My dog ran after luxating patella surgery. Is his recovery ruined?

Not that severe usually to require a euthanasia. Usually this surgery (especially if Peppi is a small breed) is resolutive,but the most delicate part of it, I would say, is the post-operative period, in which initial strict rest has to be followed by gradually increased and proper exercise. I am sure you vet will give detailed explanations about it, based on specific type of surgery they are going to perform. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

The overall recovery for this procedure typically takes 6-8 weeks. Most dogs show significant improvement after the first 2-3 weeks, but their bone is still healing in this time. Continue following Luna's vet's directions regarding the amount of rest or physical therapy exercises that she is to follow to help expedite her recovery. I hope that she's on the mend quickly! :-)

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! He may show soreness or limping once he calms down and the adrenaline wears off. It is a good sign that he continued to run! Likely there isn't any broken bones! If he starts to limo rest him and take him to your Vet if it doesn't improve in a few days. Good luck and have a good day!

Hello, thank you for your question about Chispas. Some good exercises to help her recovery include physical therapy exercises such as moving her leg in a cycling motion for 5-10 minutes once a day. Additionally low impact exercises such as swimming will be helpful in keeping her muscles strong. I also recommend starting a joint supplement (one that has glucosamine and chondroitin) to help keep her joints healthy and prevent development of arthritis as she ages. In these cases I usually recommend 10-14 days of exercise restriction and then a slow return to exercise. I would start with a gradual return short walks around the neighborhood on the leash and work your way up to playing/running. With more activity it is possible that Chispas could have another case of limping. Hope this helps!

As tempting as it can be to let Mochi run around I highly advise against it. The screws and plates can become dislodged requiring another surgery. The surgical site could also become infected or inflamed. Perhaps share this information with your husband as well as the potential for having to pay for the surgery again. I am so sorry and I hope your words of wisdom to him will help him comply in the future.

Poor Leo! TPLO surgery requires at least eight to 12 weeks before full recovery, and exercise restriction is a very important part of the recovery. The concern I have is that Leo slipping on the ice may have interrupted the healing process in the surgical area, and that is causing him to be non weight-bearing on that leg. I would take him into the backyard only to go to the bathroom, and get him into the vet on Monday. Likely x-rays will need to be done again to check how the surgical site is healing, and the vet can discuss with you the next steps for him. That may include strict cage rest, or in severe cases another surgery to fix any damage done to the surgical site from the slip. Keep him as quiet as possible until you are able to see your vet again. Good luck, I hope this helps!

If Stella is having difficulty walking/running, surgery may be indicated. Your vet will be able to grade the luxation by checking to see how far it moves out of the groove. She will then be able to determine whether or not surgery is necessary on this leg. Good luck! I hope Stella is feeling better soon.