Cruciate Ligament Surgery for Dogs (ACL Surgery) & Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

After cruciate ligament surgery (ACL repair), rehabilitation plays a critical role in helping dogs recover safely and regain normal movement.Research shows that dogs can lose 30–40% of muscle mass in the operated leg within the first few weeks after cruciate surgery. This loss of strength can slow recovery and may lead to compensation injuries in the opposite leg or other joints. For this reason, rehabilitation is recommended to begin around two weeks after surgery.

Dog not using its leg properly after surgery?This is one of the most common concerns we hear from dog owners. While some protection of the limb is expected in the early stages of healing, reduced use of the leg can quickly lead to muscle loss, joint stiffness, and delayed recovery if rehabilitation is not started early.Importantly, not using the leg straight away does not always mean something has gone wrong. Many dogs simply protect the limb out of habit or because they are unsure how to use it safely again. The goal of rehabilitation is to guide your dog back to using the leg correctly, rebuilding strength and restoring normal movement patterns. Early rehabilitation can help to:• Reduce muscle loss after surgery• Improve joint flexibility and mobility• Restore normal walking patterns• Reduce strain on the opposite leg• Support better long-term surgical outcomes

During your dog’s initial rehabilitation assessment, our practitioner performs a detailed hands-on evaluation to understand how your dog is recovering. This includes assessing:

Weight bearing and limb use
Muscle strength and muscle loss
Joint mobility and range of motion
Pain or inflammation
Walking pattern and overall gait

Dogs can lose 30–40%

of muscle mass within

weeks after

cruciate surgery.

Rehabilitation should

begin 2 weeks

post-surgery.

Treatments included in the cost of the initial consultation

Laser therapy – to help reduce pain and inflammation
Manual therapy and joint mobilisation – to improve flexibility and joint movement
A personalised home exercise program – to continue strengthening and recovery at home

Supporting your dog’s recovery at home

At the end of your visit, our Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner will create a personalised home exercise program for you to do with your dog. The program is delivered through our rehabilitation app, which you can download to your phone.
Each exercise includes simple step-by-step videos, so you don’t need to remember everything from the consultation. We will demonstrate the exercises during your appointment, and you can refer to the videos at home to ensure they are being performed correctly and safely.

Cruciate Surgery & Rehabilitation under one roof

At The Vet Lounge, we provide cruciate surgery and rehabilitation in one place. Our team includes a veterinarian with advanced training in orthopaedic surgery, allowing us to support your dog’s treatment and recovery from start to finish.
Dogs that have cruciate ligament surgery with us, receive a complimentary 1-hour rehabilitation consultation and first treatment with our Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner, scheduled approximately two weeks after surgery.

Your dog will also receive laser therapy immediately after surgery, during recovery, to help reduce pain and support wound healing.

Can I access rehab services if I’m not a Vet Lounge client?

Absolutely! You are very welcome to use our rehabilitation services, even if your dog’s surgery was performed elsewhere. We regularly work alongside other veterinarians, or specialist surgeons, to support recovery after TPLO, TTA, and other cruciate repair surgeries. Please visit our Prices page for consultation fees.

Our aim is to help your dog move confidently again, rebuild strength, and enjoy an active, pain-free life.