Veterinary Surgical Specialists
Post-Operative Care:
Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy
Bandage removal 1 week postoperatively.
Suture removal 2 weeks postoperatively.
Follow-up x-rays 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively.
For the first 4 weeks your pet must be kept confined in a small area
(airline flight kennel, 6 ft square area), for 4 weeks time. Your pet may be
walked a short distance outside on a leash up to three times daily to
relieve itself only. No free activities allowed until after the 4-week
x-rays that confirm normal healing. If you have your pet in a room with you
it must be tied to a piece of furniture to prevent it from "running" to the
door when it hears a sound.
For weeks 4-8 following surgery. If the 4-week x-rays show normal
healing, then your pet may be confined to one room in the house when you are
away. It may have free walk of the house when you are home (no stairs except
to go upstairs to bed in the evening). If your pet is active and runs to the
doorbell (and slips on the tile/linoleum) it needs to be confined to one
room with good footing. Short leash walks (around one block) and outside in
the backyard on a leash to use the bathroom are allowed.
For weeks 8-12 following surgery. If the 8-week x-rays show normal
healing, then you may institute progressively longer leash walks and
swimming. Free run of the house and a small backyard are allowed. No
off-leash running, jumping, ball playing, etc. is allowed. If at any time
your pet appears weak (limb shaking) or tired, you should revert to the last
distance/activity which it could tolerate without these symptoms and hold
there for 1 week before once again trying to increase the activity level.
For weeks 12-16 following surgery. Between 12 and 16 weeks following
surgery, off-leash walking, jogging, and running is fine. No balls, frisbees,
dog parks, or heavy activity is allowed for 6 months post-operatively. We
recommend you avoid these types of heavy activity altogether, as there is a
high percentage of dogs that will tear the cruciate ligament in the opposite
leg (30% - most breeds, up to 70% in bull mastiffs, chows, akitas, pit bulls
etc.). It is ok for your pet to play with other pets in a small yard at this
time.
Glucosamines plus chondroitin sulfates (animal origin) are recommended
indefinitely. An average dose is 10-20 mg per pound given two times daily.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's) such as aspirin, Rimadyl,
Etogesic, Denamoxx, Zubrin, may be used as needed to treat muscle and joint
stiffness and soreness as your pet rehabilitates. Side effects of all
NSAID's include vomiting, diarrhea, and blood in the stool. Certain NSAID's
(Rimadyl) have been linked to liver toxicity and other problems, albeit
rarely. If your pet will be on prolonged NSAID therapy, please speak with us
or your regular veterinarian regarding possible side-effects of those
NSAID's and what to watch for and what blood tests to monitor. Never give
your pet Nsaids meant for human consumption! Most of these anti-inflammatories
(e.g. Advil) will kill your pet.
Questions on Bandage Care? See CARE OF BANDAGES AND
SPLINTS