Recovery from Achilles Surgery for Dogs

A dog with partial or complete Achilles' tendons ruptures will require surgery. The complex surgery, which involves heavy sutures, special suture patterns and possible drilling in the bone, requires a couple months of recovery time for the animal.

  1. Support

    • A dog will wear a supporting device for two months after surgery. This device is either a cast, a trans-calcaneotibial screw and a cast or an external skeletal fixator (pins going through the bone).

    Restricted Activity

    • Activity must be restricted for at least three months following surgery. The only outdoor activity allowed is going to the bathroom on a leash.

    Care

    • The dog must wear a plastic bag over a cast when going outside. Also, the cast's inner padding must be changed every two weeks. If the dog has an external skeletal fixator, the pin sites must be cleaned with hydrogen peroxide and antibiotic ointment until the skin has healed.

    Time Frame

    • After two months, once the cast has been removed, another soft padded bandage will be wrapped around the leg for two weeks.

    Complications

    • It is important to follow the after-care instructions provided by the doctor (mentioned above) after the surgery to prevent possible complications, including infection, sores from the cast or undoing the repair of the surgery.