress in the right direction and your sweet boy can make a full recovery.
Hi,
Why would my dog be limping or holding leg up 18 months post surgery? She is an active small breed dog who never fully used her leg post surgery. She had no PT as her surgeon said successful surgeries do not require PT. Is this lameness from scar tissue possibly?
Hi Mary,
I am sorry your dog is showing signs of a new issue with her leg. Without examining her myself, I have no way of knowing what the problem could be. It concerns me that your girl never achieved full use of her leg after surgery. While it is true that PT is not required for a dog to make a full recovery, I ALWAYS recommend it because it helps speed the recovery process and ensures setbacks are eliminated or at least addressed quickly before they turn into bigger issues. I think it would be best to have your dog evaluated by your vet. They may need to take some x-rays to determine the cause of this new lameness. Hoping you can get some answers and find a clear path forward. Praying your girl can return to normal function and continue living her best life.
We are almost 48 hr post op TPLO surgery. He’s been home for close to 24 hrs and has yet to urinate. He dedicated within 12 hrs of being home. He is eating and drinking normal. He usually lifts his leg to pee which he obviously can’t do. He will sniff a bit then just stand there. It is Sunday morning and only emergency vets are open and I’m starting to get concerned.
Hi Shelbie,
I understand your concern about the lack of urination from your pup since surgery a few days ago. This sounds like something that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Were you able to talk to your vet or have your boy examined? Hoping all is well and this issue is resolved. Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance. Wishing you both the best and praying for a full recovery for your sweet boy.
Dr. B, you’re an angel for soothing all these dog parents with such compassion. Thank you, what a resource you’ve created, I’ve learned so much from your page! However, I didn’t find what I came here searching for so let me lay out a new inquiry…
My 5 year old shepherd mix, Jocko, just had TTA performed on his right knee, 7 months after TPLO on his left. Two different procedures, two different surgeons, two different prescription doses. Of course I don’t expect healing to be the same, but there’s something that has come up that wasn’t present during his first recovery.
We’re 6 days post op and Jocko keeps having small accidents in the house, just enough to dirty his fur and make him uncomfortable until I discover his mistake. I take him out on short leashed 5 min walks 3 times a day and he has a normal bowel movement during 2/3 walks. I don’t mind cleaning up but I’m wondering if this is normal as it didn’t happen the first time around, my only mark for comparison. What can I do to help out my boy?
Appreciate your perspective and thanks again for how you help!
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for the kind words! ♥ I am sorry Jocko is dealing with (what seems to be) some fecal incontinence. This is strange and has me puzzled. Of course, it is hard to make specific conclusions without examining him myself. But I am wondering if the pain medications he is on may be contributing to this problem. Also, it is possible that he is having trouble posturing to defecate and ends up having an accident to avoid flexing/bending the painful knee. The walks may be helping to stretch sore muscles and allow him to use the bathroom as normal. Either way, please make sure you bring this up with your vet. They will want to know and can advise you if any medication changes need to be made. Praying for a speedy and full recovery. Wishing you and Jocko the best.
Hi, my pup is 10 weeks post op from TBLO surgery. Her mannerisms and personality are back to normal however she basically refuses to put her leg down unless we’re on very slow leash walks. My biggest concern however is that her paw is curling under— I believe this is called knuckling. My vet told me to massage her muscles as they are very tight from not being in use and this can cause the knuckling. But I have massaged all over the area for weeks now and it isn’t going away. Have you seen this before? Is there something else I should try?
Hi Violett,
I understand why you are worried about your dog’s lack of use of her leg. What you describe has me concerned as well. At 10 weeks post op after TPLO surgery a dog should be using the leg very well and be almost back to normal function. With this type of surgery there is always a risk of complications such as muscle contracture (tightening) or even hardware failure/displacement of the plate or screws. I think it would be best to have your girl re-examined by the surgeon and maybe even have some x-rays taken to ensure everything is still in place. If the surgical site is ok and has healed, then the next step would be to get involved with a veterinary rehabilitation professional. They can address the knuckling and muscle contracture and help your girl improve her mobility and use of the leg. While this is not an ideal situation, it is most definitely one that can be improved. I am certain with the right help your pup can regain use of her leg and live a long and happy life. Best of luck to you and feel free to reach out anytime with any updates!
Hello –
Very helpful information – thank you. I think surgeons who regularly do this surgery forget how traumatic this procedure can be especially for an older dog.
My question – is it normal for a dog (a Great Dane) who has just had TPLO surgery to only want to walk in circles? We have not noticed nystagmus, so we do not think he is experiencing dizziness. When we get him up to use the bathroom, he pushes us towards the right – we have to use his harness and our bodies to gently/physically nudge him to go forward. This behavior seems really odd to us.
Hi Tracy,
I am sorry your big guy is struggling with his TPLO recovery. This also seems a bit strange to me as well. Do you think he is leaning to one side due to weakness and trying to keep the weight off his affected leg? I definitely recommend you bring this up with your vet. They may want to schedule a recheck or have you try and get this behavior on video. Hoping your sweet boy will keep making progress with the healing process. Wishing you both the best!
Hello – this is a super helpful article and helped address some of my questions that the vet did not cover. My dog is on day 4 post-op and one question I have that concerns me is using the bad leg to scratch. My dog is fairly vigorous sometimes with his scratching esp under his chin. He is wearing an inflatable collar to stop access to the wound but my worry is once the wound is healed and the collar removed. Could he do any damage, or delay his recovering by scratching ?
thanks again for the article.
Hi Mandy,
I understand your concern and applaud you for being cautious with your pup during his recovery period. While I guess it would be possible for your dog to injure his knee during a vigorous scratching session, I would not be super stressed about this activity. If a dog is going to get injured with overactivity, it is usually while running or jumping or doing another activity that they are more focused on the excitement rather than the pain. I feel like if your dog begins to scratch, and the knee is painful he will probably stop or be gentler with his scratching. Also, since he would not be weight bearing on the limb while scratching, this could be a good way for him to stretch his muscles and put his leg through some range of motion. With all of this said, if you have lingering concerns and your pup’s recovery isn’t progressing like you expected I recommend you talk to your vet and give them the details. They can help you navigate this unknown path. Praying for a positive outcome and a full recovery for your sweet boy. Keep up the good work!
Hi, my dog is 13 weeks po, 12 week X-rays show he is healing well but not quite healed. We have not been able to increase exercise due to the other leg needing surgery. He seems more comfortable walking in the torn leg than the tplo leg. Since tplo, his toe points outwards. Is this normal? He has just recently started dragging his foot occasionally or swinging it outwards as he walks. Our vet is happy with how he is walking but I have a bad feeling. He has also recently started licking his tplo knee, which he didn’t for the first few weeks. There’s no sign of swelling, heat, redness etc. he bounces into the vets office and shows no signs of pain! Is it normal for tplo leg still to be annoying him at 13 weeks? I worry about bone infection/plate rejection as we cannot afford more surgery on top of his other leg being done in 1 week but I can’t leave his second surgery any longer either. I hope I’m just being paranoid. I should add, he’s still on loxicom and tramadol along with a sedative as he’s a high energy dog (2years old)
Your thoughts would be appreciated
Hi Heather,
I can see why you are concerned about your pup’s recovery. While the toe does sometimes point outward after a TPLO, I agree that it is a bit odd that he is suddenly licking his knee and sometimes dragging the foot or swinging it outward. Without being able to examine him, it is hard to say for sure what is going on, but something like a suture reaction in the deeper tissue or a trapped nerve could potentially explain some of the irritation and change in gait, as could some of the other complications you mentioned. Hopefully the surgeon was able to take a look at the leg and give you some more specific answers about what was going on. Fingers crossed that it didn’t end up being anything too serious and that the second TPLO went well. Please feel free to give us an update on how he is doing now!
