Postoperative Care for TPLO Surgery

One week after surgery, begin physical herapy on your pet’s knee as follows. If tolerable to your dog, apply a coldpack (cold gel pack, bag of frozen peas, or ice cubes in a plastic ziplock bag) to the knee for 5 to 10 minutes once or twice daily. Put a clean cloth between the ice and the skin if necessary. After icing, grasp the ankle area and gently pull the leg out straight and then into the bent position. In the beginning only do small range of motion movements as the knee may become sore. Repeat for 10 to 15 repetitions. Cold pack again for 5 to 10 minutes. If your pet struggles and/or doesn’t tolerate the cold, do not attempt to do the physical therapy.

Your pet should want to eat, drink, and act normal at home. Your dog may or may not be using the surgery leg when released from the hospital. Most dogs will begin to use their surgery leg within 14 days after surgery. Use of the leg will start with light weight bearing, progressing slowly to increased weight bearing over the next 6 to 8 weeks. The knee may be swollen and may have a 4” x 8” inch bandaid over the incision. If there is a bandaid present, leave it on until it starts to peel off, then gently remove it. No further dressing need be applied. If the knee is swollen, it should gradually reduce in size over the next week. Please call our office if the swelling increases after your pet goes home. Occasionally swelling will occur down the leg at the ankle area. This is usually not a sign for concern provided it is not bothersome to your pet (i.e., pet stops eating, drinking, or stops using the leg). It is not unusual for your pet to go several days without a bowel movement after surgery. Please contact us if you have any questions concerning how your pet is progressing at home.