NOTE from Laurie Bryce: This information is supplied for reference only. Please follow your veterinarian's advice when developing a physical therapy program for your dog.
The following information is from handouts supplied by Slocum Clinic (where the TPLO procedure was developed). Posted July 2000.
Slocum Enterprises
Once radiographs have confirmed bone healing, the rehabilitation regime is initiated. During this period the patient's activities are gradually increased in order to stretch the surgery scar tissue and rebuild muscles. The degree of activity should progress with the patient remaining comfortable. Since increasing duration, not intensity, is the goal, explosive activities, such as running, jumping or playing, are not allowed during the rehabilitation period.
Throughout the rehabilitation process the dog is allowed to go as far as he/she is able while remaining comfortable. To judge the dog's comfort, watch the dog when he/she gets up following exercise and rest. If invigorated and excited about more activity, the dog is comfortable. If the dog gets up with stiffness and complaint, then the amount of activity should be reduced.
Week 1 - 3
Week 4 - 6
Week 7 - 9
A final checkup at the end of the rehabilitation process is needed before full activity may be resumed.
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The first three to four weeks of activity are comprised of progressively longer walks with the animal on a short lead. Begin with short walks of one block, or equivalent, and see how the dog responds. Continue at this distance for a few days. If the dog remains comfortable, double the distance of the walk. Continue doubling the distance of the walk every few days as the dog's comfort level permits. If the animal appears to be uncomfortable with the increased distance, cut the length of the walk back to the last distance that the animal was comfortable at. Your pet will benefit more from several short walks in one day than a single long walk.
During this time period, the walks are continued with the animal on a long lead. This allows the dog freedom to trot back and forth, increasing its usage of the leg. As distances are more difficult to judge at this point, it is important to monitor the dog's comfort level closely during this stage of rehabilitation.
At this time the dog is allowed very mild activity off lead. The area should have no other animals or distractions around. The dog should remain under the voice control of the owner. No jumping, chasing a ball or Frisbee, or playing with other dogs is permitted. Avoid any other activities where the dog's full concentration is thrown into the activity without any regard for his/her body.