Post Operative Care for TPLO and TTA surgery
Your dog has just had major stifle (knee) surgery, in the form of either a TTA (tibial tuberosity advancement) or a TPLO (tibial plateau levelling osteotomy). Both procedures restore stability to the knee without the need for a cranial cruciate ligament.
Both procedures also allow the dog to return to weight-bearing quickly post-operatively. For this reason, it is important to follow our post-op instructions very carefully, to avoid any complications associated with overloading the knee too early.
- Pain management - your dog received a combination of painkillers while in hospital for surgery. On discharge, we find that one of the newer generation non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) is adequate for post-op control of pain. However, if you feel that your dog needs something extra, we will gladly dispense you an additional drug to ensure that he or she is not in pain.
- Antibiotics - these were administered intravenously at the time of surgery, but do not need to be continued post-operatively.
- Exercise - your dog should start walking on the leg within a few days of surgery, and it is fine for it to do so.
However, it is very important that your dog does not run or jump for 8 weeks following surgery. For this reason, your dog must not be allowed any off-leash exercise during this period. So when not on leash with you, your dog must be confined to the house or a small area in the yard or garage.
You will be allowed to walk your dog during this 8 week period, but please keep carefully to the instructions provided.
- Wound care - your dog's incision will be on the inside of the knee and will only be covered with an adhesive dressing. If this comes off and your dog leaves the incision alone, then there is no need to replace it.
All the sutures are beneath the skin so there will be none visible to you.
Bruising and swelling are normal in the first few days after surgery, and will often result in fluid filling of the hock and foot region lower down the leg. This can be reduced by applying an ice pack to the inside of the leg for 10 minutes twice daily.
The incision should not be hot and painful at any time. Your dog should not be allowed to lick the incision at any time.
- Follow-up Xrays - Your dog's leg will be x-rayed 8 weeks after surgery to ensure adequate healing of the bone has taken place. However, this x-ray is NOT included in the surgery price. An additional discounted price of $150 for this procedure.
Your dog will then be able to start returning to normal activity!! Hooray!!