How long does it take for a dog to recover from TPLO surgery?

Recovery for a dog that has undergone tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) surgery to repair a cranial cruciate ligament rupture is a process that can take several months, depending on factors such as the dog’s age, preoperative physical condition, the surgical technique used, and adherence to the post-operative rehabilitation protocol.

In the immediate period following TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy) surgery — the first 24 to 48 hours — the primary focus is on pain control and inflammation management. The dog typically receives multimodal analgesia, which may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, and in some cases, regional nerve blocks administered during the procedure.

During this initial phase, it’s crucial to keep the dog strictly at rest, avoiding sudden movements that could compromise the stability of the bone plate and screws placed in the tibia.

Phase 1: First Two Weeks – Strict Rest and Pain Management

This phase is characterized by severe activity restriction. The dog should be confined to a small, safe space, with no access to stairs, slippery floors, or the ability to jump onto furniture. Short, controlled leash walks are allowed only for bathroom breaks.

Physical therapy can begin in this period with conservative techniques like cold compresses, passive range-of-motion exercises, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation to help reduce muscle atrophy and joint stiffness.

Phase 2: Weeks 2 to 8 – Bone Healing and Guided Rehabilitation

During this time, bone healing is still in progress, and it’s essential to follow a structured rehabilitation plan. Gradual loading of the operated limb should be done cautiously, incorporating longer controlled walks as tolerated.

Veterinary-supervised exercises such as walking on flat surfaces, underwater treadmill therapy, and assisted strength training may be introduced. A follow-up X-ray, usually performed between weeks 6 and 8, helps assess bone healing and informs the decision on when to allow more advanced activity.

Phase 3: After 8 Weeks – Gradual Return to Normal Activity

If imaging shows good bone integration at the osteotomy site, the dog may begin a gradual return to normal activity. Controlled running, stairs, and supervised play are reintroduced progressively.

Continued muscle strengthening is encouraged to prevent biomechanical imbalances that could overload the opposite limb. This is especially important, as cruciate ligament rupture in the contralateral knee is relatively common in dogs that have already undergone TPLO.

Full Recovery Timeline

Complete recovery — meaning full functional return of the operated limb — typically occurs between 4 to 6 months after surgery.In young, healthy dogs, this period may be shorter. In contrast, older dogs, obese patients, or those with orthopedic comorbidities may require more time to achieve full recovery. Many dogs that previously showed severe lameness return to running, jumping, and playing without restriction by the end of this period.

Why Owner Commitment Matters

Successful TPLO recovery is directly linked to strict adherence to the post-operative protocol.Premature activity, lack of rehabilitation, or non-compliance with movement restrictions can lead to complications such as osteotomy failure, infection, or early onset of osteoarthritis. That’s why continuous veterinary guidance and committed owner involvement are essential to ensure a positive outcome and a high quality of life for the dog.

References

DeCamp, C. E., Johnston, S. A., Déjardin, L. M., & Schaefer, S. L. (2016). Brinker, Piermattei and Flo’s Handbook of Small Animal Orthopedics and Fracture Repair. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Slatter, D. (2003). Textbook of Small Animal Surgery. Saunders.