Lesson 1Neurological screening relevant to hind limb function (reflexes, proprioception)This lesson reviews targeted neurological checks for dogs post-TPLO/CCL surgery, covering hind limb reflexes, proprioception tests, and how to interpret odd findings to tell apart joint pain from nerve issues that could change rehab plans.
Key neuroanatomy for pelvic limb assessmentPatellar, withdrawal, and cranial tibial reflexesPaw placement and hopping proprioceptive testsDifferentiating orthopedic pain from neurologic deficitsWhen to refer for advanced neurologic evaluationLesson 2Red flags and contraindications before therapy (infection, dehiscence, uncontrolled pain, fever, persistent drainage, severe lameness, neurological deficits)This lesson identifies key warning signs and reasons not to start rehab in post-op CCL dogs, like infections, wound opening, bad pain control, fever, ongoing discharge, heavy limping, or nerve problems, plus what to do next and who to refer to.
Systemic signs: fever, lethargy, and inappetenceIncision problems: dehiscence, drainage, infectionIndicators of uncontrolled or escalating painSevere lameness and new neurologic deficitsDecision trees for pausing therapy and referralLesson 3Palpation techniques: identifying pain, swelling, effusion, and surgical site issuesThis lesson teaches step-by-step feeling of the operated leg and nearby areas to spot pain, swelling, fluid build-up, warmth, and surgery-related problems, all while keeping the dog comfortable and safeguarding the fresh repairs.
Patient positioning and handler safetyPalpation of stifle joint capsule and effusionAssessing periarticular soft tissues and incisionsGrading pain responses and guarding behaviorsRecognizing signs of infection or implant problemsLesson 4Orthopedic special tests relevant after TPLO/CCL repair (stifle drawer, tibial thrust, meniscal signs)This lesson details special joint tests post-TPLO or CCL repair, like adjusted drawer test, tibial push, and meniscus checks, with tips on when to do them safely, how to perform, and what results mean in early recovery.
Indications and timing for post‑op special testsModified cranial drawer test techniqueTibial compression and tibial thrust assessmentMeniscal click, pain, and entrapment signsWhen testing is contraindicated or deferredLesson 5Behavioral and stress assessment: handling strategies and anxiety mitigationThis lesson covers spotting behaviour and stress in post-op CCL dogs, recognising fear, worry, and pain signs, and using calm handling, home changes, and owner tips to boost cooperation during rehab.
Reading canine stress and pain body languageLow‑stress handling and positioning optionsUse of rewards, breaks, and consent cuesEnvironmental modifications to reduce anxietyOwner coaching to support calm participationLesson 6Documentation templates and baseline outcome metric selection (which measures to record)This lesson shows how to pick and record starting measures for post-op CCL cases using ready templates to track pain, movement, walking, and leg use, for steady progress checks and surgeon updates.
Essential elements of initial rehab intake formsChoosing pain and lameness scoring systemsRecording gait, weight bearing, and activity levelsUsing functional tests as baseline benchmarksData organization for follow‑up and reportingLesson 7Standardized history taking and surgical report review (key details to extract)This lesson explains taking structured patient history and checking surgery notes for post-op CCL dogs, picking out vital info like surgery type, findings during op, issues, and surgeon limits for rehab planning.
Owner interview: pre‑injury and current functionClarifying medications, activity, and home setupExtracting key data from surgical reportsIdentifying intraoperative complications and notesTranslating surgical details into rehab precautionsLesson 8Range of motion measurement: goniometry landmarks and normal values for canine stifleThis lesson focuses on precise knee joint movement measurement with goniometer, landmarks on body, dog positioning, normal ranges, and recording to watch recovery and plan exercises.
Selecting and calibrating a canine goniometerLandmarks for stifle flexion and extensionStandardized patient positioning and restraintNormal ROM values and post‑op expectationsRecording and trending ROM over timeLesson 9Visual gait analysis: static posture, walking, trotting, weight shift observationsThis lesson describes planned visual walk analysis for post-op CCL dogs, checking standing posture, slow walk, trot, and weight shifts, with video tips, notes, and linking to other exam results.
Static posture and conformation observationsWalk and trot pattern assessmentIdentifying head, hip, and trunk compensationsSimple weight shift and stance testsUsing video to document and compare gaitLesson 10Muscle mass and symmetry assessment: thigh circumference, muscle palpation, muscle atrophy gradingThis lesson covers ways to check muscle size and evenness in post-op CCL dogs, standard thigh measures, feeling main muscles, grading wasting, and using results for strength plans.
Landmarks for thigh circumference measurementPalpation of quadriceps and hamstring groupsAtrophy grading scales and documentationComparing operated and contralateral limbsLinking deficits to targeted strengthening
