Re: Help, TPLO rehab research article?

[Guest guest]

, we don't do TPLO but we do TTA surgeries and I do rehab on them as they come off the surgery table (passive range of motion, laser and cold therapy), again that same evening (PROM and cold therapy) and again the next day. I see them back at least 3 times in the first 14 days for laser, ESTIM and PROM and have the owners doing PROM and cold therapy at home. After 14 days I start some mild weight shifting exercises (large circles, cookies to hips, 3 leg standing, pen cap on normal paw, etc), leash walks and by 4 weeks I am starting many of my patients on low cavaletti poles and standing on a balance disc. When they come in for their 8 week Xray they are ready to start destination jumping. Most of my post-op stifles are almost fully weight bearing with a normal range of motion (point of hock able to touch point of hip without pain or resistance) by 6 weeks and it is a struggle to get the owners to understand WHY we still need to restrict them.

From what I've seen with the TTA's I think you will be starting from behind the proverbial 8-ball if these dogs are cage rested for that long. Maintaining muscle strength, joint lubrication AND to stimulate bone healing all require active weight bearing and joint movement.

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Help, TPLO rehab research article?

Does anyone know, and have access to a research article with our canine friends that shows improved outcomes with immediate rehab post TPLO? I have a surgeon here in town that has requested I do not start rehab with his patients until after his 6 week radiograph check. He has them on strict cage rest until then.Thanks in advance for your help! Day, PT, CCRP

[Guest guest]

I had a surgeon did the same recommendation 8 weeks of rest for TTA. At his 8

week recheck told owners the bone is not healing as fast. it is a 2 out of

5???Owners wanted to do rehab after surgery but the surgeon told owners that

doing rehab after surgery has not proven scientifically to make a difference. So

they did not... Now after 8 week recheck he is telling them to do rehab....

Shall I call the surgeon? In that practice there is a surgeon certified in rehab

who does rehab.

May be owners misunderstood ?

I did not understand bone healing 2/5?

Thanks

Esra

> com

[Guest guest]

See the following:

Monk ML et al. Effects of early intensive post-operative physiotherapy

on limb function after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy in dogs with

deficiency of cranial cruciate ligament. Am J Vet Res 2006 Mar;

67(3):529-36.

nancy