CRUCIATE STIFLE REHABILITATION PROGRAM TRIAL VERSION

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1 CRUCIATE STIFLE REHABILITATION PROGRAM TRIAL VERSION

2 CRUCIATE STIFLE REHABILITATION PROGRAM DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that these notes are guidelines and are not intended to over-ride personal observation and evaluation of your pet. If you are concerned at any time please contact your veterinarian. It is also important to understand that individual dogs will respond to pain differently. We advise the use of appropriate restraints such as harness s, leads and muzzles when applying rehabilitation techniques as some discomfort after surgery is often normal. All rights reserved, Copyright GO NATURAL VET GROUP 2011.

3 4 5 Cruciate Ligament Injury Introduction Cruciate Ligament Injury Important - Preparing the house These notes are designed to guide you through the post-surgical care of your pet following orthopaedic surgery for cruciate ligament injury. They can also be used by owners to facilitate rapid recovery to function for their pets after an acute injury that is being medically managed by their veterinarian. The rehabilitation principles outlined in this booklet are applicable to both surgical and nonsurgical patients. You will be guided through a simple rehabilitation program aimed at minimising your pet s recovery time and achieving the best possible outcome after injury. While we all want a rapid recovery, it is important to understand what to expect in the days, weeks and indeed months ahead. As with people, the road to recovery for dogs after a cruciate injury will vary depending on factors such as age, chronicity of the injury and most importantly your efforts during the rehabilitation period. You and the clinic staff have invested a lot of time, money and emotion into the diagnosis and repair of your dog s injury. How you manage your pet s recovery at home is crucial to the success, or otherwise, of the treatment. It is important your pet is confined to a small area or room for the first few days. For small pets this may be a modified play pen or dog crate while for larger pets consider using the laundry, bathroom or section of the garage. Provide non-slip flooring. This will prevent accidental falling which may cause the surgery and implants to fail. Surgical wounds need to be kept clean and dry at all times. Provide clean, padded bedding for your dog to lie on. Block off access to any stairs and under no circumstances allow your dog to jump. This is extremely important - so no jumping to greet, beg or play and no jumping onto or off beds /furniture. Ensure you are able to control your dog at all times. Use a comfortable harness and short lead when walking out to toilet. No off leash activity is allowed for the first week after coming home.

4 EXERCISE INSTRUCTIONS Cruciate Knee Rehabilitation Program Rest Enforce strict rest and confinement with slow walks on a short lead out to toilet only. No unsupervised playing with other dogs. Heat - 10 mins before starting your exercise regime Use a microwavable wheat pack at a temperature just warm to touch and slightly cooler than you would like yourself. Apply to the joint and hold. Ice - 10 mins after finishing your exercise regime Wrap an ice pack or small pack of frozen vegetables in a hand towel and wrap around the knee. Apply for 10 mins after exercise or if joint feels hot or swollen. Massage - 5 mins, 3 times daily Start with gently stroking from the top of the limb towards the foot to calm and relax your pet. Then, when relaxed, begin to lightly massage from the foot upwards. This is called effleurage and helps to reduce swelling and eliminate toxins. Balance Exercises - 2 mins, 3 times daily With your dog standing, gently rock or tap the hips from side to side. This will cause your pet to take weight on the opposite leg in order to correct it s balance. This exercise increases weight bearing and muscle strength. A wobble board can also be used after week six.

5 EXERCISE INSTRUCTIONS Cruciate Knee Rehabilitation Program

6 10 11 Week ONE Wound care and early rehabilitation Week TWO Increasing Rehabilitation Intensity The first week is about ensuring comfort and preparing your dog for more intensive rehabilitation when the post-surgery inflammation has reduced. It is normal to see some swelling and even bruising around the surgery site. This should not persist for more than 3 or 4 days. Be aware that some dogs may initially be reluctant to allow physical therapy. If this is your pet, be patient and try again at the next session. In some cases a support bandage may be applied to the limb. It is very important to follow care instructions given to you at discharge from the veterinary clinic. WEEK 1 WOUND CHECK MEDICATION MASSAGE BALANCE EXERCISE ICE Monday o oo ooo ooo o Tuesday o oo ooo ooo o Wednesday o oo ooo ooo o Thursday o oo ooo ooo o Friday o oo ooo ooo o Saturday o oo ooo ooo o Sunday o oo ooo ooo o WEEK 1 WOUND CHECK MEDICATION MASSAGE BALANCE EXERCISE ICE

7 12 13 Week THREE Increasing Rehabilitation Intensity Week FOUR Strengthening and Confidence

8 14 15 Week FIVE Strengthening and Confidence Week SIX Strengthening and Confidence

9 16 17 Week SEVEN ONWARDS Strengthening and Confidence POST OP REVISITS It is important your pet meets it s Post Op revisit

10 18 VETERINARIANS NOTES AND DETAILS Tailored specifically to your pets needs FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, to ask a question or provide feedback please visit

11 Cruciate DESIGNED KNEE BY VETERINARY SURGEONS REHABILITATION TO OPTIMISE YOUR PETS RECOVERY PROGRAM AFTER SURGERY OR INJURY