Hey Erica... you know, this is one topic that I've not done a protocol on.
But I would encourage you to simplify it. Really, you don't need a protocol for anything. You just need to break down what you are needing to do:
Acute Stage:
Pain management
Manage inflammation
Stimulate healing
Initiate easy painfree movement (low loads of normal stress through the affected structure)
What do you have to target these goals?
Modalities (i.e. laser, PEMF, U/S, E-stim...), ice, PROM (not to end range... stay within comfort), and/or simple weight shifting.
Sub-Acute Stage
Stimulate healing / Pain Management / Manage inflammation (as needed)
Light strengthening (Glutes, Quads, Hams, & maybe those around the lumbar spine as well - ie. epaxials & abdominals)
Proprioception
Normal use & Active ROM
What can you do to target these goals?
Easy exercise (3-leg stands, obstacles, backing up, sit to stands, figure of 8's, short walks, etc.), UWT, E-stim, modalities as needed, check spine or SIJ. Progress the difficulty of the exercises, when the dog shows to master them at an easier level (i.e. 3-leg stands, progressing to 3-leg stands, and wiggling the leg, to 3-leg stands on a wobbly surface, to diagonal leg stands... and so on...).
Glutes will be very important and they will shut down after the surgery (deep gluteal being cut through as well). So e-stim on the glutes with 3-leg standing to work on both strength and motor control and timing.
Work towards exercises that will get the dog using the leg in a bit more extension (eventually... not at the beginning of this stage) - i.e. front feet elevated and reaching up for a cookie.
Late Stage
Strengthen
Correct any gait abnormalities
What can you do here?
More advanced exercises - hills, small jumps, step ups, 3-leg squats (squat blocks - see the fun with cinderblocks video - #19), bandaging the legs to correct gait (if he/she continues with external rotation of the leg) - See video training 35.
Also check out late stage exercises from the Cruciate protocol and Medial Patellar Luxation protocol. Basically build that rear leg.
What do you avoid? Watch out for end range of motion flexion / extension / abduction & external rotation. Picture the joint in socket. How could it pop out of joint if ligaments weren't holding it tightly?
Okay... I hope this helps to guide you a bit!
Cheers,
Laurie