Our 7 yo lab just had bilateral TPLO surgery, and came home today (surgery was yesterday). Should we keep the harness to help carry her on all the time? Or take it off while she is resting? What is the best position for dogs to lay after bilateral surgery? Should we help her reposition so she can move her back legs/hips?
Hi Michelle,
It may be easier to just leave the harness on and it shouldn’t prevent your dog from resting if you decide to leave it in place. Your girl will probably pick what position is most comfortable for herself. The main goal is to make sure her knees are not severely extended or flexed while she is sleeping. If she struggles to lie down, then you can help position her on her side. Rotate sides to prevent pressure sores. I am hopeful you will get into a good routine quickly and the recovery process will be smooth. Praying for a quick and complete recovery for your sweet girl. Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance.
My dog had cruciate surgery a week abd half ago. She was doing really well at first with toe tapping and even weight bearing on her leg. Over the past two days, she has regressed and is holding it up. Do we need to be concerned or is this normal?
Hi Amy,
I understand your concern with this recent backwards progression of your dog’s recovery. Without examining her myself, I can’t make specific conclusions. I do think it would be a good idea to contact your vet and let them know what is happening. It is always recommended to let your vet know when you have concerns or new issues arise. Hoping all is well and your girl is on track to make a full recovery. Wishing you both the best of luck and feel free to leave an update if you have a chance.
I have a 70lb, 1-year old chocolate lab who is about 4 weeks post-op from TPLO surgery. It has been a bit stressful as he is a puppy, but is also giant. So restraining his activity has been difficult at times, but we have done our best. He was on a leash at all times, even in the house, until a few days ago. And we still keep him on a leash for potty breaks and during short walks. All in all, he seems to be doing great. He has no problem bearing weight on his leg and walks around quite normal. If he gets a little over excited, he will limp a little bit, but not bad. I think he walks better now that he did before his surgery. We have started to ween him off his pain medication and it does not seem to bother him at all. I am still very concerned about his level of energy and I am wondering if there is a bend in his TPLO plate, would I be able to feel it? Or would this only be able to be seen during an x-ray? If there is a problem at all with the plate or screws, would there be an indication of pain? I am trying my best to keep him as calm as possible, but I want to know what to look for if there are any complications. We have our 6-week post op in a few weeks. But that is a few weeks of me stressing about it daily. Thanks so much!
Hi Toni!
I sympathize with you! It is hard to keep lab puppies from being too active, and it is easy to worry about how the TPLO leg is healing. It sounds like you are doing a great job taking care of him. While your recheck will reveal how his leg is doing with more certainty (and you have probably had the recheck by now), everything you are telling me sounds like good news!
To answer your question, the TPLO plate is pretty thick and buried under the skin, so I suspect it would be pretty hard for you to notice a bend unless it was very severe (I’m not a surgeon though, so they might be able to give you a more specific answer). Typically when dogs have issues with the plate or pins, they become more lame on the leg, and that doesn’t seem to be the case for your pup. Since he isn’t limping much other than when he gets excited, I’m hopeful that you got good news at the recheck. Feel free to let us know how he is doing now!
Hi,
Our 110# American Bulldog had TPLO on Friday, so we’re postoperative day #2. We bring him outside with a sling for support. Is it okay for him to urinate without us holding his foot? He only toe taps. And what about when he needs to have a BM, will that be too much weight? I just don’t know what to think really. Other than we are literally not letting him put any weight on the surgical side, and just a little in the yard. He’s doing really well. We take turns sleeping next to him, holding his leash in case he tries to get up. I think it’s more our anxiety of doing something wrong. Thank you in advance!
Hi Jelaine,
Sorry for the delayed reply. How is your big guy doing since the TPLO surgery? Hoping the recovery process has been going well and there were no setbacks. Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance. Best wishes!
Our dog (60 lbs Blackmouth Cur) had TPLO surgery 2 weeks ago. Everything seemd to heal fine the first week but this past Sunday she started limping and not putting her operated leg down when walking, looks like her ankle is swollen too. As much as we’ve tried to keep her contained she did jump once on the sofa in the office where we’re keeping her and found a way to go over a short box that was in front of her once. I’m worried she totally messed up the surgery… We have a post op appointment in 2 days but wondering if I need to take her earlier.
Hi Marie,
I am sorry your girl is having some post-surgery complications. How did the recheck go? Is everything ok? Praying you received good news, and all is well. Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance.
Hello,
I’m going through the same exact situation with my dog right now. Can I please have an update on why your dog started limping again?
Thanks!
My dog had his second TPLO surgery about 3 months ago. At 8 weeks he had xrays that showed all was well, but he still seems to be in over all pain. He does put weight on the leg and once he is moving he walks on all fours but slow and softly. I have discussed this with my vet and they just gave me more pain killers but I do feel something is more seriously wrong. Last time he was almost normal after 6 weeks and never seemed to be shut down by overall body pain.
I can rub liniment on his back and up and down his leg so not tender to the touch but all he wants to do is lie down and give his body a rest. He is an 8 year old lab cross.
I will make another appointment with the vet, but they can’t seem to tell what is wrong with him and the pain killers are not improving his situation – other than making him sleep all the time. HELP!
Hi Carol,
I understand your concern for your pup and this ongoing pain he is experiencing. Without examining him myself, I can’t make specific conclusions as to why this is still an issue. It could be that there is something else entirely different going on and it is just showing up as leg pain or mobility problems. It might be a good idea to have some routine lab work checked or discuss the possibility of an abdominal ultrasound with your vet. It is never wrong to seek a second opinion if you have unanswered questions or lingering concerns. I hope you can find the answers you need to ensure your pup is healthy and happy. Wishing you the best of luck!
My dog is going through the same thing. Second TPLO surgery and she is a Chessie retriever, age 8. She is not experiencing pain all over but is now not fully putting weight on her leg and resists walking up stairs She is 2 months past surgery. Please let me know if u found anything out?
Hello! I have a couple questions. First, my Siberian Husky mix had TPLO surgery on November 30, 2022. It is now March 29, 2023 and his third coat of hair, top layer, has not come back. Will it ever return? And, we followed the surgeon’s instructions and did not let him off the leash until the middle of March, 3 1/2+ months post op. He was off the leash three times for a short period and is now limping on the non-surgical leg. I have a Prolotherapy appointment in the hope that we can curtail another multi-thousand dollar surgery. Am I just wishful thinking and should just bite the bullet and get surgery on his other leg?
Hi Debbie,
I am sorry you are dealing with knee issues in your pup. Unfortunately, cruciate ligament tears usually occur because of degenerative changes that are genetic. This means the ligament is slowly degrading over time. Most dogs that tear the CCL in one knee will go on to have the ligament tear in the other knee within a year since both are degrading at almost the same speed. You may be able to medically manage this new issue at least for a while. But with larger breed dogs that are very active I usually recommend surgery. I am not sure if your dog’s coat will grow back to normal. Sometimes this can be an issue with double coated breeds and is seen commonly if they are taken to a groomer to be shaved for the summer. Hopefully with more time the missing layer of hair will even out and completely resolve. Wishing you and your sweet boy the best as you navigate this tricky road ahead. Feel free to leave an update as things progress.
A company I found called Walkabout Harnesses makes custom knee braces, they’re made out of a thick scuba fabric and provide compression and sturdiness. I used the double one for about 6 weeks on my 90lb malamute mix prior to his surgery and the gains he made were incredible. I can’t speak highly enough about this company!! It was about $260 CAD with shipping for the double leg. Maybe just a little brace when he’s going to be rambunctious will help him 🙂
Hi Lindsay,
This is great information! Thank you for sharing. Best wishes to you and your big guy. ♥
Hello,
My 4 yo Staffy had TPLO surgery 1-4-23. She began having some pivoting and shifting at about 4 weeks. I also noticed she had a popping that I could feel, so we took her to the surgeon and X-ray showed bone healing, and no obvious injury.
