Companion Animals

Dog Mobility Rehabilitation After Orthopaedic Surgery

Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy following orthopaedic surgery significantly improve recovery quality and long-term function in dogs.

Key Facts

Cruciate ligament repair is one of the most common orthopaedic procedures in dogs
Post-surgical physiotherapy reduces pain, prevents muscle atrophy, and speeds return to function
Hydrotherapy pools and underwater treadmills allow exercise before full weight-bearing
Proprioceptive exercises restore normal movement patterns after surgery
Referral to a qualified veterinary physiotherapist improves surgical outcomes significantly

Welfare Considerations

Post-surgical rehabilitation is a welfare imperative that is often overlooked by owners. Dogs that do not receive appropriate physiotherapy recover more slowly, develop muscle atrophy, and have worse long-term outcomes. The investment in professional rehabilitation pays dividends in restored quality of life.

What You Can Do

Seek veterinary physiotherapy referral following major orthopaedic surgery
Follow rehabilitation exercise programmes diligently during recovery
Choose surgeons who provide post-operative physiotherapy guidance as standard