6 weeks
of strict confinement after IVDD surgery or conservative treatment
CRUCIATE TPLO RECOVERY
Six weeks of strict rest after TPLO. Here's how big dogs actually cope.
Cruciate ligament rupture is the most common orthopaedic surgery in dogs - and the hardest part isn't the operation, it's the six weeks of confinement that follow. The medidog grande pram takes dogs up to 50 kg, with a ramp so your recovering dog never has to jump.
Why confinement makes or breaks a TPLO result
The bone is healing, not just the ligament
TPLO cut and re-angle the tibia. Until x-rays confirm healing at 6-8 weeks, jumping or running risks implant failure - and revision surgery.
Big dogs, big boredom
Labs, staffies and shepherds don't do still. Restlessness in a crate leads to escape attempts and re-injury. Mental stimulation without physical load is the goal.
Roll, don't walk
The grande pram's wide rear entry and ramp mean zero jumping. Your dog joins the school run, the cafe trip, and the family beach walk - with the operated leg doing none of the work.
What recovery typically looks like
General guide only - always follow your own vet's aftercare plan. Medidog provides recovery equipment not veterinary advice.
1
Weeks I-II
Confinement except toilet breaks on lead. Pram outings keep spirits up while the incision heals.
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2
Weeks III-VI
Very short, slow lead walks may be introduced by your vet. The pram covers everything beyond five minutes.
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3
Weeks VI-VIII
Re-check x-rays. If the bone has healed, a gradual return to exercise begins - most dogs are near normal by 16 weeks.
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The right pram for this recovery
Most cruciate patients are larger breeds - the grande pram - up to 50kg, from $110 with an optional loading ramp. Free delivery to Perth metro vet clinics, cleaning included, extend anytime.
From a family who's been there
Erin GEddie Blue HeelerFrancine went above and beyond to quickly organise a pram for my quite large blue heeler following his TPLO surgery. The pram was great to get him out of his little recovery cage and out and about on the property that he was used to roaming.
Questions families ask us
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Yes - the grande is rated to 50kg with a steel frame and all terrain tyres. Tell us your dog's breed and dimensions at booking and we'll confirm fit.
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Add the loading ramp at booking. Combined with the
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Sadly common - cruciate disease is often bilateral. Many families do back-to-back surgeries; we offer extended hires and re-hire discounts for the second leg.