How long does it take a dog to walk after back surgery?
Felipe Hoeger
2025-06-24 20:10:02
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: 10
Other studies have shown that 90% of dogs were able to walk at between 10 and 13 days after surgery. However, the dogs able to walk after 10 days had all been able to walk prior to surgery. The average time to walk was 12.9 days and was significantly shorter if dogs had postoperative voluntary motor function, which was 7.9 days. Davies & Brown 2002 reported 96% of dogs in their study were able to walk within 3 months. A small study in 2019 showed a median recovery time of 44 days. All dogs recovered to full ambulation within a median of 44 days without temporary deterioration or vertebral instability. In one study, the average recovery time was 16 days and dogs spent an average of 40 days in formal physical rehabilitation.
Odell Jenkins
2025-06-19 07:09:07
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: 5
After spinal surgery, it is important to keep your pet as still as possible for at least three weeks. This requires confining them to a crate, airline carrier or playpen. After three weeks, exercise can gradually be increased. However, your pet should only exercise on the lead for another three weeks. Your pet’s ability to move and walk should improve daily/weekly. Some animals will take several weeks or even months to recover.
Remove your pet very gently from the crate/ cage three times a day and take them outside for toileting. You may have to support your pet by putting your arm under them or creating a sling out of a towel. Be patient and careful during this process.
Please, avoid jumping, running and access to sofas/ chairs or high beds for at least eight weeks. Our most common post-operative activity recommendation is: Crate/ cage confinement for three weeks Room confinement for two weeks House rest confinement for two weeks.
Rahsaan Klocko
2025-06-10 12:37:29
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: 11
A dog that’s paralyzed by a slipped disc, but recovers will typically be able to walk on his own within two weeks, though he’ll probably still wobble. When taking your pet for a bathroom break, keep her on a leash and support her back end. Let the paws touch the ground when walking, sending a signal to the brain that she needs to move her legs, but don’t let her fall. You can order products online to support her back end, such as a Help ‘Em Up Harness or GingerLead sling, and your neurology team can help you choose one. Always walk your pet on a leash and/or harness, even in a fenced yard, because a dog risks re-injury by bolting toward a squirrel or a neighbor. Provide a comfortable area where your dog can relax for four weeks. Try to keep your dog in an area with a non-slick floor about three times his length by three times his length. Give him enough room to move around, get a drink, then settle back down in his bedding. Don’t let him wander from room to room, run, jump or roughhouse. Based on your dog’s level of function, range-of-motion exercises, massage, cold and warm compresses, and standing/sitting exercises will be demonstrated to you.
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