She is now 10 weeks PO, and today I can hear the popping noise. She may have over-done it in the yard today, but I am worried that she has an injury to her meniscus. She doesn’t seem to be in pain, but is not willing to let me massage her leg.
The vet said if she is still exhibiting these symptoms at 6 months PO, we could consider hardware removal, with a meniscus exam at the time of that surgical removal.
IS THIS SOUNDING CORRECT TO ANYONE? The surgeon is not board certified, I’ve learned, but she performs many TPLOs. I am very concerned at this point.
Thanks, in advance!!
Hi Bridgitte,
I am sorry your girl is having these issues with her leg, and I understand why you are worried. Without examining your dog, myself, it is hard to know if this will go away on its own or is something more serious that needs immediate attention. I do think it would be a good idea to have this evaluated by your vet prior to the 6 month recheck. It is a good sign that your girl doesn’t seem to be in any pain. Can you still hear the popping noise today? Is your dog walking normally? Hoping all is well and this is no longer a concern. Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance.
Hi! My pup had a TPLO surgery 9 weeks ago. She was supposed to have the second one done a month later, but her 4-week x-rays showed that the bone was healing slower than anticipated due to too much activity at home. We’ve now scheduled another appointment for later this month, but I’m curious if slow healing could pose any permanent issues. Is delayed healing (and therefore delayed second surgery) the only problem, or could there be long-term issues with too much activity during recovery? She isn’t limping at all, and the implant looks great according to her 4-week radiographs. Thanks for your help!
Hi Elle,
I understand your concerns about delayed healing after surgery. From what you describe, it sounds like healing is still taking place just not as fast as your vet had anticipated. This SHOULD be ok but if there is any way to reduce your dog’s activity, I would highly recommend making some changes. As to your question about possible long-term complications the answer is YES. Too much activity can prevent bone healing causing a non-union or complete lack of bone growth in the cut/fractured area. Other problems that can arise are movement of the TPLO hardware, fluid accumulation at the joint, and implant failure. I am hopeful your sweet girl will make a full recovery and have a successful second surgery in the near future. Wishing you both the best!
Hi Dr.Buzby!
My husky is almost 10 and had tplo surgery back in June of 22. Every time she gets up she still doesn’t put a ton of weight on the leg despite a successful surgery. Once we start walking, she gets in her groove and then seems okay. Do you think hydrotherapy would help this late post surgery/is there a chance the hardware in her leg is bad?
Thank you!
Hi Brandon,
I understand your concern about your Husky and his mobility deficits since his TPLO surgery. Without examining your dog, myself, it is hard to know for sure why he doesn’t have full use of his leg. I doubt there is a problem with the hardware. I would be more suspicious that he is dealing with some muscle contracture or loss of his full range of motion. This is a common issue after surgery. Sometimes this can be avoided if the affected leg is exercised in the right ways such as stretching and passive range of motion done at home. I think it would be a good idea to have your pup evaluated by a veterinary rehabilitation professional. Rehab/physical therapy is the best way to try and regain better function of the leg. The rehab vet can also let you know if hydrotherapy is a good option or if they do have concerns about the surgical site/hardware. I am hopeful this can be improved, and your sweet boy will have many happy years ahead. Best wishes and good luck!
My dog had bilateral TPLO surgery in April 2022. She is back to normal activity but yesterday we noticed a soft squishy lump on the inside of her one legs under where her incision was made. She doesnt seem bothered by it and is not limping. What could this be and is it something we should be worried about?
Hi Jessica,
I understand your concern about this new lump that has appeared on your pup. Without examining your dog, myself, I can’t make specific conclusions or recommendations. I always think it is a good idea to have ANY lump checked by your vet, but especially this one that could be related to the previous surgical site. The sooner you can schedule an appointment to have your girl evaluated the better.
Hello Dr B. My 100# Doberman had TPLO 4 weeks ago. The struggle has been keeping him calm. I slept with him on the floor for 2 weeks till the stitches came out. He goes regular to the vet for his laser therapy. The vet says everything looks good. I can’t help thinking he has been to active. When I leave the house and come back for example he bounces off that leg in excitement, he is off all his medication now. For potty he goes straight down the ramp into a 6×10 pen no running in the yard or anything. Just always quick movements in the house. He has been weight bearing with limited limping the whole time. He has never acted like a dog that had a serious surgery. Today I notice more of a hump on the inner knee and I’m always so worried he is undoing something. He goes back to vet on Monday. Should I go back to medication to keep him calm. He never really stayed calm except for the trazadone in the beginning.
Hi Cheryl,
I am glad your Doberman seems to be making a full recovery. You are doing a great job with a very excitable pup! How was the recheck with your vet? Did everything look ok? Hopefully the surgical site has healed enough that the trazodone is not necessary anymore. Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance. Keep up the good work!
Hello. I have a 6 year old boxer pit mix named Gracie. She had TTA surgery almost 8 weeks ago and has her final xray appointment on Tuesday. Her recovery has been great up until a few days ago when she started limping and not putting as much weight on the surgery leg. Today she is noticeably holding it up. I did take her to the surgeon today and he said the implant feels perfect and she has good range of motion. He thinks it’s the arthritis bothering her. My 11yr. old pit shattered her knee 6 year ago. She is now 11 yr old and never had issues from her arthritis. In your opinion could Gracies recent toe touching be caused by arthritis?
Hi Ayla,
I understand your concern with this recent regression of progress from Gracie since her TTA surgery. It is possible that arthritis from her previous injury could play a role in her healing process. I am not sure if it would happen this suddenly or to this magnitude. Without examining her myself, it is hard to make specific conclusions. Did her limping start around the same time she started increasing her activity? Just wondering if maybe she over did it a bit and the lameness will regress on its own after the inflammation calms down. How did the recheck go? Did her x-rays look normal? Hoping all is well today and Gracie is back to her normal happy self. Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance.
My Lab had bilateral TOLO surgery in October and has had really irradiated skin ever since. To the point now she has what looks like hives. Could she be allergic to the implants
Hi Carolyn,
I understand your concern with this skin irritation since surgery. Without examining your dog, myself, it is hard to know for sure what the cause could be. It would be extremely rare for your dog to have a reaction to the implants, but much more likely to be having a reaction to the suture material used to close the tissues/skin. I highly recommend you have your dog evaluated by your vet. They may need to do some testing or x-rays just to gather enough information to make a diagnosis and find the appropriate treatment.
Hi Dr. Bubzy,
My 10lb Chorkie just had TPLO surgery today and of course I know it’ll be a few days till she is able to put little weight on the hind leg, but I’m wondering how can I get her to go pee ? I keep putting her in her patch of grass and she just doesn’t move. Hoping it improves by tomorrow and that we will go potty normally
Hi Nabeelah,
I understand how this could be worrisome for you. Sometimes is does just take a couple days for a dog to figure things out after surgery. It sounds like you are doing the right thing by taking her outside and giving her the opportunity to potty. Keep up the good work and try to be patient. If you think your girl is not urinating at all, please contact your vet right away. How are things today? Hoping all is well and the recovery process is progressing as expected.
Hello!
My Cyrus (80lb Goldendoodle) is scheduled for TPLO surgery this Thursday. I was wondering if he’ll be coming home with a drain tube, or if it’s normal for dogs to have one after this surgery? The girl’s at the office behind the desk weren’t sure, and the surgeon that will be performing the surgery doesn’t work out of my vet’s office normally so i haven’t really been able to ask her much.
Thank you!
Hi Amanda,
There shouldn’t be a drain placed with this type of surgery. I hope everything went well and your sweet boy is at home resting comfortably. Wishing you and Cyrus all the best!
Hello my dog had her surgery on Nov 21, 2022. She has been doing great and walking normally on all four legs. She started lifting her tplo leg and toe touching again about 2 days ago. Should I be concerned she has injured her plate or bone site?
