Your veterinarian has just delivered the news: your dog needs TPLO surgery (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) for a torn cruciate ligament.
You likely have questions:
How do I prepare my home for post-surgery care?
What supplies will I need?
How can I mentally prepare myself and my dog?
What should I expect in those crucial first days?
The decisions you make BEFORE surgery can make recovery smoother, safer, and less stressful for both of you.
If you're reading this, you've likely been told your dog has torn their cruciate ligament (similar to an ACL tear in humans). This news can be overwhelming, but you're not alone.
Over 1.2 million dogs undergo TPLO surgery each year in North America.
Many dog owners feel unprepared for the challenges of post-surgery care. That's why we've created this comprehensive preparation guide.
Most dogs feel BETTER immediately after surgery once the damaged ligament has been addressed.
Your dog will think "My leg feels great now — I can run and play again!"
Without proper preparation, this improved feeling can lead to complications, failed surgeries, and expensive revisions.
A comprehensive preparation system developed by Tania Costa, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner, to help you:
Create a recovery-friendly home environment
Gather all necessary supplies before they're needed
Prepare mentally for the recovery journey
Prevent common post-surgery complications
See exactly how to set up recovery spaces, manage bathroom breaks, and prevent complications
Complete supply lists, home
preparation guides, and recovery
milestone trackers
Room-by-room evaluation to
identify and address
potential hazards
Systems to ensure proper administration and tracking
Keep your dog engaged while physically restricted
Adapt your schedule for optimal recovery support
This guide is created by Tania Costa, a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner with extensive experience helping dogs recover from orthopedic surgeries.
Animal Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP)
Veterinary Technician (VT)
Certified in Canine Rehabilitation
Certified in Animal Acupressure (CAAP)
Certified in Veterinary Pain Management (CVPM)
Canine Massage Therapist (CMT)
Veterinary Cannabis Counsellor (VCC)
Canine Advanced Manual Therapy (through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association)
Advanced Training in: Myofascial Release, Osteopathy, and Cranial Sacral Techniques
TPLO PREPARING FOR SURGERY GUIDE
Comprehensive video demonstrations
Downloadable preparation checklists
Home assessment guide
Medication tracking system
Immediate digital access
Ideally, at least 1-2 weeks before your scheduled surgery date. This gives you time to gather supplies and prepare your home, but the guide is valuable even if surgery is just days away.
No. This guide complements your veterinarian's medical instructions with practical preparation advice they may not have time to cover in detail.
Yes! While some details are TPLO-specific, the home preparation, supply checklists, and recovery space setup apply to most orthopedic surgeries.
Absolutely. The guide is fully mobile-responsive and can be accessed on any device with internet access.
The time between diagnosis and surgery is your opportunity to set the stage for a successful recovery.
Email: [email protected]
Site: www.caninewellness.com