Moo
Moo’s Road to Recovery: A Successful TPLO Surgery with Dr. Grimes
Moo’s favorite hobbies include long walks, chasing squirrels and rabbits, and curling up upstairs with her family at night. But when an injury left her unable to use her right hind leg, her family knew they needed a plan to get their girl back to doing what she loves.
The trouble began the week after Christmas 2025. Moo went outside for a bathroom break and came back limping, barely able to use her right back leg. Knowing how much she loves chasing wildlife, her family suspects a squirrel or rabbit may have been involved! They scheduled an appointment with Dr. Grimes at Southcentral Veterinary Services, where Moo began a three-week course of medication to see if her condition would improve.
When Moo returned for a recheck in late January, her family decided to move forward with a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO), a surgical procedure used to stabilize the knee after a cranial cruciate ligament injury. After discussing the options with Dr. Grimes, they felt confident this was the best path toward restoring Moo’s mobility and quality of life.
A Little Patience Goes a Long Way
Moo’s surgery took place on a Wednesday in February, and she was back home with her family Thursday afternoon. Although the surgery was successful, recovery required a whole lot of patience, dedication, and a few changes to the family’s routine.
Because both pet parents work full time, Moo spent her days in a gated area of the den. Stairs were off-limits, so her family took turns sleeping downstairs to keep her company. Bathroom breaks meant harness-assisted trips outside in the morning and evening, followed by carefully controlled leash walks as she progressed.
And, of course, there was one particularly challenging part of recovery: convincing a squirrel-loving girl that chasing rabbits would have to wait!
Thankfully, Moo made wonderful progress. Within just a few weeks, her family could see a real difference. Around the five-week mark, she was feeling much more like herself and was eager to return to her normal routine. Her family remained committed to following her recovery restrictions, knowing that feeling better didn’t necessarily mean she was fully healed.
Five Months Later… Moo Is Back!
Today, five months after surgery, Moo is back to her normal lifestyle! She enjoys long neighborhood walks, keeps an eye out for squirrels and rabbits, and is once again sleeping upstairs with her family. Best of all, her family says they can hardly tell she ever had surgery.
Their advice to other pet parents facing a similar diagnosis? Be patient, trust the recovery process, and don’t rush it. Dogs often feel ready to run and play long before their bodies have fully healed. While the recovery period can feel like an eternity in the beginning, sticking with the plan is worth it when you see your best friend running around and living her best life again.
Confidence Every Step of the Way
Moo’s family also shared how reassuring it was to know the expected costs up front. Having a clear understanding of the surgery, medications, and recovery expenses helped them plan with confidence. They especially appreciated knowing that Moo’s postoperative recheck visits were included in the surgical price, with no unexpected hidden costs along the way.
At Southcentral Veterinary Services, we know that orthopedic surgery is a big decision for both pets and their people. Clear communication, thoughtful treatment planning, and support throughout recovery can make a meaningful difference in the experience.
We’re so happy to see Moo back on all four paws and enjoying the adventures she loves!
Here’s to many more walks, happy days, and squirrels safely out of reach, Moo!