What I Learned About Dog Joint Care at the Securos TPLO Course with Stuart

It was an incredible experience, learning from two amazing tutors, Duncan Midgley—who has performed over 6,000 TPLO surgeries—and Kinley Smith, a Scottish orthopedic specialist. Their knowledge and expertise were truly inspiring, and I’m excited to share some practical tips with you!

 

The focus of the course was on cruciate ligament injuries in dogs, one of the most common joint problems we see. Whether your dog is super active or more of a couch potato, it’s important to understand how to keep their joints healthy. Here are some of the key takeaways from the course that can help you support your furry friend.

 

A common question we get is how much exercise puppies should have. The good news? You don’t need to overthink it! There’s no evidence that limiting exercise prevents joint issues. In fact, dogs that grow up with plenty of outdoor space, like Norwegian farm dogs, tend to have fewer orthopedic problems. The key is to allow your puppy to play and explore at their own pace, avoiding repetitive, high-impact activities like constant ball throwing.

 

If you’re planning agility training or similar activities, it’s best to wait until your dog is at least two years old. This gives their joints plenty of time to grow and strengthen.

 

Not all joint issues are obvious, so here are a few signs to watch out for:

Limping or difficulty getting up: This can be an early sign of a cruciate ligament problem.

Swelling or a firm feeling on the inside of the knee: This is often linked to joint damage.

Behavioral changes: Your dog may seem less enthusiastic about walks or playtime if they’re in pain.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s worth booking an appointment with us. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a huge difference in your dog’s comfort and mobility.

 

For dogs that do need surgery, like TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy), recovery is a team effort. Here are some tips for helping your dog heal at home:

Cold therapy: Applying an ice pack to the surgical area for 10 minutes, three times a day, during the first couple of days can help reduce swelling.

Gradual exercise: While your dog should rest initially, short, controlled walks are important for building strength as they recover.

Follow-up care: Physiotherapy can be a helpful part of recovery, but it’s important to work with a qualified professional.

 

While some dogs are naturally more prone to joint issues, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:

Keep your dog at a healthy weight. Extra pounds put extra strain on their joints.

Avoid repetitive, high-impact activities like constant ball throwing or jumping from heights.

Make sure your dog has regular check-ups so we can spot any potential issues early.

 

At Westport Vets, your pet’s health and happiness are at the heart of everything we do. Attending the Securos TPLO course has given us even more tools and insights to provide top-quality care for dogs with joint problems. Whether it’s advice on prevention, treatment, or recovery, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

 

If you have any questions about your dog’s joints or are worried about their mobility, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re always happy to help!

 

Contact Westport Vets today to learn more or to book an appointment.