Hi Sue,
I understand your concern with this recent lameness on your dog’s affected leg. It is odd that she would start having trouble this far out from surgery after previously returning to normal function. Without examining her myself, I can’t say for sure what the cause could be. I do think you should contact your vet and let them evaluate this issue. They may need to take some x-rays just to see what the TPLO hardware looks like at this point. How are things today? Hoping all is well and your pup is back to living her best life. Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance.
Hi Dr Buzby,
Thank you for this excellent information. Our 9.5 year old Old English Sheep Dog called Paddy had his second TPLO done 1 week ago and I am beside myself worried he will damage the knee. We have him in our lounge room (it’s a small area) and we’re sleeping on the floor as he usually sleeps on our bed with us… he’s a very loved and spoilt boy.
He’s been limping less on the leg, but still doesn’t want to put a lot of weight on it, is this normal? It’s been hard to keep him lying down, he wanders in the lounge room a bit, is this ok? He’s eating and drinking and seems happy within himself, but are there any signs I should look for if he’s damaged the surgery?
Thanks for all your help!
Hi Katie,
I am glad your dog’s surgery went well and he seems to be on the mend. It is completely normal for him to not be putting much weight on the leg only 1-week post-surgery. It is also ok for him to walk slowly around the room a bit. As his recovery progresses, he will need to slowly start increasing his use of the leg and slow controlled walks are great for this! Usually if the surgical site has become compromised you will notice increased pain, inflammation, swelling, a decrease in use of the leg, etc. If you have any lingering concerns about how the healing process is going, please reach out to your vet. They should be monitoring the progress periodically and checking in to make sure all is well. It may also be a good idea to talk to a veterinary rehabilitation professional. A vet that practices rehab/physical therapy can give you ideas about more exercises to do with Paddy to make sure he gains strength and mobility in the affected leg. They can also evaluate him to see if he is progressing normally or if he is falling behind. It sounds like you are doing a great job with keeping Paddy calm and resting. How are things today? I am hopeful he will go on to make a full recovery and get back to living his best life very soon. Best wishes!
Hi Dr Buzby,
We’re half way through! We had our 2 week check and all was going well, so we were able to introduce 5min walks per day. We’re now up to 15 mins per day. He seems to be recovering well, and he’s very happy in himself and is eating as per normal. I’m doing the exercises with Paddy and he’s not in pain and the range of motion is good.
I do notice that he still doesn’t put full weight on the leg, is this to be expected? The leg also seems to splay outwards (not always, just sometimes)
We have floorboards and sometimes he slips a little and I’m worried this will damage his knee. We’re keeping him quiet and he’s not running or jumping, it’s just the lack of grip he has on the floor.
Thank you for all your support!
Warm regards
Katie and Paddy x
Hi Katie,
This is such great news! I am so glad Paddy is healing well and received a good report from his 2 week recheck. Sorry it has taken me so long to respond. There is currently quite a backlog of comments. I am hoping by now the lack of grip on the hard wood floors isn’t as big an issue. If he is still struggling in this area you might want to take a look at ToeGrips! The lack of complete weight bearing you mentioned sounds normal for his stage of recovery and so does the intermittent outward splaying of the leg. I am hopeful Paddy will go on to make a full recovery. He seems to be right on track. You are doing a great job. Keep up the good work!
Using yoga mats on slippery floors also helps!
Hello! My mini golden doodle puppy just had TPLO surgery 9 days ago. She’s small- 8lbs! And is 6 months old. Her leg is looking great and her incision has healed really nicely! My concern is her energy! We are keeping her confined and calm as much as possible, constantly on a leash and only going outside to potty. She’s wild! She tries to jump up on as all the time, pulls at her leash and is a wild lady outside for bathroom time. She’s doing all of this without any indication pain. She is walking on her leg most of the time, occasionally lifting it when standing. I’m so nervous she’s going to hurt it. I’m hoping because she’s so small, she’s a little more safe? She’s correctly taking Trazadone 2x day to help keep her calm but it doesn’t seem to do much.
Thanks!!
Hi Sara,
I am glad the surgery was a success, and your pup seems to be healing quickly. I know how difficult it is to keep a young rambunctious puppy calm for extended periods of time. All you can really do is try your best and it sounds like you are doing very well! I am hopeful your dog will make a full recovery, and this will all be a thing of the past very soon. Keep up the good work!
Hi this is such a useful thread . Our golden retriever had her tplo yesterday . She was already weight bearing when we collected her and when we have been outside today she wants to walk all around the garden and then has been refusing to come back inside. She is too heavy to lift – so a lot of patience to lure her in required ! She has only done 2 wees, I think the cone hinders her. Should I also be using a sling around her tummy when she goes out to the toilet ? I slept downstairs with her last night but going to try and get her to sleep alone tonight . It’s all consuming and a lot of vet appointments too . I am hoping
it will get a bit easier !
Hi Debbie,
I understand your worry and the stress that comes with taking care of a dog post-op. If you need to take the cone off to allow her to potty easier that would be ok! Just make sure to be close by to supervise and ensure she doesn’t try to lick the incision site and then pop the cone right back on once she is finished. Some dogs need a bit of help by using a sling when walking, but your girl may be just fine without it. If you have any lingering concerns don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet for advice. It sounds like you are doing a great job and I’m sure your girl is comforted by your presence. Praying for a full recovery and wishing you both nothing but the best. Keep up the good work!
My dog had his right knee done last year and is 7 days post op on his left. So far, all is going normally except he isn’t drinking much. He doesn’t drink much anyway but… what should I be looking for?
Hi Julie,
Without examining your dog, myself, it is hard to know how best to advise you. I think it would be best to reach out to your vet or the surgeon who performed the knee surgery. They can let you know what to expect during the recovery phase and what symptoms to be on the lookout for. Different surgical procedures come with different considerations, and I am afraid I don’t know enough details to be of much help.
Hi Dr.Buzby,
My soon to be 12 yr old Belgian Malinois/Lab/Chow mix dog had TPLO surgery on his right leg in 2020, and it went well. He had to have TPLO surgery on his left leg on 22 Aug 2022, as well as a meniscus repair. When I picked him up a day after his
surgery he was knuckling constantly. The vet said this was normal. However, he continues to knuckle, and it seems like he is unable to control his leg. When he’s walking, his surgery leg will cross over his other leg and he trips. In addition, he will be walking, and will suddenly lift his leg up, and is unable to bear amy weight on it. Also, when he’s walking he limps,and will drag that leg, but his leg also seems unstable.. He did do 4 hydrotherapy sessions until the clinic didn’t realize he was dragging his leg, and ripped 2 of his toenails off. They have since grown back. I have to make sure he walks on the grass because he tends to drag that leg or knuckle. Also, it appears that he is unable to bend that knee, and when I was doing the bicycle exercises with him, he would cry, and bark if I bent it too much. He has trouble sitting, and will keep his leg straight. He also has difficulty squatting to poop, and will knuckle or hold the leg put straight. It’s been 4 months, and he is still having trouble walking so I am concerned there is another issue. The vet said this is normal, but he didn’t have any of these issues when he had TPLO on hus other leg. Could the surgery have caused this issue?
Hi Therese,
I am so sorry your senior dog is struggling with these severe mobility issues since his TPLO surgery last August. This does not sound normal to me, and I highly recommend you push for some more investigation. This might be a great time to seek a second opinion. Was it the same vet that did both surgeries? You may want to schedule a consultation with a specialist/orthopedic surgeon. I am not sure if this is a complication from the TPLO or if there is something else contributing to these symptoms and complicating matters. I am hopeful you will find the answers you need to restore your sweet boy’s quality of life. You are doing a great job of advocating for your dog’s health and wellbeing. Keep up the good work!
