While many guardians give their companions joint supplements before surgery is necessary, it is typical for some veterinary care teams to suggest adding them to your routine after TPLO surgery for dogs.
Does your companion have healthy joints? Ligaments, tendons, menisci, and other essential body parts make up our joints, and the same is true for canines. Keeping joints healthy can significantly impact one’s health, both in terms of orthopedics and other areas. While many guardians choose to give their companions joint supplements before surgery is necessary, it is typical for the veterinary care team to suggest adding them to your routine after TPLO surgery for dogs.
The Importance of Joint Health Before TPLO Surgery for Dogs
Joint health is essential for keeping your companion healthy, happy, and pain-free. Many parts of joints can degrade or become worn over time, leading to things like torn ligaments, ruptured menisci, and arthritis. When your companion experiences pain when walking, jumping, or using the stairs, they can begin to avoid exercise and activity. In turn, this can lead to weight problems and vulnerability to a variety of harmful conditions. Protecting your companion’s joints is not only an investment in their health, but in their happiness and future as well.
Ligament, Tendon, and Meniscus Issues
Over time, your companion’s joints will likely start to show signs of wear and tear. Sudden lameness, avoidance of stairs and exercise, and signs of pain can indicate an orthopedic problem. Ligaments, tendons, and menisci can all tear or rupture, causing significant pain and mobility problems. One common orthopedic problem is a cranial cruciate ligament rupture. This painful condition is often treated using TPLO surgery for dogs.
Will Starting Supplements After TPLO Surgery for Dogs Help?
If your companion is set to undergo TPLO surgery, you may be wondering whether or not it is worth it to start using joint supplements. While their findings are preliminary, Martini et al. (2017) noted an early improvement in canine patients who combined a joint supplement with TPLO surgery. This study, published in the International Journal of Veterinary Science & Medicine, explored the use of a supplement containing chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, N-palmitoyl-D-glucosamine, and other compounds for ninety days following TPLO surgery. You should ask your veterinary care team before starting your companion on any medications or supplements, particularly if they are already taking other medications. Whether you are looking to prevent joint issues or facilitate recovery after the fact, consider asking your companion’s veterinarian about starting joint supplements.
Trust Maryland Veterinary Surgical Services With Your Companion’s Health
Your companion’s health is important, and the team at MVSS is ready to provide the best care possible for your furry family. We are dedicated to combining comprehensive exams and assessments with informative and honest discussions of your companion’s care. Once we have worked with you to decide on the best course of action for your dog, our professionals will use their surgical expertise to work towards the goal of giving your companion an active and pain-free life. We are proud to serve loyal companions in Catonsville and Baltimore. To learn more about our services, give us a call at 410-788-4088 or visit us online. For more information and tips for pet health, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.