TTA Recovery Timeline: What to Expect

If your dog has a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), you may be considering Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) surgery as a treatment option. Knowing what the TTA surgery recovery timeline looks like can help you provide the best care for your fur baby. Let’s take a look at what you can expect post-surgery and how you can help aid your four-legged best friend through the healing process. 

TTA Surgery Recovery Timeline

What does the TTA surgery recovery timeline look like? Here’s what to expect:

Immediately after TTA Surgery

After TTA surgery, your dog may be hospitalized for one or two nights to help monitor their health and make sure they’re steady enough to go home for the remainder of their recovery. Your dog may be groggy and spend most of their first day back home sleeping, which is completely normal. 

Weeks 1-2 After TTA Surgery 

The initial weeks following TTA surgery are critical for your dog's recovery. During this period, strict rest and confinement are essential to allow the surgical site to heal properly. Your dog will likely be prescribed pain medication to manage discomfort and inflammation. Your vet may recommend cold compresses or other modalities to help manage any swelling. You should closely monitor your dog for signs of infection, such as excessive swelling, redness, or discharge.

Short, controlled leash walks may be introduced gradually to prevent muscle atrophy and promote joint mobility. 

Weeks 3-6 After TTA Surgery: Gradual Increase in Activity

During the next few weeks, your vet may give you the green light to start gradually increasing your dog’s activity. Controlled leash walks can be extended, and light exercises may be introduced to rebuild muscle strength. However, you must avoid high-impact activities or strenuous exercises during this period in the TTA surgery recovery timeline. 

Regular follow-up appointments with the veterinarian are essential to assess the dog's progress and make any necessary adjustments to the recovery plan. X-rays may be taken to evaluate the healing process and ensure that the implant is in the correct position.

Weeks 6-12 After TTA Surgery: Strengthening Exercises and Rehabilitation

Around the sixth week, many dogs can start engaging in more strenuous TTA rehabilitation exercises. This may include activities like swimming, which provides a low-impact yet effective way to strengthen muscles and improve joint flexibility. Your vet may recommend physical therapy sessions or exercises tailored to your dog's specific needs.

You should continue monitoring for any signs of lameness, swelling, or discomfort. If you have any concerns, call your vet immediately. 

Months Three to Six Post TTA Surgery: Continued Monitoring and Adjustments

During months three to six, the focus shifts to maintaining and further improving your dog's strength and mobility. Follow-up appointments with your vet may continue to assess the long-term success of the surgery.

As the dog's confidence and strength improve, more challenging exercises may be introduced. It is essential to strike a balance between encouraging physical activity and avoiding excessive strain on the surgically repaired leg.

Beyond Six Months: Long-Term Management After TTA Surgery 

While many dogs significantly improve within the first six months, long-term management is essential for preventing future injuries and maintaining overall joint health. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and exercise is crucial, as excess weight can contribute to joint stress.

High-impact activities and strenuous exercises should be approached with caution. You should always watch for any signs of lameness or discomfort and seek veterinary advice promptly if any concerns arise.

Post-Operative Care for TTA Surgery

Postoperative care for TTA surgery is crucial for the successful recovery of your fur baby. Here are some of the steps you can take to ensure your four-legged family member makes a speedy recovery post-surgery:

Confinement and Rest

We understand how difficult it can be to make your rambunctious furry friend stay still, but ensuring they’re getting the rest they need will help get them back to romping around faster. After surgery, your dog should be kept in a quiet and comfortable environment to minimize movement. We recommend using a crate or a pen to create a comfortable doggy sanctuary where they can rest. This will help prevent jumping, running, and excessive stress to allow the knee to heal. 

Preventing Complications

Prevent your dog from licking or chewing the incision site. The use of an Elizabethan collar may be recommended to prevent them from messing with their stitches or incision site.

Make sure to call your vet if your dog begins to display unusual behavior or signs of pain, or if you notice any swelling around the treated knee. 

Pain Management

Your veterinarian will prescribe pain medications to manage postoperative pain and discomfort. It’s important that your dog take their medications as directed no matter how much they protest to help prevent infection. 

Wound Care

Keep a close eye on the incision site for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge. Follow your veterinarian's instructions regarding wound care, which may include routinely cleaning the incision site with a mild antiseptic solution.

Diet and Nutrition

Make sure they take their vitamins! Adding nutritional supplements to promote joint health can help keep your fur baby strong and healthy as they age.

TTA Rehabilitation Exercises 

It’s hard being a strict dog parent, but limiting activities like running and jumping during the TTA recovery process will help get them back on track faster, Initially, only short, controlled leash walks are allowed. Over time, you’ll be able to gradually increase the duration of the walks based on your vet's recommendations.

Long-Term Management

Rehabilitation after TTA surgery involves long-term care that extends well past the recovery period. Long-term joint care includes:

• Keeping your dog at a healthy weight to reduce stress on their joints. 

• Introducing joint supplements and a balanced diet to help maintain joint health. 

• Avoiding activities that could put excessive strain on the surgically treated leg, like excess jumping. 

TTA prognosis and long-term outcomes

While TTA outcomes can vary depending on the case, the prognosis is typically good with 90% of dogs making a full recovery. The success of the surgery will depend on various factors, including how well post-operative care instructions are followed. 

Booking a TTA Surgery Appointment 

If you’re ready to get your furry friend the treatment they need, contact MexiVet Express. We work with vets who are highly-experienced in TTA surgery and can provide your dog with the treatment they need at affordable rates compared to U.S. prices. We can provide you with a quote, connect you to our vets, and give your fur baby a ride to Baja. Get started today!