Can overweight dogs recover well from orthopedic surgery?

Can overweight dogs recover well from orthopedic surgery? It’s a question that many pet owners face when their beloved companion suffers an injury or requires a surgical procedure like TPLO, patellar luxation correction, or femoral head ostectomy.

The truth is that excess weight can have a significant impact on both the surgery itself and the recovery process. While recovery is possible, it often presents more challenges and requires closer monitoring and stricter postoperative care.

Dogs that are overweight tend to carry more stress on their joints, which can affect the outcome of orthopedic surgeries.

This added weight may increase strain on the surgical site, delay healing, and even contribute to implant complications such as loosening or breakage. Additionally, the presence of excess body fat can interfere with the surgical field, making procedures technically more difficult for the surgeon and increasing the risk of postoperative inflammation and infection.

Another factor to consider is mobility. Overweight dogs often struggle with movement, and after surgery, when mobility is already restricted due to pain or the need for immobilization, this can lead to further muscle loss and reduced joint support.

A key element in orthopedic recovery is gradual and controlled rehabilitation—something that becomes harder to implement when a dog lacks basic conditioning or carries too much weight. Physical therapy, although still highly beneficial, may progress more slowly, and caregivers must be prepared for a longer rehabilitation timeline.

However, it’s not all bad news. With proper management, overweight dogs can recover successfully from orthopedic procedures. The recovery process often becomes an opportunity for a healthier lifestyle change.

A well-structured plan that includes a veterinary-supervised weight loss program, a personalized rehabilitation protocol, pain management, and nutritional guidance can make a significant difference. Weight loss during recovery, when appropriately supervised, can actually improve healing outcomes and help prevent future joint issues.

Owners also play a critical role in the recovery journey. They must be fully committed to limiting the dog’s activity as prescribed, preventing jumping or running too soon, administering medications on time, attending follow-up appointments, and following dietary recommendations to promote gradual weight loss. The more involved and consistent the caregiver, the better the chances for a full and functional recovery—even in dogs with significant excess weight.

In summary, overweight dogs can recover well from orthopedic surgery, but they require more attention, patience, and a customized care plan. The risks are higher, and the recovery may take longer, but with dedication and guidance from a veterinarian and rehabilitation team, positive outcomes are absolutely achievable.

References:

1. Marshall, W. G., Hazewinkel, H. A. W., Mullen, D., De Meyer, G., Baert, K., & Carmichael, S. (2010). The effect of weight loss on lameness in obese dogs with osteoarthritis. The Veterinary Research Communications, 34(3), 241–253.

   
   

2. Quinn, M. M., Keuler, N. S., Lu, Y., Faria, M. L., Muir, P., & Markel, M. D. (2007). Evaluation of agreement between numerical rating scales, visual analogue scoring scales, and force plate gait analysis in dogs. Veterinary Surgery, 36(4), 360–367.

About the autor

Felipe Garofallo is a veterinarian in Brazil, specialized in orthopedic and neurosurgical care for dogs and cats.

He is also the founder of Ortho for Pets – Veterinary Orthopedics and Specialties.