Ask Dr. Sanderlin
Dear Dr. Sanderlin,
I have a 5 yr old lab-retriever named Murphy, who had surgery 2 weeks ago to
repair a torn ACL of the R hind leg- I have removed the dressings -as suggested
2 weeks following surgery. Murphy has been reluctant to weight bear on the R
hind leg since removal of the dressing- I am not sure how to help with his rehab
and recovery. He is about 83 lbs and continues on a calorie reduction diet of
dried food- Nutro- Senior with Glucosamine and Chondriotin.
I have looked at some of the articles and supplements recommended and wonder
what combination would be of most benefit.
On x-ray pre-surgery there was also the beginning of some hip degeneration.
Would you suggest water therapy, acupuncture, massage or chiropractic treatment
and how soon and often. I can imagine that as with humans, rehab. is a continual
process of recovery - don't want to do too much too soon, but could use some
suggestions on a rehab/recovery plan.
The vet who did the surgery only suggested Cartophen shots once a week for 3
weeks post surgery.
Thanks you for your assistance.
Sincerely, Debby
Hi Debby,
I hope that this message finds both you and Murphy are doing well after his knee
surgery. It is not unusual for Murphy to be reluctant to use his leg immediately
after surgery. There are many factors that contribute to the postoperative
period and healing process after orthopedic surgery. These include age,
size/weight, pain tolerance, time, and how much damage occurred to require
surgical repair in the first place. Most dogs that require cruciate ligament
repair by either TPLO or extra capsular procedures heal faster and more
completely when physical therapy is instituted within the first 2-3 weeks
postoperatively. Also, pain and inflammation must be controlled and it is
essential that proper nutrition and joint supplements are provided to allow
optimal healing to occur.
I would recommend that Murphy receive a quality fatty acid supplement like
Vetri Science Omega 3, 6, 9. Also, natural anti inflammatory products such
as
Dog Gone Pain and
Solid Gold MSM are important to give, and finally, it is essential to
provide a joint supplements like
Glyco Flex and
Only Nautral Pet Lubriease to provide building blocks for healing cartilage,
joint fluid, and connective tissue. These supplements, along with losing any
excess weight, would also benefit the abnormalities noted on his hip
radiographs.
I would strongly advise finding a certified physical therapist with expertise in
canine rehabilitation if available in your area. They can provide important
modalities such as hydro therapy, which includes swimming, underwater
treadmills, along with massage therapy , and they can also design a program of
exercises that can be done at home. Acupuncture may also be helpful to improve
pain and promote healing of the injury.
A recheck examination and evaluation of how Murphy is healing should be
performed by his surgeon or a veterinarian that has expertise in orthopedics.
Make sure that your questions and concerns about Murphy’s rehabilitation are
acknowledged and answered by your local veterinary practitioners.
Sincerely,
Steven M. Sanderlin D.V.M.