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)

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