Recovery timelines after orthopaedic surgery

Overview

Recovery timelines after orthopaedic surgery is about recovery and rehabilitation after injury, surgery, or a period of restricted activity. Good recovery is usually gradual, structured, and guided by your vet or physiotherapist.

This guide is written to help you spot useful patterns, support your dog safely at home, and decide when a vet should be involved.

Signs to watch for

Recovery concerns include pain, swelling, reluctance to use a limb, low energy, overexcitement during rest, muscle loss, or slower progress than expected.

What you can do at home

Follow the recovery plan closely. Too much activity too soon can delay healing, while too little guided movement can affect strength and confidence.

1. Stick to your vet's exercise, rest, and medication instructions.
2. Use non-slip flooring, ramps, harnesses, or sling support where advised.
3. Increase activity gradually rather than jumping back to normal walks.
4. Ask before adding massage, hydrotherapy, stretches, or home exercises.

When to call a vet

Contact your vet if pain increases, swelling appears, your dog stops using a limb, the wound changes, or recovery suddenly goes backwards.