My husky is about 2 weeks out from her TPLO . . Are long car ride bad ? I lift her into and out of the car.
Hi Caitlin,
A car ride shouldn’t negatively impact your dog’s recovery as long as she remains relatively calm while in the car. Lifting her in and out of the car is also a great idea!
We are starting week 4 of recovery… my dog has been without e collar for a week and wasn’t bothering incision but now licking
It looks ok and no oozing .. is it safe or does e collar need to go back on ?
Hi Mary Kay,
After 4 weeks of healing, the skin incision should be completely sealed over. If the incision is closed, then the chances of licking causing an infection is close to 0%. If you have any doubts or concerns, please reach out to your vet. Wishing your pup the best for a complete recovery.
My dog had TPLO surgery on his back left leg. 2 years later and now he has a cyst like looking sore on his knee. The vet said it is most likely a pressure sore or infection of the plate. Almost 3 weeks into antibiotics and the cyst like looking sore is gone but there is still a noticeable lump left. Could this mean the plate and screws need to be removed because they are causing pressure on the skin? Or could it be an infection of the bone? They did X-rays and saw no movement of the hardware and no noticeable infection.
Hi Kamila,
I am sorry your dog is having issues with his TPLO surgical site. It is puzzling to me what this problem could be since it started 2 years after the surgery. I am glad the x-rays looked normal. It might be a good idea to schedule a consultation with a specialist. I feel like you may need to do some more investigation to get an answer. Your vet may decide to aspirate the lump and make sure it is not a mass or tumor of some kind. Also, they might be able to use ultrasound to get some different images of the affected area. Have there been any new updates? Just wondering how things are going today. Wishing you both the best.
Hi Dr. Buzby,
I have a 6yr old Shih tzu by the name of Milton, we had to get a TPLO surgery done on his right knee, we are nearing week 10 on the 28th of December and we have been cleared to start walking a little more, I am currently having trouble getting my baby Milton to sit up on his own, do you have any recommendations? He eats well, when we go outside for potty breaks he walks but when I want to take him on walks he does not want to at all., anything you can suggest I will give a try thank you.
Hi Fatima,
I understand your concern with trying to increase Milton’s exercise since having his TPLO surgery. Unfortunately, since I haven’t examined him myself, it is hard to accurately understand what the issues are and how to advise you to proceed. My best advice is to talk to your vet or schedule a consultation with a veterinary rehabilitation professional. They can assess Milton’s mobility and offer you the best exercises and ways to get his recovery back on track. If he is food motivated, treats can be used to help encourage him to walk. I hope you can find the advice you need to get your little guy back to living his best life. Best wishes!
Hi,our 10yr 15kg mongrel had TPLO surgery 3 weeks ago, and due an xray and check next wèek. Seems to be doing well, walking is similar to pre injury. We think we can see the plate on his inner knee. Is this normal? Everything else seems OK, difficult for us to examine him, very suspicious dog (suspicion normal he’s always been the same
thank you for reading.
Richard.
Hi Richard,
I am glad your dog’s surgery went well and the recovery seems to be progressing as expected. Yes, it is normal to be able to make out the placement of the bone plate on the inner surface of the knee. How was the recheck? Hoping the x-rays showed good bone healing and the hardware in the correct placement. Praying for a complete recovery for your pup!
Hello! Our dog Dakota got the TPLO surgery exactly 3 weeks ago. She had her 14-day post opp, it went well and she’s still on anti-inflammatory. She has been much slower to weight bear, and has only just started using her operated leg more on her own, a couple times a day when inside and during poop breaks. When we use the sling, she’ll walk on it more consistently and we try to do this every other day for 5 minutes. However, over the last 48 hours we’ve heard a consistent popping noise from the leg she was operated on when she walks with it. She doesn’t seem to be in pain, and we’ve seen improvement with her using her leg a little bit more, but the sound is so concerning 🙁 is this normal? She had a full cruciate tear and about two meniscus tears— she also has slight arthritis
Hi Stephanie,
I understand your concern for Dakota and this worrisome popping sound since her TPLO surgery. Unfortunately, without examining your dog myself, I can’t make specific conclusions about whether the noise is an issue or not. My best advice is to have the surgeon recheck your pup and evaluate the noise. They can let you know if this is normal or if more investigation is needed. Wishing you the best of luck and a speedy and full recovery for Dakota.
My 70 pound shepherd (5.5 yrs old) mix – Grizzly – had a TTA process done in March 2021 on his right knee and a TTA on his left knee in December of 2021. He seemed to have made a pretty strong recovery from both. Yet he came back from camp last week and he has been limping pretty noticeably on his right leg when he gets up or shortly after he wakes up. He looks like he is fine when he is walking. And he is stil mobile without a limp. Is it possible he hurt something else in there during his camp visit? Given the change from pre-camp to post-camp, it seems like he tweaked it pretty good. is there something else he could have torn?
Hi Don,
I understand your concern for Grizzly and this recent limping and pain. Without examining your dog myself, I can’t make specific conclusions. I highly recommend you schedule an appointment for your vet to evaluate Grizzly. It will take a thorough exam to determine the specific location of the pain. It could be the knee, hip, or ankle joint. It is also possible there could be a muscle strain or aggravated nerve. There is a small chance that the hardware from the previous knee surgery could have shifted and be causing a problem, but this is much less likely. Once you figure out what is causing the pain, your vet can determine the best course of treatment. I am hopeful your big guy can find some relief and get back to living his best life soon. Best wishes and good luck!
Hi Dr. Buzby,
Our lab mix had bilateral TPLO surgery 9 months ago and still seems to be struggling to scratch her ears. Is this lack of ROM normal this far out from surgery?
Thank you,
Danielle
Hi Danielle,
I am glad you are reaching out about this concern with your dog’s recovery from TPLO surgery. Range of motion takes a lot of stretching and exercises to be restored to 100%. Not all dogs achieve this goal after surgery. Each case is different and the goals for the recovery period can vairy greatly between dogs. For some, the goal may be to simply walk and run without pain and for others it may be to compete in athletic challenges. I highly recommend you contact a veterinary rehabilitation professional and have them evaluate your pup. They can let you know if the range of motion your dog displays is “normal” or if some physical therapy would be a good idea. They can also help set reasonable goals and follow up to make sure your girl is meeting all the milestones as expected. Best wishes and good luck!
Hello 🙂 How long after TPLO surgery can my Golden run and play ‘zoomies’ with other dogs? Luna is 2 and it’s been almost a year since she’s had her surgery. It was very successful but we’ve just been overly cautious about her running with other dogs due to the fast change of direction that can happen when they play. Thanks so much.
Hi Nikki,
I am glad you are reaching out about how to transition your pup back to “normal” activity after surgery. Without examining your dog myself, I can’t give you directions on what is best. Each dog is different and may have different recommendations based on specifics that only the surgeon would know. At this point, the surgical site should be completely healed. With that being said, certain surgical procedures come with lifelong changes that have to be made post-op to prevent reinjury. It would be best to discuss this concern with your vet, the surgeon, or a veterinary rehabilitation professional. They can let you know based on your dog’s pre- and post-op condition what activity would be acceptable or what should be avoided. I hope Luna continues to enjoy life and has many happy years ahead. Best wishes and good luck!
Hi. My Female Lab tore her Tplo 3 weeks ago, She came down with a UTIi because she held her urine in. would walk to go outside. We treated her for that, then had the surgery done.
We are almost 2 weeks post op. She is walking and going outside, but she stands and walks around to urinate. She will not squat. She is also dribbling urine on our way outside. Is this normal?
Hi Dawn,
I am sorry your girl tore her cruciate ligament and had to have TPLO surgery. Without examining your dog, myself, I can’t tell if this urine dribbling is normal or not. The dribbling could be a sign of another UTI. It could also be due to a very full bladder, and she just can’t hold it well, so it starts to leak as she heads outside. It would be best to have her examined by your vet. They can even get a urine sample to evaluate just to rule out the possibility of a UTI. Hoping all is well and you can get some answers quickly. Best wishes!
