Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) surgery is a pretty big ordeal for both the owner and dog. Recovery may not necessarily proceed in a straight line. Major factors that may impact recovery include –
1.Inadequate pain medication. Contrary to veterinary advice, most dogs require medication to control their pain for many months after surgery. I think of CCL surgery as being similar to a person having a total knee replacement. The surgery is invasive, often involving cutting of bone with plates and screws inserted (eg. TPLO, TTO). It’s common practice for pain medication to be cut at 2 weeks post surgery, leaving the dog suffering and unable to use the operated leg. Owners are left wondering why their dog won’t weight bear on the newly operated leg.
2. Long periods of crate rest after surgery. Rest is important but prolonged periods (eg. 8 weeks) will lead to significant muscle wasting in the whole body and restless behaviour from confinement.
3. Not re educating the dog to load the operated leg. As there has been a long period of pain pre and post surgery, the dog is now used to not loading the injured leg. This places more stress onto the opposite limb leading to abnormal posture and gait.
4. No modifications to high risk activities. These activities ay include jumping on/off furniture, rough play with other household pets, standing up in the car and fence running.
Employing the services of a qualified animal physiotherapist can help to make the recovery process from CCL surgery smoother. Your pet physio cna provide support for the owner, plus guide you through a structured physiotherapy program that addresses pain management and optimizes strength and function.
Let Physio for Pets help you to help your pets !