Bridging the Gap Between Surgery and Recovery: Preserving Muscle in Post-Operative Dogs

Surgery is often a necessary step in restoring mobility and quality of life for dogs, but the recovery period that follows can be just as critical as the procedure itself. One of the most common—and overlooked—challenges during this time is the loss of muscle mass due to disuse. Whether a patient is recovering from orthopedic surgery, soft tissue repair, or another major procedure, preserving muscle health is essential to achieving the best possible outcome.

The Challenge: Disuse Atrophy During Recovery

When a dog is placed on restricted activity or crate rest after surgery, muscle atrophy can begin within days. Reduced loading on the affected limb leads to decreases in muscle protein synthesis and increases in protein breakdown. This loss of lean mass not only slows recovery but can also contribute to longer rehabilitation times, impaired mobility, and even delayed wound healing.

Veterinary teams understand the importance of physical rehabilitation, but in many cases, muscle loss begins before patients can safely start active therapy. That’s where nutritional muscle support can help bridge the gap.

Why Muscle Preservation Matters

Preserving muscle mass during recovery has several key benefits:

• Improved mobility and stability once rehabilitation begins

• Faster return to normal activity levels

• Better surgical outcomes and reduced risk of re-injury

• Enhanced metabolic support, which aids in immune function and tissue repair

Simply put, the more muscle a dog retains during recovery, the better their long-term outcome.

Nutritional Support: A Proactive Approach

Supporting muscle health isn’t just about exercise—it starts at the cellular level. Nutritional interventions that help maintain muscle protein synthesis during periods of inactivity can make a measurable difference in outcomes.

Fortetropin®, the all-natural ingredient in MYOS Canine Muscle Formula, has been  shown to increase muscle protein synthesis and reduce muscle atrophy in both humans and dogs. In canine studies, supplementation with Fortetropin helped maintain muscle thickness in dogs experiencing disuse, providing a crucial advantage during recovery periods when activity is limited.

By integrating a muscle-support supplement into a post-operative care plan, veterinary professionals can help preserve muscle mass before rehabilitation begins—effectively bridging the gap between surgery and recovery.

Implementing Muscle Support in Post-Surgical Protocols

Here are a few simple ways to incorporate muscle support into your clinic’s recovery protocols:

1. Start early: Begin supplementation immediately after surgery, especially in cases requiring prolonged rest or limited weight-bearing.

2. Combine with nutrition and rehab: Use muscle support in conjunction with balanced nutrition and structured physical therapy.

3. Educate pet owners: Help clients understand that muscle preservation is a critical part of recovery and encourage consistent supplementation at home.

Helping Dogs Recover Stronger

Post-surgical recovery is about more than wound healing—it’s about restoring strength, mobility, and confidence. By incorporating muscle support into recovery plans, veterinarians can help patients not just heal, but thrive.

MYOS Canine Muscle Formula offers a clinically backed, all-natural way to preserve muscle during recovery, helping dogs regain their strength faster and return to the activities they love.

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References:

• Davenport, G. M. et al. Evaluation of Fortetropin supplementation on muscle atrophy in dogs following TPLO surgery. Veterinary Medicine and Science (2020).

• Butterfield, T. A., et al. Disuse muscle atrophy in animals: mechanisms and interventions. Comprehensive Physiology (2014).