My dog had a TPLO on 11/7 so she is about 2.5 weeks out. Her recovery seems to be going fairly well. She walked out of the vet office the day after surgery using the leg just fine. However, I have noticed that her surgery leg tends to push outward at the knee a bit when she puts too much weight on it. Her vet said that this is normal during the early stages of recovery but I just wanted to get your opinion on it.
Her knee is also still pretty bulky which I am assuming is normal at this stage. I think I probably just worry too much and wanted a second opinion.
Hi Harley,
I understand your concern for your dog and think it is great you are monitoring her recovery so closely. It is normal for the knee to still have some swelling at this point and could be the cause of the bulkiness you describe. As for the joint pushing outward, if the surgeon has evaluated the knee and said it looks normal then I would be inclined to go with their assessment. Once the cruciate ligament has ruptured, there is nothing left to keep the femur from sliding on top of the tibia. A TPLO surgery changes the angle of the joint so that the sliding motion of the bones is not as prevalent, but there is still no ligament present to connect the two bones as the cruciate ligament did originally. So, some outward movement of the femur may still be possible even once a full recovery has taken place. It will be up to your vet to determine if the degree of movement present in your dog’s knee joint is “normal” or if some investigation should take place. Keep up the good work and I am confident your pup will be back to normal in no time.
Our dog had a TPLO on his right knee a little over a year ago. Because of his age, we waited about a year before having the other knee done (it blew a week after his first surgery). I was concerned and wanted to be sure he was strong enough to have the second one done . He is a large dog (132#) and is 10.5 years old. His surgery was about 2 weeks ago and the first 4 days he seemed to have what I referred to as drop foot in both hind legs. He appeared to have no strength in either leg and it was difficult to get him up and moving, we used both a harness and a sling to get him up. He allowed me to do the passive range of motion to his knee, but did not seem to have much feeling. In the last week he has started planting his post surgical foot on the ground and 90% of the time plants his surgical foot correctly. He moves slow so I do not have to worry about him chasing his siblings, but wondering if this is normal or do we now have to watch for spinal issues? I did call his vet but was told to just watch him.
Hi Geri,
I understand your concern about this new rear limb weakness in your dog after just having surgery a couple weeks ago. Since I haven’t examined him myself, I can’t make specific conclusions. With that being said, limb weakness/neurological issues can be a temporary side effect of some pain medications commonly used for orthopedic surgery patients. Is your pup taking Gabapentin by any chance? You are doing the right things by keeping your vet informed and monitoring your dog closely at home. If at any point you think his condition is worsening or you see new symptoms emerging, don’t hesitate to call your vet and ask for a follow up exam. I am hopeful that with more time your senior guy will be able to make a full recovery. Wishing you both the best of luck.
Hi,
our dog had TTA surgery 4 weeks ago. She seems to be doing well overal and is bearing weight on the leg and is able to do a slow 10 mins walk twice a day (as recommended by our vet). I am just concerned that we struggle to do any of the daily PROM exercises due to her being a grumpy old thing and growling at us when we move her leg. (this behaviour is pretty typical of her even before the surgery so we don’t think it’s all pain related)
Do you know how much this is likely to affect her recovery? Can the leg still recover OK without doing these exercises?
Thank you
Hi Jen,
I am glad your dog’s surgery was successful and she seems to be healing well. I completely understand what a challenge it can be to live with a grumpy old senior pup. Haha! The leg can definitely still recover without the exercises being done. The problem is, with normal walking, the joints only use a small portion of their possible range of motion. The passive range of motion exercises are made to gently push the joints past where your dog is accustomed to herself to make sure she doesn’t lose the full use of her knee/hip/etc. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “if you don’t use it, you lose it”. So, the knee can definitely heal without the exercises, but she may have only partial mobility of the joint once she is fully recovered. I hope you can find a way to work in a few exercises periodically without too much fuss. Wishing you all the best of luck!
Question: What percentage of large dogs require long term antiinflammatories for arthritis within 1-2 years after TPLO? We have a 5 yo 95# cane corso with a partial ccl tear..
Hi Katherine,
I am not sure there is specific data to answer your question. With that being said, large breed dogs are at a higher risk for arthritis due to the increased weight on their joints. Also, they tend to have shorter life spans and therefore have senior dog issues earlier in life. Any time a joint experiences trauma (like a CCL tear or rupture) the damage to the joint starts the process of arthritis development. So, no matter what surgical technique/procedure is performed, you are almost guaranteed to have arthritis form in the joint earlier than what would have happened prior to the injury.
Hi Dr. Buzby!
Sorry for posting again. I can’t seem to find my comment from 2 days ago so thought I’d post it again.
So my dog Benji got his TPLO surgery on June 10, 2022, for his left knee, and not even a week later, his right knee gave out as well, unfortunately. I limited his activity by quite a bit as he was starting to put more of his weight on his left knee. I’m happy to say that he has been doing really well since his surgery! His left knee has healed up and his right knee hasn’t been acting up. He walks with his right leg sticking out a little bit but overall, no issues. I am planning to get the surgery done for his right knee next year. He has been back to jumping and playing normally, yet I do limit this activity still. So, 3 days ago, I had taken my eyes off him for a few minutes while he was playing and when I called him, he came back with him not being able to put any weight on his left leg and when he did try to walk on it, it would make a popping sound from time to time. I hate seeing him like this and I blame myself for this happening, but he was doing so well for the longest time and it’s been 5 months since he had gotten the surgery done. I’m waiting to see if this issue goes away, but if it doesn’t go away in a couple more days, I will be taking him to the vet. Does this mean he’ll have to get surgery done on the same knee? It was a very stressful time for him and my family and I hope it doesn’t lead to this. Thank you for your time.
– Jessica
Hi Jessica,
I am sorry I am just now responding. Your other comment came through just fine. I have just been away from answering comments for the last few days. You are right to be concerned about your dog limping on his left leg again. This is not typical for 5 months post TPLO. I would think your pup should have returned to mostly normal function by now. I highly recommend you have him evaluated by your vet as soon as possible. They may need to take x-rays to make sure all the original orthopedic hardware hasn’t shifted or become compromised. Many times, a popping or clicking sound in the knee can be an indication of a torn meniscus (cartilage that cushions the knee joint). This is an important issue that needs to be ruled out. I hope you can find some answers for this acute lameness your dog is struggling with. Praying for good news and a positive outcome.
Hi there – I would appreciate some advice. My French Mastiff (60kg) 4 year old female had TPLO surgery 3 months ago – she had a slow recovery but back to personality and weigh bareing in the house and grass. However in the past month I have seen no improvements in her walking on the leg when on pavement. She runs and walks perfectly on grass and on our wooden floors but not the pavement. The vet did an X-ray and said she is healing well but I am not confident – I feel like she should be walking on it on pavement if she is on grass or pavement. Have you heard of any other cases like this? Really want my baby back to walking properly!
Hi Melissa,
I understand your concern for your big girl with this strange issue when walking on pavement. I have not heard of this particular problem before and am not sure what the cause would be. This would be a great question for a rehab vet. They may be able to narrow down the issue and offer exercises or therapies to help restore normal function. Praying for clear answers and an easy solution. Wishing you and your sweet girl all the best.
Hello
My dog had left TPLO October 13, 2022. She has been doing great but now is limping on the rear right leg, almost toe touch weight bearing only. I am not sure I can put her through another TPLO as she had a really tough time including gastroenteritis from the NSAIDs, pain meds, and was not eating or drinking well. Our vet said her right knee does have some degenerative changes and will likely require a TPLO on that knee as well 🙁
Is there anything I could do now to try to preserve the knee and avoid future surgery?
