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Post Operative Management

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Whether an animal has undergone orthopaedic surgery or a neurological procedure, post-operative care plays a crucial role in achieving the best possible outcome. Surgery is just the beginning, what follows in terms of rest, movement, nutrition, and healing is equally important. To support your animal effectively, it’s essential to have a clear recovery plan and closely monitor their progress throughout the process. Below are a few examples of common canine and equine surgeries requiring post operative management.

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Wet dog in water

Dogs

Dogs need a careful balance of rest and rehab. Controlled exercise, pain management, physiotherapy, and environmental adjustments help prevent setbacks and promote healing. Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) rupture: - Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO) - Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) - Lateral suture stabilization Patella luxation​: - Recession Sulcoplasty​ - Tibial Tuberosity Transposition (TTT) Hip dysplasia correction: -Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) -Total Hip Replacement (THR) Elbow dysplasia treatment: - Screw fixation - Elbow joint replacement - Joint fragment removal - Arthroscopy Amputation Fracture repair Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): - Fenestration - Hemilaminectomy

Cat on a table

Cats

Cat rehab following surgery needs to be managed with care and precision. Controlled exercise, pain management, physiotherapy, and environmental adjustments help prevent setbacks and promote healing. Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) rupture: - Lateral Suture stabilization - Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO) Patella luxation​ Hip dysplasia correction: -Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) -Total Hip Replacement (THR) Amputation Fracture repair

Horses on a meadow

Horses

Equine rehabilitation may include stall rest, hand-walking, targeted physiotherapy, and gradual return to work. Saddle fit, hoof balance, and turnout routines often need adjustment during recovery. - Joint Fragment Removal (Arthroscopy) - Tendon Injuries​ (Tenoscopy) - Fracture Repair - Overriding Dorsal Spinous Processes (ODSP) Kissing Spine Surgery - Annular Ligament Desmotomy - Suspensory Ligament Surgery - Neurectomy (Nerve Removal)​ - Cyst Removal

Find Out More

coming soon

Webinars for post-operative management coming soon

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Not every injury ends with surgery, but every surgery needs a thoughtful recovery plan. These physiotherapy-led webinars will guide you through how physiotherapy supports effective post-operative management and long-term healing.

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You'll learn:

  • How physiotherapy enhances recovery after surgery

  • When to reintroduce movement and how to pace it safely

  • Practical at-home strategies for pain relief, rehab, and restoring function

  • What to avoid to prevent setbacks and support lasting results

help at home

  • Explore supportive tools designed for daily use and long-term comfort. Resources include:

    • Owner's guides

    • Post Operative management planner

    • Return to function planner

    • Chronic pain tracking

       

Help your animal at home

Post Operative

Other Useful Resources

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Horse Grimace Scale

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Equine Pain Scale

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Canine Pain Scale

dog pain scale glasgow.avif

Glasgow Pain Scale

References​

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