I'm really hoping someone here can offer some guidance. My 5-year-old Labrador, Benny, had TPLO surgery about two months ago. Initially, everything seemed to be going well, and he was recovering as expected. But recently, I've noticed he's starting to limp more and seems to be losing weight. He's always been our bouncy ball of energy, so seeing him like this is breaking my heart. We’ve been sticking strictly to the vet’s post-op instructions and keeping his movement restricted, but I'm worried I might be missing something. He's eating, but not with his usual gusto. Has anyone here experienced something similar with their dog? Could this be a normal part of recovery, or should I be concerned there’s something more going on? Any advice or similar experiences would be really appreciated.
Hello there,
I’m so sorry to hear that your dog is having trouble. After a TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) surgery, it’s not uncommon for dogs to experience some lameness as they recover. However, pairing it with noticeable weight loss can be a bit concerning, and I'm glad you're reaching out.
The lameness could be due to normal post-surgical inflammation or soreness. It’s essential to monitor your dog’s activity level and ensure they’re not overexerting themselves, as this might prolong recovery. Limit their movements, and make sure they have a comfortable and supportive place to rest.
Weight loss post-surgery can stem from several factors, including reduced appetite, stress, or increased energy used in healing. Offering smaller, more frequent meals and ensuring they have a nutrient-rich diet can be helpful. Warming up the food slightly can make it more appealing and might encourage eating.
Keep an eye out for signs such as severe swelling, redness around the surgical site, increased limping or whining, loss of appetite that persists, or any drastic changes in behavior. These could indicate complications like infection or improper healing.
Since these symptoms can be worrisome, I recommend scheduling a video consult with one of our Dial A Vet professionals to ensure everything is on the right track. We're here to help you and your pup feel better!
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