Appreciate any recommendations 🙂 Ty. Jennifer
Hi Jennifer,
I am so sorry your girl is having issues with her right knee just weeks after surgery on the left. Statistically, most dogs will rupture the cruciate ligament in the other knee within a year of surgery on the first knee. The cruciate ligaments are affected by degenerative changes, and both are usually near the same degree of tearing. I am not sure if there is anything that can be done to avoid another surgery. Since I haven’t examined your dog myself, I can’t make specific conclusions or recommendations. Your best bet is to schedule a consult with an orthopedic specialist and possibly a veterinary rehabilitation professional and get their expert opinions and advice. I hope you can find the answers you need to make the best choice for your sweet girl. Wishing your pup a speedy recovery and happy days ahead.
Thank you so much. I have read that sometimes braces can be used in lieu of surgery. Have your heard about any success with this modality? I am hoping it is not a full tear as she is demonstrating some weight bearing…..just trying to avoid surgery if possible 🙁
Hi Jennifer,
Yes, sometimes braces can be useful. I will say that I tend to recommend them in very few cases. Most dogs benefit more from surgery or physical therapy. But your pup may be a good candidate for a brace. This is a great question for a rehab vet! Also, here is a link to another article all about braces for dogs: The Dog ACL Brace: 5 Surprising Answers to the Question “To Brace or Not to Brace”
Best wishes!
Hi Jennifer,
My dog just tore both CCL’s a week apart his surgery was October 26th and we could only get one done at a time. For the leg that couldn’t get done we invested in a really good brace (Balto Ligatek), you can also get fully custom braces but they’re far more expensive. We have been using it for 6 weeks and he’s already showing signs of improvement and is not limping on it at all even though that leg is now bearing most of his weight while his TPLO heals. We have also made a lot of changes to our home to make it easier for him to get around. We built ramps on the stairs he needs to use to outside, and took the bed frame out from under our mattress so he can just walk off and on, But because he needs to use the leg that still has the torn CCL to stand up he only wears the brace when he goes outside for his 5 minute bathroom breaks as the brace restricts his knee from bending too much so it makes standing or getting harder. Our vet said that he may not need the second surgery because of the brace and how well he’s responding to it once his other heals so we thought there was no harm in trying.
Hi Alicia,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with our readers. I am sure this will be a ray of hope for Jennifer and others in a similar situation. I pray your boy will continue to heal and have many happy days ahead. Best wishes to you both!
My dog had TPLO Surgery about a year ago. We followed all of our vet’s recovery instructions and she is now running and walking with no limp whatsoever. However, her leg does tremble often during and after exercise… The vet said that this would resolve as she regained muscle and got strength back in the leg but it has not resolved at all. What are your thoughts on this? Should we do physical therapy with her?
Hi Stephanie,
I am glad your dog’s surgery was successful and she has returned to normal function! Since I haven’t examined your pup myself, it is hard to make specific conclusions about why her leg trembles during and after exercise. Maybe it is a lingering issue with the nerve function to the affected muscles? Physical therapy is always a great option. I recommend you schedule a consult with a veterinary rehabilitation professional. They can evaluate your dog and let you know if there are exercises or therapies that could help with her specific issue. Make sure you are honest about your concerns. You’ll have to partner with the specialist to decide what the goal of therapy will be. Is the end goal to make the trembling go away? Or make sure your girl is pain free and has full function? Feel free to leave an update as things progress. Best wishes and good luck!
We are 4 1/2 months post bilateral TPLO. Our dog continues to favor his right rear leg by not fully bearing weight and doing some toe tapping. He also has a soft non draining lump at the base of the suture that’s he’s on antibiotics for.. the X-rays showed the bone had healed at 8 weeks. He’s just not himself. He rarely runs and is wiped out after a 1 mile walk. Is this a long time to still be favoring the leg?
Hi Joyce,
I am sorry your boy is still struggling a bit after his knee surgeries. I do think it is a bit odd he is not fully weight bearing after 4.5 months of recovery. Since I haven’t examined your dog myself, I can’t make specific conclusions. I think it would be a good idea to have him evaluated by a veterinary rehabilitation professional. Were the surgeries performed by an orthopedic surgeon? If not, it could be helpful to see a specialist to have things checked out. I hope you can find the answers you need to get your boy back to his normal active self. Wishing you both the best.
Hi there,
We have a 4 year old 100pound Rottweiler who had TPLO surgery around 2 weeks ago. We noticed that his spirits were up and he was walking quite well on the leg, everything was looking very promising. Unfortunately he became extremely excited one day, decided to jump up on a piece of hard furniture, fell and landed on his recovering leg. This was about 4 days ago. .. and I have noticed quite a regression in his mobility. Inside the house his limp is even more exaggerated than before, and he tends to dangle his leg over the ground when standing, rather than placing it on the ground as he had previously done. I know that only x-rays can conclude this, but do you think there is a chance he has done some internal damage to the implant? Or shifted the screws? There is no additional bruising or swelling externally.
Thank you!
Ashley
Hi Ashley,
I am sorry your big guy has endured this setback. You are correct that there is really no way to know if the hardware has shifted or failed without x-rays. Since I haven’t examined your dog myself, I can’t make specific conclusions. I highly recommend you have him evaluated by your vet as soon as possible.
Hi, Dr. Buzby. You.Are.Awesome for taking time to answer everyone’s posts and questions! I have read your blog and all Q’s and A’s. Thank you!
Happy had the lateral suture surgery (ACL) 11 days ago. After surgery she was sent home in a full splint/cast for seven days. We had that removed on Tuesday, one week post op. She is now 11 days post-op. Happy is still not toe-touching on our very short, five minute potty walks or when eating/drinking. She has been confined (small area) and resting as prescribed the last 11 days. Still, no toe-touching. Also, the swelling in her knee is roughly the size of a child’s fist. Happy is a small, 45 lb Malinois. I have been icing 10 mins a day, three times a day. I am also doing very, very gentle touch and a sort of reiki/super gentle massage. Is no toe-touching “normal” for 11 days post-op? And is the swelling normal? Happy has significant muscle wasting due to splint. She is eight out of ten: lethargic.. She hasn’t had pain meds in three days, BTW. Is still on Rimadyl, glucosamine, etc. Some eating. Some drinking. That part seems okay.
Any feedback? Reassurance? Comments?
I am very grateful for your time and care. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Eliza, mother of Happy
Hi Eliza,
Thank you for the kind words and positive feedback! I understand your concern with the lack of use of Happy’s leg. Since I haven’t examined her myself, it is hard to know what “normal” is. With that being said, I am suspicious that Happy is not progressing as would be expected for almost 2 weeks post-op. Have you spoken to your vet about the issues you are noticing at home (swelling, no toe-touching, muscle atrophy)? Should there be a surgical failure or infection it needs to be addressed promptly. My best advice is to get partnered up with a veterinary rehabilitation professional. They can evaluate Happy and let you know if she is falling behind with her recovery. They will give you exercises to do at home to help speed up the recovery process and can offer many different treatments like laser therapy, underwater treadmill, and exercises to help shift weight and balance. I hope you find out that Happy is doing well. She may just need some extra help to make a full recovery. Praying for a positive outcome and some comfort for your nerves. You are doing a great job. Keep up the good work!
Hi Julie,
My dog is now 15 weeks post TPLO surgery on her left leg, and 5 weeks post plate removal as her body was rejecting the hardwire. Everything has finally settled down after the removal, and the swelling/infection and need for antibiotics and pain relief has been gone for about 3-4 weeks now. However, im unsure about where she should be at the moment in terms of progress. She is able to walk 1x 30 minutes walk (2km) and another 1-1.5km walk per day, and is not limping but I cannot help but notice she looks like she has to put a lot of effort into walking. When i allow her to walk faster, she seems fine however as soon as i pull back and make her walk slow, she seems like she struggles. She has lost a lot of muscle as you can imagine during her long term infection – which she developed at 3 weeks post op, so really we could not increase walks to above 10 minutes as she was very sore at the time.
