Surgery & Orthopaedic Recovery

Recovery time depends on the procedure. Soft tissue surgeries like spay and neuter typically require 10 to 14 days of restricted activity. Orthopaedic procedures such as TPLO (ACL repair) usually require 8 to 12 weeks of restricted movement, with full recovery taking up to 6 months. Always follow your vet's specific post-op plan rather than general timelines.

No. Restricted activity is one of the most critical parts of post-surgery recovery. Running, jumping, and rough play can tear sutures, displace surgical implants, or cause serious complications. Most vets recommend leash-only walks for the first 6 to 8 weeks after orthopaedic surgery, followed by a very gradual return to normal activity.

The most effective options are a recovery suit, which physically covers the incision site, or a traditional e-collar. Recovery suits are generally better tolerated as they allow normal movement and cause far less anxiety than rigid cones. Check the incision twice daily and contact your vet immediately if you notice redness, swelling, heat, or discharge.

Short, controlled toilet breaks on a lead are usually permitted from day one. Longer walks are typically reintroduced very gradually from week 2 onward, depending on the procedure. Avoid wet grass and muddy ground near the incision site during the first two weeks to reduce the risk of contamination and infection.

Watch for excessive swelling, heat, or redness around the incision, yellow or green discharge, a bad smell from the wound, lethargy, shivering, loss of appetite beyond 48 hours, or sutures that appear to have opened or been pulled apart. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of these signs — early intervention prevents minor complications from becoming serious ones.