Dog Cruciate Surgery Recovery: A Week-by-Week Guide

Cruciate ligament surgery is one of the most common orthopaedic procedures in dogs, and recovery is a significant commitment for both pet and owner. The process takes several months, and the quality of your dog's recovery depends heavily on how well rehabilitation is managed at home.

This guide walks through what to expect week by week, based on the recovery protocols we use at Eltham Veterinary Practice following TPLO surgery and extracapsular repair. Every dog recovers at their own pace - your vet will give you a protocol tailored to your dog's size, age, and the surgical technique used.

Weeks 1 and 2: strict rest

The first two weeks are the most critical. Your dog must be kept on strict cage or room rest. This means:

• Toilet trips on a short lead only - no free running
• No stairs if avoidable, or assisted with a sling or towel under the belly
• No jumping on or off furniture
• No rough interaction with other dogs

Pain management is essential. Your vet will prescribe anti-inflammatory medication and pain relief - give these as directed, even if your dog seems comfortable. Many dogs feel better than they actually are in the early days, and overactivity is the most common cause of complications.

Monitor the surgical wound daily for swelling, discharge, or redness. A small amount of bruising around the knee is normal. Contact your vet if you notice anything that concerns you.

Weeks 3 and 4: very short lead walks

If the wound is healing well and swelling is reducing, your vet will likely allow very short lead walks - typically five minutes, two to three times per day. These walks are slow and controlled. The purpose is gentle joint movement, not exercise.

Continue to restrict access to furniture and stairs. Most dogs feel significantly better around this time, which makes managing their activity harder. A baby gate or crate is useful for keeping things controlled.

Weeks 5 and 6: gradual increase in walking

Walk duration can usually increase to 10 to 15 minutes by week five, provided recovery is progressing well. Your dog should be bearing consistent weight on the leg by this stage. If they are still toe-touching or avoiding the leg entirely, contact your vet.

This is also when physiotherapy can begin in earnest. Animal physiotherapy after cruciate surgery focuses on rebuilding muscle mass in the affected leg, improving range of motion, and correcting any compensatory movement patterns that developed during the non-weight-bearing phase.

Weeks 7 and 8: follow-up x-ray

Most TPLO patients have a follow-up x-ray at around eight weeks. This checks bone healing at the surgical site. If healing is on track, your vet will give you a more progressive rehabilitation programme. Walking time continues to increase - by week eight, 20 to 30 minute walks are typically achievable for dogs recovering on schedule.

Months 3 to 6: building back to normal

Full recovery from cruciate surgery takes three to six months, depending on the dog's size and age. Larger dogs and older dogs tend to take longer. The final phase involves a gradual return to off-lead activity, starting in controlled environments such as an enclosed backyard before progressing to open spaces.

Swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise during this phase if your dog enjoys water. Avoid high-impact activities - jumping, rough play, and sudden direction changes - until your vet has cleared your dog for full activity.

Signs that something is not right

Contact your vet promptly if you notice increased swelling or heat around the knee, discharge or opening of the wound, sudden worsening of lameness after a period of improvement, loss of appetite or lethargy, or swelling of the paw or lower leg.

The other leg

Dogs who rupture one cruciate ligament have a significantly elevated risk of rupturing the other. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is the most effective way to reduce this risk. Your vet can advise on an appropriate diet and exercise programme once recovery is complete.

If you have questions about cruciate surgery recovery, call us on (03) 9439 8650 or book an appointment online.