So really happy with her walk progress, but im having trouble imagining her running around again 🙁
Thanks,
Stephanie
Hi Stephanie,
I understand your concern about your pup’s chances at returning to normal function post-op. Since I haven’t examined your dog myself, I can’t make specific conclusions. It sounds like most of her issue is due to muscle atrophy. If this is the case and the leg is not actually painful, then she should be able to continue to regain function with continued exercise. This would be a great thing to discuss with a veterinary rehabilitation/physical therapy professional. They can evaluate your girl and let you know what exercises or therapies would be of most benefit to help her return to normal function. They can also let you know what goals are realistic to attain and what to watch for should things not be progressing like expected. I hope your girl can make a full recovery. Best wishes to you both!
Stephanie,
Can you tell me if this is similar to your dogs rejection symptoms? My German Shorthair had TPLO surgery 9 weeks ago and has gone thru 3 rounds of antibiotics for swelling, lameness, heated knee and pain. Every time the antibiotics would reduce all of that and then boom all of a sudden back after 5 days off the antibiotics. Is this similar to your experience? Thanks Kim
Our bishop had ACL surgery recently. after a few days he began having brief “fits” in which it appears is experiencing a sharp pain or perhaps other sensation and start aggressively going the leg but the cone he’s wearing stops him from reaching it. The fit will last about a minute. He’s now doing this about every 15 minutes. Our vet is adjusting various meds, but is uncertain what it and says the joint is doing very well. Currently changing the antibiotic to see if it’s an unusual allergy, but he’s shown no real change after 24 hours since the change. Any thoughts on what and why he keeps doing this? Thank you.
bishon not bishop.
Hi Lori,
I understand your concern over these worrisome episodes in your little guy. Since I haven’t examined him myself, it is hard to make specific conclusions. I am suspicious that there could be a nerve issue causing pain. With any surgery of this type there is always a risk of nerve entrapment or aggravation. This could also be an atypical pain response. It might be a good idea to reach out to a veterinary orthopedic surgeon/specialist and get a second opinion. They have experience with complicated cases and might have ideas about things to test for or alternative treatment options. I hope you can find the answers you need to help relieve your dog’s discomfort. Praying for a positive outcome and a complete recovery.
My dog was starting to get better/not limping and putting weight on leg about 2 months after surgery. Today he starting holding his leg up again. Is it possible the plate is rejecting?
Hi Hali,
You are right to be concerned about this new lameness issue with your pup. Since I haven’t examined your dog myself, it is difficult to make specific conclusions and recommendations. It is possible a screw or some part of the hardware has shifted. Infection is always something that needs to be ruled out. But this could also be some pain or inflammation from overuse, like what you would expect with a strained muscle. Your best bet is to have your dog examined by your veterinarian. They may need to take some x-rays to evaluate the surgical site and plate. I hope you receive good news, and this can be resolved quickly. Wishing you the best.
Question
3 years after TPLO our dog’s hardware is causing drainage tracts and open wounds
Somehow she has had infections
Though 2 rounds of antibiotics for a week each
Needless to say she licks it constantly and sleeves we purchased work but if she’s alone eventually the sleeve loosens and she back licking and irritating the area and tunnels
According to the X-rays her veterinarian says screws are intact
Removal of the screws and plates has been suggested as the only option
Any feedback Dr. Buzby would be appreciated
Thank you
Hi Jennifer,
I am so sorry you are in this frustrating situation. Complications post-op such as draining tracts are not common but still very possible. I am surprised you are seeing this issue 3 years after your dog’s TPLO! Unfortunately, I would have to agree that the only option I know of to get this resolved is to have the hardware removed. Praying for a positive outcome. Feel free to leave an update letting us know what you decided. Best wishes to you both.
My little dog Coco had TPLO procedure 3 weeks ago on her right leg, she has been great, then only lately she has started to limp. Is this normal? Coco has a confined space inside with comfortable beding and she is let out to go to the toilet. Do I need to be concerned?
Peter
Hi Peter,
Any time you notice the recovery process taking a step backwards, it is a good idea to inform your veterinarian of the change. Since I haven’t examined your pup myself, I can’t make specific conclusions. I recommend you call your vet as soon as possible and have Coco evaluated. Even if you have done everything right, complications can still arise and would need to be addressed. Hoping for a positive outcome and wishing you both the best.
My dog had TPLO surgery on his left leg in December 2021. Then we found out he needed it on his right leg, which we had done in May 2022. He has still had lameness in his 1st leg (the left) so I had radiographs taken last week. Now the surgeon says that 2 of the 3 screws holding the top of the plate are broken and it looks like the bone and plate have shifted a little bit. They recommend another surgery to try to fix it before it becomes a fracture, and of course another large amount of money to do it. My question is, is it my dog’s fault that screws broke and things shifted, or could it possibly be that the surgery may have not been done correctly? Thank you!
Hi Cindy,
I am sorry your dog has had so many issues with his knees over the last year. I can only imagine the expense and stress it has caused you. Unfortunately, you may never really know what caused this surgical repair to fail. Sometimes things just happen despite everyone’s best efforts. I have seen screws break before due to over activity of the dog, but this doesn’t have to be the case. The only guarantee a surgeon has, is if you perform a procedure enough to be proficient at it, then eventually something will go wrong. Once broken hardware is removed and the knee is stabilized again, the surgeon may have a better idea of what cause the failure. I hope this is the last knee surgery your dog will ever need. Praying for a positive outcome and a complete recovery.
Is knuckling common 3 days post surgery for dogs?
Hi Brandi,
Yes, it can be common to see knuckling the first few days after surgery. If you have any concerns about how the recovery process is going, make sure to reach out to your vet. They can let you know if your pup is progressing normally or if they need to intervene in some way.
Hi!
I posted on a few days ago but I’m not finding the comment. Our lab is now 6 days post TPLO. He came home two days after surgery knuckling on the leg he did not have surgery on. He had to stay one additional night due to the knuckling. He is requiring a lot of support on the sling, so I can help his foot go through the motion. Is it common to be knuckling 6 days post op? I have researched on the internet and this is the only thread I have been able to find! I have contacted the vet and I don’t think they are understanding what I’m trying to communicate. They mentioned just waiting until his 2 week suture removal.
Thank you in advanced!
Hi Maranda,
Yes, I just read your other comment from last week! I apologize for the delay in responding. I am still working through a ton of comments that came in over the holidays, so I am a bit behind. I understand your concern about this weakness/neurological issue in your dog’s “good” leg. I applaud your for advocating for your Lab’s wellbeing. I do think it would be best to have your vet take a look at your dog prior to the 2 week recheck. There are several issues that could be contributing to this lameness. This could be as simple as an aggravated nerve from an injection given in the muscle while administering anesthesia which can take some time to resolve. But the only way to know for sure is to have your dog examined. I hope you can find the answers you need, and you receive good news at the recheck. Feel free to leave an update when you get a chance and I’ll try to get back to you as quickly as possible. Good luck!
Thank you for the reply! After two phone calls to the office then following up with an email providing videos, we were seen that day! It definitely wasn’t being communicated to the vet properly. His reflex in the “good leg” is present. So, unfortunately it may take time, but that is good news. We are continuing to use the sling for extra support as well as nightly massages to his surgery leg and knuckling ankle!
Hi Maranda,
I am so glad you were able to see your vet sooner than expected! Hopefully your boy will continue to heal and respond to the massages and rest. Thank you for the update! Wishing your pup a speedy and full recovery.
You do not mention trying acupuncture, photobiomodulation, physical rehabilitation PRIOR to and AFTER to help recovery time.
Hi Lisa,
Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention! We definitely value those therapies and have edited the blog to add them to the article.