Cruciate Ligament Surgery in Dogs: Post-Operative Care Instructions185

Cruciate ligament surgery is a common orthopedic procedure performed on dogs to repair a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), which is a major stabilizing ligament in the knee joint. After surgery, proper post-operative care is crucial to ensure a successful recovery and prevent complications.

Immediate Post-Operative Care

Rest and Elevation: Initially, your dog should be kept quiet and confined to a small area to minimize movement and strain on the surgical site. The leg should be elevated to reduce swelling and pain.

Pain Management: Your veterinarian will prescribe pain medication to manage discomfort. Follow the instructions carefully and administer the medication as directed.

Wound Care: Keep the surgical wound clean and dry. The incision may be covered with a bandage or dressing, which should be changed as directed by your veterinarian.

Activity Restriction

Activity restriction is essential during the early stages of recovery. For the first 8-12 weeks, your dog should be confined to leash walks only and avoid any strenuous activities such as running, jumping, or playing fetch.

Gradually increase activity levels as directed by your veterinarian. Physical therapy exercises can be beneficial in restoring mobility and strengthening the knee joint.

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for reducing stress on the knee joint. If your dog is overweight, follow a veterinarian-approved weight loss plan.

Nutrition

Provide your dog with a high-quality diet that supports tissue healing and maintains a healthy weight. Consider adding supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint health.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is an important part of post-operative care. Exercises may include:

Range of motion exercises to improve flexibility
Strengthening exercises to rebuild muscle mass
Balance exercises to improve stability

Rehabilitation

Full recovery from cruciate ligament surgery typically takes 4-6 months. During this time, follow these recommendations:

Continue with activity restriction and physical therapy as directed.
Monitor your dog for any signs of pain or swelling.
Avoid activities that put stress on the knee joint, such as jumping and running on uneven surfaces.
Attend regular follow-up appointments with your veterinarian for progress checks and bandage changes.

Complications

While cruciate ligament surgery is generally successful, there is a small risk of complications. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of the following:

Excessive swelling or pain
Discharge from the surgical wound
Limping or lameness
Fever
Loss of appetite

By following these post-operative care instructions diligently, you can help your dog recover successfully from cruciate ligament surgery and regain a healthy and active lifestyle.

2025-02-21

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