Rehabilitation after cruciate ligament surgery significantly improves recovery quality and long-term welfare outcomes for dogs following orthopaedic surgery.
Post-surgical rehabilitation transforms recovery quality for dogs following cruciate surgery. Without rehabilitation, muscle atrophy and altered movement patterns can impair long-term function. With structured physiotherapy and hydrotherapy, dogs achieve faster return to full function with better long-term joint health. The welfare benefit of rehabilitation extends beyond the recovery period - better muscle support reduces long-term arthritis progression.