Is It Okay That My Dog Jumped After TPLO Surgery?

TPLO surgery is a common procedure to treat a knee injury in dogs known as CCL rupture. As a dog owner, you may have concerns about your dog jumping after TPLO surgery. Learn about the risks, recovery time, and proper post-operative care for TPLO surgery.

An Overview of TPLO Surgery

TPLO, or Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy, is a surgical procedure used to treat cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture in dogs. A common knee injury, CCL rupture can cause the knee to become unstable and painful. The goal of TPLO surgery is to reduce pain and improve mobility.

During TPLO surgery, a veterinarian will cut through the top of the dog's tibia (shin bone), the bone that runs along the front of the dog's lower leg. Then the veterinarian will rotate the piece of bone and fix it in a revised position. This changed position of the bone creates a new, stable joint surface.

The goal of surgery is to reduce pain and improve mobility by stabilizing the knee joint. After surgery, the dog will have to wear a splint or a brace to support the leg and keep it immobile for the initial recovery period.

Recovery time can vary depending on the dog's age, size, and overall health condition, but it usually takes around 12-16 weeks for the dog to fully recover.

Post-operative Care for TPLO Surgery

It's imperative to follow the veterinarian's instructions regarding post-operative care and activity restrictions to ensure proper healing and recovery. In doing so, the following guidelines may be helpful:

• Restrict the dog's activity level and avoid jumping and high-impact activities for at least 12 weeks after TPLO surgery.
• Use a splint or a brace to support the leg and keep it immobile for the initial recovery period.
• Go to regular check-ups with the veterinarian to monitor the healing process.

How Soon Can a Dog Jump After TPLO Surgery?

The dog must follow the post-operative instructions and rehabilitation protocol provided by the veterinarian. Generally, it is advised that dogs should avoid jumping and high-impact activities for at least 12 weeks after TPLO surgery.

This is because the surgery involves cutting and repositioning the bone, and it takes time for the bone to heal and for the surrounding tissue to stabilize the joint. Jumping and high-impact activities place a lot of stress on the repaired joint and can cause further injury or damage to the healing tissue.

Allowing the joint to heal properly and avoiding high-impact activities can reduce the risk of re-injury and ensure the most successful outcome for the dog's recovery.

Additionally, the veterinarian may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to help with inflammation and pain in the knee, and it's critical to follow the veterinarian's instructions when it comes to medication and activity restrictions.

What Should I Do if My Dog Jumps After TPLO Surgery?

After the operation, you should try to prevent your dog from jumping. Jumping or other high-impact activities can put stress on the healing joint and can cause further injury or damage to the healing tissue.

But if he does, don't panic. Tell your veterinarian what happened by giving him a call right away. Your veterinarian will be able to assess your dog's condition, examine the knee, and take x-rays to see if necessary to see if there has been any damage to the joint or the healing bone.

They will be able to advise you on the most appropriate course of action and adjust the recovery plan if needed.

You should also keep an eye on your dog's behavior. If you notice any signs of limping, reluctance to move, or any changes in their behavior, contact your veterinarian.

How to Prevent Your Dog From Jumping After TPLO Surgery

Here are a few ways to prevent your dog from jumping after TPLO surgery:

• Keep your dog on a leash and supervise them closely when they are outside to prevent them from jumping or running around.
• Use a crate or a baby gate to restrict your dog's access to certain areas of the house where they may be inclined to jump. Examples of this may be stairs or furniture.
• Provide plenty of rest and low-impact activities such as short walks, gentle playtime, and interactive toys to keep your dog entertained without putting stress on the knee joint.
• Use a harness instead of a collar to help support your dog's weight and avoid putting pressure on the healing joint.
• Follow the post-operative instructions and rehabilitation protocol provided by the veterinarian to ensure proper healing and recovery.
• Regularly check on your dog's progress, monitor their behavior and report any abnormalities to your veterinarian.
• Consult your veterinarian for any additional tips that apply to your dog's specific case.
• Remember that recovery takes time. It's critical to be patient and allow your dog to heal properly.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, it is paramount to follow the instructions and guidelines provided by the veterinarian to ensure proper healing and recovery after TPLO surgery. While it may be concerning to see your dog jump after TPLO surgery, it is not necessarily an indication of a problem as long as the dog is following the post-operative instructions and rehabilitation protocol. However, it's always advisable to consult your veterinarian for more information on your dog's specific case.

Sources and Further Reading

• TPLO Surgery in Dogs | Middlesex Vets
  Here, our Middlesex vets discuss Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery for dogs, potential complications and more.
• TPLO Surgery - Dogs that Jump and Other Questions | Long Island Vets
  Today our Long Island vets discuss the details of TPLO surgery, dogs who need it, and what to do if your dog jumped before they were fully recovered.
• Cranial Cruciate Ligament Repair: TPLO | VCA Animal Hospital
  One of the most common injuries to the knee of dogs is tearing of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL). When the cranial cruciate ligament is torn, surgical stabilization of the knee joint is often required.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

© 2023 Louise Fiolek