Tag Archives: Recovery

Alternatives to an E-Collar

Jul 17th, 2008

Alternatives to an E-Collar

Many dogs can not tolerate the large, conical, Elizabethan Collars that most veterinary offices provide following canine surgery. If you are dealing with a dog that is able to get their e-collar off, refuses to lay down with the e collar on, is marking up the furniture with the collar, unable to eat, sleep, [...]

Best Toys and Treats for a Post Operative Dog

Jun 22nd, 2008

Best Toys and Treats for a Post Operative Dog

The first few months following a CCL repair surgery can be trying for both you and your dog. It is important during this time to provide your dog with adequate stimulation to prevent them from falling into some of the naughty behaviors exhibited by bored dogs. So instead of feeling guilty that you [...]

CCL Injury in Both Back Legs

Jun 15th, 2008

CCL Injury in Both Back Legs

It is not unusual for dogs who have a cranial cruciate ligament rupture in one leg to develop one in the other leg. It is a little unusual to have two severe ruptures at the same time, but it does occur, especially in large breed dogs or overweight canines. Generally the signs of this [...]

Preparing Your Home for a Post Operative Dog

Jun 12th, 2008

Preparing Your Home for a Post Operative Dog

Before bringing your dog home from CCL repair surgery, you will want to make sure everything is set before their arrival. If you have already been practicing CM (conservative management) prior to surgery, odds are your home is already adequately prepared for the return of your canine patient, but it is always better to [...]

When Can I Expect My Dog to Have a Bowel Movement After CCL Surgery?

Jun 6th, 2008

When Can I Expect My Dog to Have a Bowel Movement After CCL Surgery?

Many dogs will not have a bowel movement for the first 4 to 5 days after surgery, so if your dog falls into this category, do not worry. There are a number of reasons why a dog will not have regular bowel movements after surgery including – fasting prior to surgery, not eating well during [...]

Physical Therapy After CCL Repair

Jun 6th, 2008

Physical Therapy After CCL Repair

Each veterinarian seems to have their own theories regarding how soon physical therapy should be started after ccl surgery and what techniques work best. Other veterinary surgeons will write off physical therapy all together, preferring for the dog to remain quiet for the first 6-8 weeks after the repair, gradually returning to exercise. [...]

What to Expect After CCL Surgery

Jun 5th, 2008

What to Expect After CCL Surgery

Whether your dog has undergone a TTA, TPLO, Tightrope, or traditional extracapsular imbrication repair, the steps following surgery are generally the same. Whether your dog stays the night at the vet’s after surgery, or head home with you the day of the procedure, the first few days following the CCL repair should be dedicated [...]

May 8th, 2008

Questions to Ask Your Vet Prior to CCL Surgery

If you and your veterinarian have decided to take surgical approach (TTA, TPLO, traditional/extracapsular/lateral suture repair, Tightrope) to correcting your dog’s cranial cruciate ligament rupture, you will want to be prepared for what to do prior to your dog’s knee surgery. The following checklist will provide a general idea of talking points to discuss [...]

TPLO vs. TTA for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Repair

May 1st, 2008

TPLO vs. TTA for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Repair

TPLO, or tibial plateau leveling osteotomy, and TTA, or tibial tuberosity advancement, are two very new and biomechanically similar surgical techniques. Both the TPLO and TTA create stability within the dog stifle by altering the angle of the knee and using implants to hold the knee in place while the joint heals in its [...]

TTA Repair Postop Recovery

May 1st, 2008

TTA Repair Postop Recovery

One of the benefits of the newest of the cranial cruciate repair surgeries, the TTA, is the length of time required before your dog can return to exercise and a life without restrictions. Because the ostoeotomy (cutting of the bone) in the tibial tuberosity advancement procedure is done in a non weight bearing area [...]