How to Recover From TPLO

Cranial cruciate ligament damage is one of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs. The cranial cruciate ligaments, more commonly referred to as the CCL, are located in the dog's knee joints, allowing the knee to bend and flex as the dog moves. If the CCL tears or ruptures, your veterinarian may opt for a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy procedure, or TPLO, to repair the joint and get your pooch back on its feet. However, recovery from TPLO surgery must be done properly in order for the dog to walk without pain.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Large dog bed
  • Toys
  • Sling
  • Collar
  • Leash
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Instructions

    • 1

      Administer medication as directed by your veterinarian. TPLO is an invasive procedure and leaves an open incision that could get infected without preventative antibiotics. Your vet will also administer a pain medication and anti-inflammatory to reduce discomfort and swelling in the affected knee joint.

    • 2

      Set up a comfortable resting area for your dog. Place a dog crate in the most frequently-used room in your home, as the dog will need frequent supervision during recovery. Line the crate with a large dog bed, and place a few toys in the crate to keep the dog occupied. Place the dog on very strict bed rest for the first two weeks, allowing the dog to leave the crate only to use the bathroom.

    • 3

      Support the dog's rear end with a sling for the first two weeks. When the dog attempts to stand, wrap the sling under the dog's belly and pull up to support the majority of the dog's weight. Lower the sling as the dog uses the bathroom, lifting up once the dog is finished. Guide the dog slowly back to the crate.

    • 4

      Take the dog on two, five minute walks per day during the third week, extending the duration of the walks by five minutes each week through the sixth week. Put a collar and leash on the dog and allow it to walk slowly by your side over flat terrain. The dog must build muscle tone and ligament strength after TPLO, so slowly increasing the duration of the walks builds strength without excessive stress on healing tissues.

    • 5

      Schedule a checkup six weeks post-surgery to assess healing. Your vet will x-ray the dog and determine whether the bones and ligaments inside the knee are healed. If the dog is completely healed, the vet will give you the go-ahead to slowly resume more strenuous activity. If the surgical site is not healed, the vet will evaluate the dog again at eight weeks.