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

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

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 – if available

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

Passive Range of Motion (PROM)

Massage Therapy

Icing

Controlled Leash Walks

Sit to Stand

Figure Eights

Sling Walking

Incline Walking

Stair Walking

Underwater Treadmill

Assisted Elimination

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