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.
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!
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.
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.