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Why Rehabilitation is Important

Rehabilitation plays a critical role in your dog’s recovery following orthopaedic surgery. A proper plan:

  • Promotes healing
  • Prevents stiffness and muscle loss
  • Reduces swelling and pain
  • Helps your dog regain normal movement and strength
  • Reduces the risk of re-injury

Your dog’s rehabilitation will be a gradual process over several weeks. Every dog heals at their own pace, so always follow the plan set out by your veterinary team.

Weekly Breakdown

Week 1: Initial Recovery & Inflammation Control

Goal:
Begin healing process, reduce pain and swelling

Medication:

  • Give all prescribed pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications exactly as directed.
  • Do not stop medications early, even if your dog seems comfortable.

Leg Elevation:

  • Elevate your dog’s injured leg using folded towels for short periods.
  • Elevation helps swelling drain away from the surgical site, making your dog more comfortable.

 Passive Range of Motion (PROM):   (Start Day 3 Post-Surgery) Watch the PROM video

  • Gently move your dog’s operated leg through its natural range of motion.
  • Perform 10–20 slow repetitions, 3 times a day.
  • This keeps the joint flexible and prevents stiffness.
  • (See separate PROM instruction sheet for step-by-step guidance.)

Ice Therapy: (Best to do after PROM) Watch the Ice Therapy video

  • Apply a soft ice pack to the surgical site for 5–10 minutes, 2–4 times a day for the first 48 hours, then reduce to 2 times daily.
  • Always wrap the ice pack in a thin towel to avoid frostbite.
  • Place the pack so it covers the entire surgical site.
  • Stop if your dog resists or seems uncomfortable.

Massage Therapy (Start Day 3 Post-Surgery) Watch the Massage Therapy video

  • After PROM, massage the thigh and hip muscles (quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteals) for about 5 minutes.
  • Use gentle strokes from the knee toward the hip to improve circulation and relax tight muscles.
  • (See separate massage guide for technique.)

Leash Walks:
Begin short, slow leash walks to go out to the toilet  (up to 5 minutes), 3 times a day, ensuring controlled movement and weight bearing. Always use a leash, and you can provide your pet with support by using a towel as a sling below their waist if needed.

Laser Therapy:
We will begin laser sessions here at the clinic:

  • Daily for the first 3 days post-op, then
  • 2 sessions per week for 4 weeks, followed by
  • Once weekly for 4 weeks.

These sessions will be scheduled at your discharge.

Weeks 2-3: Early Strength Building

Goal:
Improve mobility and muscle function

Veterinary Recheck:
A follow-up appointment will be scheduled at discharge to ensure the incision, joint, and muscle healing are on track.

Continue Pain Relief as prescribed.

Ice Therapy:
Continue if swelling is present (5–10 minutes, 2–3 times a day).

PROM & Massage:
Continue PROM (3 times daily) and massage (5 minutes each session).

Leash Walks:
Gradually increase walks to 5-10 minutes, 3 times a day.

Weeks 4-5: Muscle Rebuilding & Coordination

Goal:
Rebuild strength and restore balance.

Pain Management:
Continue with the pain management plan as directed by your vet

Ice Therapy:
Apply once daily for 5-10 minutes if swelling persists.

PROM & Massage:
Continue routine.

Introduce Gentle Stretching:
Slowly extend the hind limb backward while keeping the pelvis steady. Hold for 15–30 seconds, repeat 2–4 times. Stop if your dog shows discomfort.

At-Home Strengthening Exercises
(Use treats for motivation and positive reinforcement)

  • Sit-to-Stand: 10 reps, 3 times a day.
  • Figure-of-Eights: Walk your dog in small figure-eight patterns, 10–15 reps, 2–3 times a day, in both directions.

Leash Walks:
Increase to 20–30 minutes, 2–3 times daily. Introduce safe uneven surfaces (grass, sand) to challenge balance.

Laser Therapy:
Continue once weekly.

Weeks 6-8: Functional Strength & Endurance

Goal:
Strengthen for return to normal function

Veterinary Recheck at 6 weeks post-surgery for assessment.

Pain Management:
Continue or adjust based on vet advice.

Therapeutic Exercises:
Maintain PROM, massage, and stretching.

Incline Walking:
(avoid running)
Begin hill or ramp walking, 5–10 minutes, 1–2 times/day.

Stairs:
(avoid running)
Controlled stair climbing 5–10 minutes, twice daily.

Leash Walks:
(avoid running)
Continue 20–30 minutes, 3 times/day, ensuring your dog bears weight evenly.

Laser Therapy:
Maintain once weekly.

Weeks 9-12: Full Recovery & Return to Normal Activity

Goal:
Regain full function and monitor healing

Follow-Up Radiograph:
Usually, at 8 weeks (about 60 days post-op) to confirm bone healing. This can be booked at discharge.

Activity:
Gradually return to normal activities.
Walks can increase to 30–40 minutes, once or twice daily, at a brisker pace.

Laser Therapy:
Continue monthly for maintenance, or as directed.

Reminder:
Every dog heals at a slightly different pace. If you notice swelling, limping, reluctance to use the leg, or any change in behaviour, contact us immediately.

Passive Range of Motion (PROM) Exercises

What is PROM?
Passive Range of Motion (PROM) exercises involve gently moving your dog’s joints through their natural range without them needing to use their muscles. These exercises help maintain flexibility, reduce stiffness, improve blood flow, and prevent joint or muscle complications during recovery.

