TTA Surgery Healing at home Part three

By Bosquebay

Once the x-rays confirmed the presence of adequate bone healing, the rehabilitation regime began. During this time, her activities gradually increased in order to stretch the surgery scar tissue and strengthen the knee muscles.

Her degree of activity gradually increased as long as she remained comfortable at all times. Again, no explosive activities such as running, jumping, or playing were allowed.

During weeks 9-10, activity is comprised of progressively longer walks on a short lead.

We increased her walks to 1/2 mile to see how she would respond. She seemed fine so we gradually increased the distance every few days as her comfort level permitted.

Remember, if your pet appears to be uncomfortable with the increased distance, cut the length back to the last distance they were comfortable with.

By weeks 11-12, I knew we were going to make it.

We put her on a long lead allowing her the freedom to trot back and forth, increasing the use in of her legs. We found the distance was harder to judge, so it was important to monitor her comfort level.

Like her, we were getting very excited about her progress.

She could be off lead with a little activity. She needed to be under our voice command, with no other dogs around, no ball playing, Frisbee catching, or other distractions.

It’s crucial to avoid any activities where your pet’s full concentration is thrown into the activity without any regards to their body.

After week 12 unrestricted activity is allowed, and life returns to normal.

Additional time is required to help rehabilitate atrophied muscles and range of motion in the knee(s).

Our girl had her surgery in April, so it was a long hot summer for her being a Husky/Chow mix.

Because both back legs, her back (where they did the epidural), and her front leg (where they inserted the IV) were shaved, she looked like a bad poodle cut gone wrong.

As extra preventative care the long-term use of a cartilage-protecting drug like glucosamine and chondroitin 1,000-1,500 mg, is highly recommended, along with fish oil too.

What a bunch of wonderful doctors, assistants, and PT workers. We couldn’t have asked for better treatment for her. It’s been eight months now and you’d never know she had both knees replaced. All activities are back to normal and she is loving life.

In late July, she was given permission by her Physical Therapist to do what she loves best – go on the jet ski and camping. We had our girl back.