TPLO Recovery Timeline
Understand the TPLO recovery timeline for dogs with key milestones, care tips, and what to expect during each healing phase.
Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy, or TPLO, is a procedure in which medical professionals stabilize a dog’s knee joints via surgery after a torn cranial cruciate ligament. It is essential to give the dog time to recover so that the dog can return to its active lifestyle without issues.
Has your dog had the same surgery, and now you are wondering when you will be able to play with it like you did in the past? Then read this blog, as we will discuss the TPLO recovery timeline.
The First Few Days After Surgery
Hospitalization
First few days after the surgery, the vets will keep your dog in the hospital. The more your dog remains under their eyes, the better it is for them to monitor your dog’s health for progress or other complications.
Pain Management
Your dog will be given medicines to soothe the pain for it to feel comfortable.
Restricted Activity
You will have to shift your dog to a smaller crate to restrict your dog’s activity. It’s all a part of the healing process.
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Week 1-2
Gradual Activity
When it’s been 1-2 weeks, take your dog on short walks of around 5-10 minutes. But seek your vet’s approval as well. These short walks must be on flat surfaces so there is no stress on your pup’s knee joints.
Pain Management
Keep giving medicines to relieve pain. Yes, the dosage will be reduced based on the amount of pain.
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Physical Therapy
Offer some exercises that are gentle on its knees. Besides, do light massages as that can help in maintaining the tone of the muscle and flexibility in the particular leg.
Week 3-4
Increased Activity
In the third week, you can increase the timing of walks. However, it must still be on flat surfaces.
Physical Therapy
Don’t stop the massaging. Continue with the gentle exercises to boost healing and in this way, the muscles around the knee will become stronger.
Monitoring
Visit your vet for regular checkups. They will tell you how your dog is progressing and whether you need to readjust the recovery plan.
Weeks 5-8
Further Activity Increase
Treat your dog to longer walks, such as up to half an hour or more. If the area has fencing, you can also allow your dog to walk without a leash.
Physical Therapy
Keep massages a part of your dog’s routine, as this will help your dog recover faster and strengthen its muscles.
Check-Up
Even if you observe improvements in your dog’s walking, it is still advised that you take your dog to the vet for routine check-ups, as you don’t want to hear any other bad news.
Weeks 9-12
If your furry fellow cooperated well with the short walks, massages, and regular vet visits, it can return to its activities. It is free to jump, run, and play with you. But please see when it gets tired, as exhaustion is not good for it.
If your dog needs TPLO surgery, then feel free to consult Blue Sky Vet. Their team will help you out.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does TPLO recovery take?
The TPLO recovery timeline is typically around 12 weeks.
When can my dog return to normal activity?
If the healing process has progressed smoothly, your dog can gradually return to its normal level of activity around 12 weeks after surgery.