How to help your dog thrive after orthopedic surgery

Canine PT for CCL injury

Surgery can be intimidating for both animals and humans. We want to avoid our pets' suffering and understand that our actions are for their benefit. Given the high costs of surgery, it's important to ensure your dog recovers well afterward, helping them return to their former level of function.

Investing in canine rehabilitation is one of the most effective ways to ensure a healthy recovery. Although the costs might seem high compared to the surgery expenses, it is more affordable than undergoing another surgery and aids in proper healing and strengthening. After orthopedic surgery, a crucial factor is encouraging weight-bearing on the affected leg. Owners might believe their dog is fully weight-bearing if the leg isn't lifted off the ground, but they may not notice that the leg is positioned so far from the dog's body that it's merely serving as a balance point. Consequently, by the time weeks or months have passed since the surgery, the leg may be barely functional.

Our primary objective is to alleviate pain through soft tissue techniques (such as massage, myofascial release, stretching, and range of motion exercises) and various modalities (including heat, ice, and TENS). After pain reduction, we focus on exercises and functional activities to enhance overall strength and mobility. This might involve simple tasks like stepping over objects or engaging in activities that encourage weight bearing. We aim for the dog to regain trust in their body. At times, we must provide support to prevent falls. We strive to determine the most effective method for each dog to learn how to use their leg. Just as every human is unique, each dog learns in their own way.

Once we have determine the exercises, we provide a home exercise program and have you demonstrate the exercises for us to ensure understanding. One of the most important factors for improvement is follow through at home. Without it, success will be limited. We e-mail you a copy of the exercises with pictures and instructions within 48 hours of our evaluation so that you can continue to work on the exercises at home.

Consistent follow-up and ongoing therapy yield the best results. Just like humans, dogs experience both good and bad days, so we adjust exercises and activities accordingly. As the dog improves, we introduce new exercises or enhance existing ones to maximize strengthening. We are very hands-on to ensure proper technique and minimize compensation.

Dogs that have had surgery frequently experience pain in other areas because they try to avoid using the injured leg. Those with #CCLinjuries often have restricted "ankle" movement or back pain from keeping the limb elevated. The front limbs might develop soreness and tight muscles due to overuse. Therefore, we ensure to assess, monitor, and treat the whole body, not just the injured leg.

Who can offer canine rehabilitation? Ideally, you should consult a professional specifically trained in animal rehabilitation. There are specialized certification programs for healthcare professionals to work with animals. Seek out individuals who are Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapists (CCRTs), Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioners (CCRPs), or Veterinarians with board certification in Rehabilitation. These are postgraduate programs for those with a degree in healthcare or veterinary medicine who wish to deepen their expertise in rehabilitation. Avoid asking local physical therapists to provide rehab unless they are certified in animal rehabilitation, as working with animals differs greatly from working with humans.

In my role as a CCRT, I collaborate closely with your veterinarian to achieve the best outcomes. I submit my evaluation to your vet within 48 hours after completing it and encourage open communication among all parties involved. Furthermore, we need veterinarian approval before beginning work with any animal.

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