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Post Cruciate Surgery Rehab for Pets

Recovering from cruciate ligament surgery is a journey—and physical therapy plays a vital role in helping your pet regain strength, mobility, and comfort. Whether your pet has undergone TPLO, TTA, or another type of cruciate ligament repair, a structured rehabilitation plan can make a significant difference in the healing process.

The first 14 days after surgery (starting on day 1)

CONSULT

This is the first step in the full arch process. During this appointment, you will meet with your Dr. Kurt O. Bally DMD FICOI to discuss your needs and options for dental implants. The consultation will typically take about an hour. This first and free visit is $525 value.
STEP 1
STEP 2

RECORDS

Your dentist will take a series of records, including dental x-rays, 3D scans, and photographs. These records will be used to create a treatment plan and to fabricate your dental implants.

PRE-SURGICAL CONSULT

This appointment is held before the surgery to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as the recovery process. You will also have a chance to ask any questions you may have.
STEP 3
STEP 4

SURGERY

This is the procedure where the implants are placed into your jawbone. The surgery typically takes about 2 hours per jaw and is done safely with oral anesthesia. All patients leave with their new temporary teeth on the day of the surgery and will return within 1-2 weeks to have their first post-op visit and receive their fist implant prototype teeth. It is important to remain on a very soft diet after surgery and before receiving your first prototype.

PROTOTYPES

1-2 weeks after your surgery you will return to check your healing and receive your first set of implant prototype teeth that will be attached directly to your implants. We allow up to 3 versions of teeth during the healing process to ensure the dentist and patient is happy with the look and feel. As your implants heal your dentist will create a series of prototypes for your implant bridge. These prototypes will be used to test the fit and function of the bridge before it is permanently placed.
STEP 5
STEP 6

HEALING

The implants will need to heal for 4-6 months before the next step can be taken. Dr. Bally will also provide a night guard to help prevent excess pressure from going to your implants. As you heal you will remain on a soft diet.

PROTOTYPING AND VERIFICATION

Once the implants have healed, your dentist will create a final prototype of your dental bridge. This prototype will be verified to ensure that it is the correct size, shape, and color. Before authorizing the fabrication of your new zirconia implant smile.
STEP 7
STEP 8

DELIVERY

This is the appointment where your permanent dental bridge is placed. The procedure typically takes about 1 hour. It's a truly rewarding visit for everyone.

POST-DELIVERY CONSULT AND DOCUMENTATION

This appointment is held after your new zirconia implant smile is installed and your final night guard is given and instructions to maintain your smile are discussed. Final pictures, X-rays and video mark the end of your zirconia implant smile journey.
STEP 9
STEP 10

MAINTENANCE

Your zirconia implant smile will need to be maintained on a regular basis to ensure that it continues to function properly. This may include cleaning, adjustments, and checkups.

Cold Therapy

Apply ice or frozen peas (not gel packs) to all sides of the knee for 15 minutes, 3–4 times daily and after PROM to reduce pain and swelling.

Passive Range of Motion (PROM)

Dr. Sickels has 27 years of experience in small animal practice and devotes much of her time to behavior consultations.

Massage

Boosts circulation and reduces muscle scarring. Massage the thigh muscles (front and back) from knee to hip for 2–3 minutes before and after PROM.

Walking

Maintains strength and mobility. Do slow, controlled leash walks for 5–10 minutes, twice daily. Avoid hills and stairs early on.
Cold Therapy
Apply ice or frozen peas (not gel packs) to all sides of the knee for 15 minutes, 3–4 times daily and after PROM to reduce pain and swelling.
Passive Range of Motion (PROM)
Dr. Sickels has 27 years of experience in small animal practice and devotes much of her time to behavior consultations.
Massage
Boosts circulation and reduces muscle scarring. Massage the thigh muscles (front and back) from knee to hip for 2–3 minutes before and after PROM.
Walking
Maintains strength and mobility. Do slow, controlled leash walks for 5–10 minutes, twice daily. Avoid hills and stairs early on.
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Weeks 2-4

  • Continue PROM and massage.
  • Increase length of walks gradually to 15-20 minutes twice daily by week.
  • Ice after PROM and walks.
  • Stay slow and controlled!

Weeks 5-8

  • Continue slow, controlled leash walks. Gradually increase to 20-30 minutes per walk. Add the following while walking to build strength:
    • Walk your dog in a figure 8 pattern to the left and right. Start with a large figure 8 and walk the pattern 5 times in one direction before changing to the other direction. Over 3-4 weeks gradually tighten the figure 8 and switch directions more frequently.
    • Do sit-to-stand exercises. Stand your dog alongside a wall with the operated leg against the wall and ask him to sit and then to stand several seconds later. Try to prevent your dog from walking forward when standing up to make this more difficult. Start with 3-4 repetitions 2-3 times a day and build to 10 reps.
  • Continue PROM, massage, and ice.

After the second month add some of the following:

  • Continue all above exercises for strength and range of motion.
  • Add uphills, snow or grass to walks.
  • Slowly go up and down stairs
  • Set up a line of cones or obstacles and zig-zag through them.
  • Incorporate balance exercises by having your dog walk over couch cushions on the floor.
  • Use leg weights wrapped around both ankles (even if only one leg had surgery) and have your dog walk around for 2-3 minutes at a time.
  • After 2 months, you may allow short periods of off-leash activity while supervised.
The above exercises should become a part of your dog’s normal routine forever to help keep strong and flexible, and maintain comfortable mobility!
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Your Pet’s First Visit Could Be Today!

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