Post-Surgery TPLO Incision Care
Preventing your pet from licking or chewing the incision site is imperative. Such behavior may lead to premature removal of sutures and/or an infection at the incision site, potentially necessitating a second procedure for repair. Unless otherwise directed by your veterinary surgeon, an E-collar must be worn at all times when your pet is not under your immediate supervision.
The development of swelling around the ankle is entirely normal approximately 3-5 days after surgery on the leg where the TPLO was performed. Should swelling occur, gentle massage is permissible, and it typically subsides over the course of a few days.
Leg Use Videos
Here is a collection of videos we found online, showcasing below-average, average, and above-average limb use following TPLO surgery. Due to numerous variables, each pet will recover at their own pace. If you observe any concerns regarding your pet's limb usage, please do not hesitate to contact your veterinary surgeon.
Day 1
The patient’s surgical limb (hind right leg) is able to bare weight again and start walking again pretty close to ‘normal.’ This would be considered an above average recovery at this point post surgery.
Day 3
The patient’s surgical limb (hind right leg) is able to bare weight again and start walking again pretty close to ‘normal.’ It seems pretty similar as day 1 with regards to recovery. The patient seems to have more control as they aren’t rushing their steps. She seems to have more controlled movements in her gait. This would also be above average recovery.
Day 5
The patient’s surgical limb (hind right leg) is able to bare weight again and start walking again pretty close to ‘normal.’ The patient seems to have more control as they aren’t rushing their steps. She seems to have more controlled movements in her gait. It seems very similar to day 3. This would be considered an average recovery.
Day 7
The patient’s surgical limb (hind right leg) is able to bare weight again and start walking again pretty close to ‘normal.’ The patient seems to have more control as they aren’t rushing their steps. She seems to have more controlled movements in her gait. It seems very similar to day 3 and 5. This would be considered an average recovery.
Day 14
The patient seems unbothered by her surgical site. Gait seems very smooth, especially when taking into account the patient is trying to gait too quickly and her owner is having to keep some tension on the leash to ensure the patient doesn’t re-injure. This would be considered above average.
Week 3
Apart from the shaved fur, it is hard to tell which leg was the surgical site. The patient is moving smoothly, but must still be restricted from moving too fast. This is considered average recovery.
Week 4
Apart from the shaved fur, it is hard to tell which leg was the surgical site. The patient is moving smoothly, but must still be restricted from moving too fast. This is considered average recovery.
Week 5
Apart from the shaved fur, it is hard to tell which leg was the surgical site. The patient is moving smoothly, but must still be restricted from moving too fast. This is considered average recovery.
Week 6
Apart from the shaved fur, it is hard to tell which leg was the surgical site. The patient is moving smoothly, but must still be restricted from moving too fast. This is considered average recovery.