General Tips Before You Start:

  • Start PROM 3 days post-surgery or as directed by your veterinarian.
  • Perform 2–3 sessions per day, with 10–20 repetitions per joint.
  • Always be gentle and slow. PROM should never cause pain.
  • Do these exercises before massage therapy for the best results.
  • Stop immediately if your dog shows signs of pain, discomfort, or stress (whining, pulling away, stiffening).

Correct Positioning

  • PROM exercises can be done with your dog lying on their side or standing
  • If standing, support your dog’s body by placing one arm gently under their belly for balance.
  • Ensure your dog’s leg is aligned straight from the hip to the paw, with toes pointing forward, not curled under.
  • A non-slip surface will help keep them steady.

Flexion & Extension (Main PROM Movement)

This is the core PROM movement. It targets all major joints in the leg—hip, knee, and ankle (hock).

Steps:

  1. Place one hand above the joint (e.g., above the knee) to stabilise it.
  2. Place your other hand below the joint (e.g., just above the paw).
  3. Gently bend (flex) the leg, bringing it toward the body in a smooth arc.
  4. Then slowly straighten (extend) the leg back to a neutral position.

Repeat 10–20 times per joint, 3 times per day.
Work slowly through each joint: hip → knee → ankle.

Tip: Think of a gentle “walking” motion, slow and controlled

Adductor Muscle Stretch (Inner Thigh Stretch)

This targets the muscles along the inside of the leg, improving flexibility and preventing tightness.

Steps:

  1. With the leg in a bent position, gently move the knee away from the body (outward).
  2. Keep your hand under the leg for full support.
  3. Hold the stretch for 10–15 seconds, then slowly return to neutral.

Repeat 2–4 times, ensuring your dog stays relaxed.

Tip: Belly scratches and calm praise help your dog relax during this stretch. Plenty of treats can also help!

Toe Stretching

To maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness in the toes—especially important if your dog isn’t walking much yet.

Steps:

  1. Ensure your dog is lying down and fully relaxed.
  2. Gently hold the paw with one hand, and use your other hand to:
    1. Gently flex and extend each toe one at a time (3–4 times each), or
    2. Gently stretch all toes together by pressing them forward and backward

Do this once per session, using only gentle pressure.

If Resistance is Felt:

  • Only move the limb as far as your dog is comfortable.
  • Never force the leg into a position—it may cause pain or damage.
  • Some mild stiffness is normal, but stop if your dog pulls away, cries, or stiffens up.

Encouragement Goes a Long Way

  • Praise your dog gently throughout the session.
  • Short sessions done regularly are more effective than long, occasional ones.
  • Combine PROM with massage therapy to help muscles relax and increase comfort.

Ice Pack Therapy

Why?
Reduces pain, swelling, and inflammation, especially important in the early stages of recovery.

How to Apply:

  1. Wrap the ice pack in a towel. Never place directly on the skin to prevent frostbite or additional injury.
  2. Apply to the surgical site for 10–20 minutes per session.
  3. Monitor your dog during application. Never leave them unattended.

When to Stop:
Discontinue ice if your dog shows discomfort or if swelling has fully resolved. Contact your vet if you notice:

  • Excessive swelling or heat
  • Discharge or odour
  • Increased lameness or pain

Final Notes:

  • Consistency is key. Perform all exercises slowly and only to your dog’s comfort level.
  • Never hesitate to contact us with concerns or if your dog’s recovery seems delayed.

Massage Therapy After Surgery

Why massage?
Massage is a gentle and effective way to:

  • Improve blood flow
  • Reduce swelling and muscle tightness
  • Prevent scar tissue from building up in muscles
  • Help your dog relax and feel more comfortable

When to massage:
Massage is best performed after passive range-of-motion (PROM) exercises, up to 3 times a day for about 5 minutes per session.

Step-by-Step: How to Massage Your Dog

  1. Choose a quiet space: Find a calm area where your dog feels safe and relaxed. Soft music or gentle petting can help them settle.
  2. Start slowly: Begin with light stroking along the surgical leg to get your dog used to being touched.
  3. Use gentle pressure: You don’t need to press hard. Use light to moderate pressure with your fingertips or flat hand. If your dog flinches or pulls away, you’re pressing too hard.
  4. Focus on key muscle areas:
    1. Front of the thigh (quadriceps)
    2. Back of the thigh (hamstrings)
    3. Top of the hip (gluteal muscles)
  5. Move your hand in slow, gentle strokes along the muscle, from the knee up toward the hip.
  6. Types of massage movements:
    1. Effleurage (stroking): Light gliding strokes in the direction of the fur
    2. Petrissage (kneading): Gentle circular kneading with fingertips on larger muscle groups
    3. Compression (press & release): Light pressure using your palm, then lifting off
  7. Watch your dog’s response:
    1. If they relax, sigh, or lean into you, you’re doing it right.
    2. If they tense up, look back at you, or try to move away, take a break or reduce pressure.

Safety Tips:

  • Always massage around, not directly over, the incision site.
  • Stop immediately if your dog shows signs of pain or discomfort.
  • Never massage areas that feel hot, swollen, or inflamed unless your vet has advised you to do so.
  • Avoid deep pressure, especially in the first few weeks.

Pro tip: Regularly massaging your dog not only helps their recovery but also builds trust and strengthens your bond.

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