Rehabilitation Care for Post-op TPLO

TPLO (tibial plateau levelling osteotomy) is the orthopedic surgical procedure most commonly offered for dogs with cranial cruciate disease. The goal of this surgery is to restabilize your dog’s knee. 

In short, the TPLO procedure involves the following steps: 

• The surgeon makes an incision into the top of the tibia (a technique called an osteotomy) 

• The tibia is then manually rotated to modify the angle at which the tibia and femur meet, allowing the femur to sit more appropriately on the top of the tibia instead of scraping against it

• Finally, a metal plate is screwed in place to hold the realigned femur and tibia together, over which the body will eventually form new bone 

 

Benefits of rehabilitation care: 

Following the procedure, your dog will benefit from a specific rehabilitation program over the next several months. In addition to providing pain relief in the immediate post-operative period, there are a number of additional things to consider during the aftercare period. In order to promote optimal healing post-operation, you will need to limit your dog’s movement day-to-day. Your dog should not run, jump, climb stairs, or play with other pets during this recovery period. This time can be challenging for your dog, but it is also important to make sure that they do not gain weight during during the time that their exercise is limited. Many dogs develop cranial cruciate disease because of poor mechanics and a subsequent tendency to use their legs in a manner that places uneven strain on their bones and joints. This is where rehabilitation and physical therapy can be hugely beneficial for your dog, helping not only in their recovery from the TPLO surgery but to promote better mechanics and overall stability to prevent re-injury in the long term. Rehab can help your dog adjust to the new biomechanics of their knee after surgery to develop strength and balance. Research on cranial cruciate disease suggests that rehabilitation increases range of motion, weight bearing, and strength in dogs with this condition. Importantly, rehabilitation can also help keep your dog mentally engaged as they heal and allow them to be physically active in a way that promotes their healing and overall wellbeing. Engaging a rehabilitation specialist can also help you monitor for complications post-operation. Rehabilitation care partners with you to help your dog experience the best recovery possible. 

 

At Wags & Purrs Rehab, our TPLO Rehabilitation program is state of the art. We want your dog to be moving and grooving as soon as possible!  Our program uses evidence based, peer reviewed literature to incorporate the most current treatment protocols from the American Journal of Veterinary Rehab (AJVR), and sports medicine specialists from around the country. Our programs are designed to help your pet experience the best outcome after their surgery. The program begins two weeks after surgery with an initial evaluation including a nutritional assessment by Dr. Laurie Peek (certified rehabilitative veterinarian), and continues with four, weekly follow-up visits. This will ensure your pet is recovering smoothly as they get ready for their post-recovery visit with their surgeon.

 

Appointments consist of a musculoskeletal exam, a stance analysis, weight optimization and nutritional consulting, massage and rehabilitative exercises, as well as a Class IV Laser or Piezowave treatment.