Hi my dog had an operation in march on his left hind leg 4 weeks later he then had to have knee sugery too on the same leg.He is a 3 year old staffie.He is not lame anymore and is going swimming once a week and i have just increased his walks to 2 a day. Ijust wondered how long it will take to build his muscle back up on his leg.(He is only having on the lead exercise)

It takes a long time, just as it does in people. Did you ask the vet how long the recovery period would be?

I had a Yorkie who ripped her knee, had the op, and it was about six months before it was completely back to normal. Two years later she ripped her other knee, we chose not to have the op, and the recovery period was just the same. The last two months her leg seemed okay, but she would limp slightly every once in a while.. and it would disappear the next day.

However, I expect with swimming your dog's leg might strengthen faster.

Stacey

Hi my vet said it would take 3-5 months for full recovery.But didnt say about how long it would be before the muscle builds up.He is not lame anymore even if he runs round in the garden.But i do realise in large and heavy dogs the recovery period could be longer.My vet said if my dog had been a small breed ie a yorkie he may even of not needed the op.