Post-op instructions (TPLO/LFS/MPL)

FHO is a surgical procedure in which the head and neck of the femur is removed. The procedure is indicated in animals with a hip luxation/dislocation, femoral head or neck fracture, femoral head necrosis, pelvic fracture, and hip dysplasia/arthritis. The hip is a ball and socket joint, in which the round femoral head articulates with the cup/socket of the pelvis. Trauma or disease of the joint can lead to pain and impaired use of the limb. Removal of the femoral head (ball) eliminates bone rubbing on bone within the joint and relieves pain. The limb function returns with post-operative rehabilitation as the soft tissues around the hip region strengthen and a ‘false joint’ is formed.

Post-operative instructions

  • In the first 2 weeks following FHO, activity restriction should be moderately
    restricted while the incision is healing.

     

    • Running, jumping, playing is not recommended, but frequent slow walks are recommended to encourage use of the operated limb.
    • Walk your pet at a speed that encourages limb use (sometimes only a few steps a minute). It typically takes a week for the patient to start regularly placing the leg down.
    • Range of motion exercises in which you move the limb in a bicycle motion, or in which you flex and extend each joint of the limb, are recommended. These can be performed with your pet lying down or in a standing position. There are many videos online showing range of motion exercises in dogs.
  • Complications are rare following FHO; the most common is seroma. This is a benign fluid build-up under the incision that can occur with too much activity. Infection is also possible and usually occurs if the pet is allowed to lick the incision.
  • After sutures are removed, rehabilitation exercises can be intensified. Slow leash walks should be continued as previously described and the distance can be extended as your pet improves weight bearing. Any exercises which encourage weight bearing on the leg (stairs, obstacles) help to build muscle in the operated limb.
  • 6 weeks following surgery, make an appointment with your veterinarian to assess progress.
  • Consultation with a rehabilitation specialist is recommended following surgery and can be performed before or after suture removal.

Georgia Veterinary Rehabilitation (678) 803-2626
Atlanta Animal Rehab and Fitness (770) 594-2688
The Pawstand (470) 767-8441

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my pet use the stairs?

Yes, as long as you are with them with a hand on the collar to prevent running up and down.

Will my pet tear the CCL in the other knee?

There is a 50% chance of tearing the CCL on the other side. This can happen days or years after the injury occurs in the first leg. Because CCL tears in dogs occur as a degenerative process (as opposed to an acute, traumatic injury in people), there is no known prevention. Keeping your pet at a healthy weight is always beneficial in animals who have had a CCL tear.

Can dogs and cats get meniscal tears?

Yes they can, typically secondary to a CCL tear. If a meniscal tear is present at the time of surgery, the torn part of the meniscus is removed. Late meniscal tears (tears that occur after a TPLO) can occur in < 5% of cases. 

What complications can occur?

With adherence to the discharge instructions, complications are not common. Infection is the most common complication with TPLO and other orthopedic surgeries. Major complications such as failure to heal, bone fracture, implant failure, late meniscal tear, persistent lameness are uncommon. Patellar tendonitis (inflammation of the patellar tendon) can occur during the recovery process and typically resolves with rest, icing, and anti-inflammatory medication. 

When can I bathe my pet after surgery?

Once the sutures are removed, as long as they are fairly tolerant of bathing and not likely to slip or fall or get overly anxious. 

What else can I do to maintain my dog’s joint health?

Besides weight management, there are several things such as a prescription joint diet with omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine chondroitin, Adequan injections, and ongoing rehabilitation. 

Will my pet need to be under general anesthesia and what risk is associated with that?
Yes your pet will require general anesthesia for most surgical procedures. The risk associated
with general anesthesia is very low, but can never completely be eliminated in either people or
animals.
We use great care when anesthetizing your pet. We used a balanced anesthetic protocol with
the same drugs that are used in people. One person is dedicated to monitoring anesthesia
(taking vitals signs at least every 5 minutes) at all times. Pulse oximetry, blood pressure, carbon
dioxide monitoring, electrocardiography (EKG) are continuously monitored from the start of
anesthesia to the recovery period.