My dog twisted leg after CCL surgery; can't bear weight. What's wrong?

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!

There is a possibility that your dog tore a cruciate ligament in his knee. I would make him rest, ie only leash walk him to do his business outside, and otherwise not let him run or jump around. If the lameness is not gone tomorrow or significantly better, then I suggest you make an appointment with your vet for an exam. Your dog will need anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation and pain.

This could be just a flareup of arthritis in the knee which is very common in dogs with the surgery. Depending on what was done sometimes there could be a meniscus injury after the surgery. Some surgeons do a "preventative" meniscus surgery at the same time others do not. Rarely it could indicate an issue with the implant placed during the procedure. I would follow your veterinarian's advice and if she becomes worse have her seen sooner. Sometimes x-rays of the knee or needed other times we can figure out what's going on with just an orthopedic exam.

The diagnosis could be accurate but he could also have a problem with a meniscus or possibly a problem with the LSS. If he does not get better with rest and Rimadyl than you could take him to an orthopedic specialist to determine the cause and treat the problem.

I am so sorry to hear Kira is having difficulties after her surgery. It is understandable that she is having troubles standing, and hopefully I can provide you with some options for helping her. Movement and physical therapy after these types of procedures is important. But it must be don't correctly. Encouraging Kira to stand and move around on her own will be difficult at first but she will get stronger as the days pass. Rather than trying to lift her with your hands, try passing a towel or bed sheet under her belly, just in front of her back legs, to make a sling. Then you can lift this-it will provide more support for Kira and hopefully be more manageable with your injured arm. Try and find someone (a neighbor or friend) who can come help if you need extra assistance. Ensuring that Kira takes her post-Surgery pain medications as prescribe is very important too. If she is very painful she will be more reluctant to move around. Once Kira is moving around normally, has recovered from her surgery and is given the 'all clear' to return to normal activity by your veterinarian then it would be a good idea to try and achieve some weight loss for her. Being overweight not only puts extra strain on her joints (especially the one that has just been repaired) but it also puts her at much higher risk of rupturing the ligament in her other leg. Please do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian if you feel Kira is not recovering appropriately. Ask them too about any recommended physical therapy routines you can do for her to help improve her mobility. You may be able to find a certified canine rehabilitation specialist in your area too. Good luck, and I hope Kira feels better soon!

Poor Lily! Obviously she is in pain if she is limping more, and given that it looks like her knee wings outward when she walks, I would make an appointment with the vet for tomorrow morning to have her seen. It can take up to eight weeks or longer to fully heal from a TPLO, and she had surgery about three weeks ago. Being knocked down could be enough to disturb the healing process and potentially disrupt the plates in her joints. She likely needs an x-ray to make sure everything is ok, but it's not an emergency. Rest her tonight, do not take her for a walk. Only take her into your yard to potty on a leash, and bring her right back in when she's done. Have her seen by the vet who did the surgery tomorrow. Best of luck.

The clicking may be due to an injury to the meniscus in her knee. The meniscus provides additional stability and cushioning between the bones that make up the knee joint. It is common to see meniscal injury along with cruciate injuries. Ideally, she should be rechecked by your veterinarian. In some cases, surgery is required to repair or remove the meniscus. Strenuous play or running should be avoided until at least 12 weeks post op and then, it should only be for very short periods of time. Each dog recovers differently, so the timetable to resume regular activity is flexible.