Post-Op TTA Rehab

[therehabnook]

I am seeing my first post-op TTA rehab patient this week. I imagine that I will be seeing more since a local veterinarian recently became certified. In speaking with a veterinarian that is very familiar with the TTA procedure, it sounds as though the tibial tuberosity is at high risk for displacement for 8 weeks following the procedure. Is 2 weeks post-op too soon to start UWTM? Any therapeutic exercises that are beneficial or that should be avoided?

[lehughes]

I'm hoping that others will reply. But I have always taught that rehab can be very similar / the same as for TPLO. So I think that your plan of using the UWTM at 2 weeks would be fine. Slow and steady!

Laurie

[edleston]

I rehab these a lot and tend to find the have better ROM sooner than TPLO and often feel better sooner so making sure the owner keeps the relevant restrictions up is important. They are at risk of micro-fractures and even fracture / parting of bone at the delicate join ventrally on the tibia and I think slippy floors are a high risk for this. So I really encourage owners to buy rubber backed mats for any areas the dog accessing and especially the walkway to the garden for when they are taken for ablutions.
But apart from that risk I rehab them same as TPLO just assessing each dog on the day. Focusing on using the limb ASAP in a controlled manner alongside proprioception and quality of movement initially. Then onto basic strengthening. Then I always do 'uncontrolled movements' on the lead before allowing dog to do offlead work so for example , short runs and stops and quick turns and darting side to side for a few weeks before this becomes the activity the dog does off lead.

Hope this helps
Good luck

[lehughes]

Awesome pointing out of the nuances Nycky! Thank you for chiming in!