TPLO Aftercare
Week 1:
- First, massage the quadriceps muscles (muscles in the front of the thigh, above the kneecap)
- Then perform PROM (Passive Range of Motion): Flexion of the knee with mild-to-moderate pressure (bicycle-like motion)
- 10 slow repetitions, 3 times daily
- Follow with another massage
- Ice pack the knee following PROM: 5 to 10 minutes three times per day for the first 3 days after surgery.
- Leash walks for elimination purposes ONLY: 5-10 minutes, 3 times daily (in the backyard only)
Weeks 2, 3 and 4:
- Passive range of motion (PROM): 10 slow repetitions, 3 times daily
- Stop PROM sometime during this period: when achieving almost full range of motion
- Slow leash walks: 5-10 minutes, 2 times daily
- Continue massage: 3 times daily for the full 4 weeks
- Underwater Treadmill (optional if the incision is fully healed)
Week 5 :
- Slow leash walks: 20 to 30 minutes, 2 to 3 times daily
- Sit/stand exercise: 10 repetitions, 3 times daily
- Figure-of-eight walks, curls to left or right
- Underwater Treadmill (optional)
Weeks 6, 7 and 8: (schedule possible post-op radiographs)
- Leash walks: 30 to 40 minutes
- Incline walks = hills
- Stairs, slowly: 5 to 10 flights, 2 times daily (if available)
- Tug-O-War
- Underwater Treadmill (optional)
Weeks 9, 10, 11 & 12 (healing almost complete):
- Faster walks
- Runs without sharp turns
- Gradual return to full activity by the end of 12 weeks
- Reevaluation with supervising surgeon if not close to 100% recovered or if unsure about progress
- Underwater Treadmill (optional)