Physiotherapy after knee surgery in small-breed dogs

Abstract

Medial patellar luxation (MPL) is a common orthopaedic disorder in small-breed dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and frequently requires surgical stabilization to restore normal joint alignment. However, postoperative complications such as residual lameness, quadriceps muscle atrophy and reduced stifle joint mobility may delay functional recovery. This case series describes the clinical outcomes associated with a structured multimodal physiotherapy protocol implemented following MPL stabilization surgery in five small-breed dogs diagnosed with Grade III-IV MPL. After surgical correction, all dogs underwent a standardized 4-week rehabilitation programme consisting of neuromuscular electrical stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound, manual therapy and targeted functional exercises, with a total of 12 treatment sessions. Functional recovery was assessed using quadriceps muscle girth, passive stifle extension, lameness scoring and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Evaluations were performed at baseline prior to physiotherapy, immediately after completion of the 4-week rehabilitation programme, and at a 1-month follow-up. All dogs demonstrated progressive improvements in muscle girth, joint extension and functional mobility, accompanied by consistent reductions in lameness scores. Improvements observed following rehabilitation were maintained at the 1-month follow-up evaluation. These findings suggest that early integration of a structured multimodal physiotherapy protocol may enhance postoperative functional recovery and mobility in small-breed dogs undergoing surgical stabilization for MPL.