Dog Recovery Suit and Hind Leg Sleeves: A Cone Alternative After CCL/TPLO Surgery
If your dog is heading home after cruciate ligament surgery (CCL/TPLO), you’re likely searching for a kind, vet‑safe alternative to the Elizabethan collar (cone). This customer story shows how a recovery suit and hind leg sleeves helped a young Labrador/Golden Retriever mix heal comfortably — with no cone, no stress, and no licking of stitches.
What we used (and links to shop)
- 4‑in‑1 Top Shirt (size used: L) – the base garment that supports modular sleeves
- Hind Leg Sleeves (size used: XL) – for post‑op knee protection on one or both hind legs
Need help choosing? See our recovery suit sizing guide for dogs or message us – we’re here to help.
Note on branding: Suitical and MPS is the manufacturer. The MPS Veterinary Range is the professional line used by vets; the at‑home Suitical range is designed for everyday recovery at home. We stock both in South Africa.
Ella’s story: CCL surgery recovery without the cone
Ella is a lively Labrador/Golden Retriever mix who had cruciate ligament surgery at age four. Her vet prescribed an eight‑week recovery period. Instead of the plastic cone, Ella’s owner, Janine, followed her veterinary team’s suggestion and chose a cone alternative: the MPS 4‑in‑1 Top Shirt paired with Hind Leg Sleeves.
- Fit and comfort: Janine measured Ella and ordered a Large Top Shirt with XL hind leg sleeves. The fit was spot on, and Ella could move, nap, and navigate the home without bumping into furniture — or feeling stressed by a cone.
- No licking or scratching: With the surgical site covered and supported, Ella never tried to lick or nibble her stitches. The coverage did the job the cone usually does, but with far less anxiety.
- Quality that lasts: The medically appropriate, breathable fabric and sturdy stitching handled daily wear and regular washing throughout the 8‑week recovery.
‘The sleeves and top shirt were a game‑changer. Ella stayed calm, healed beautifully, and we never needed the cone.’ — Janine
Why this works better than the cone (for many dogs)
- Cone alternative after surgery: Stops licking and chewing without blocking vision or bumping into things.
- Freedom to move: Soft, flexible materials allow natural walking, sleeping, and gentle supervised pottering during recovery.
- Less stress, more rest: Many anxious or sensitive dogs cope better with clothing than a hard cone.
- Vet‑approved option: The Suitical/MPS range is used by veterinary teams globally and stocked by clinics in South Africa.
Size and fit: quick mini‑guide
Measuring takes 60 seconds and makes all the difference.
- Chest girth: Measure the widest part of the ribcage.
- Back length (for full‑body suits): From the base of the neck to the base of the tail.
- Weight check: Use weight as a cross‑check only — chest measurement is king.
- Breed tip: Many adult Labradors and Golden Retrievers land around L–XL, but always measure as body shape varies.
Bathroom breaks and daily comfort
- Toilet friendly: Recovery suits and hind leg sleeves are designed so dogs can pee and poo without removal when used as directed. Fold back and secure the rear panel (suit), and ensure sleeves sit clear of the groin area.
- Easy care: Machine washable, quick to dry, and comfy enough to sleep in.
- Movement: Clothing shouldn’t be tight. If you see rubbing or rolling, re‑fit or size up.
8‑week TPLO/CCL recovery timeline (how we used the gear)
- Weeks 0–2: Strict rest. Wear the suit/sleeves day and night. Brief lead‑only toilet trips. Check the incision daily.
- Weeks 3–4: Continue 24/7 wear. Short, controlled walks if your vet agrees. Wash and rotate garments as needed.
- Weeks 5–6: Gradual activity increase under vet guidance. Keep wearing during active periods or when unsupervised.
- Weeks 7–8: Taper clothing use if your vet is happy with healing. Continue nights or when your dog is unsupervised if licking risk remains.
Always follow your surgeon’s specific plan.
FAQs
Q: Is a recovery suit a safe alternative to the cone after CCL/TPLO surgery?
A: Yes. When correctly fitted and used as directed, a recovery suit offers cone‑level protection by blocking access to the surgical site while reducing stress and collisions.
Q: Can my dog use the toilet while wearing the suit or hind leg sleeves?
A: Yes. The Suitical/MPS designs are toilet‑friendly. Fold back and fasten the rear panel on the suit. Hind leg sleeves sit clear of the groin so dogs can relieve themselves normally.
Q: How do I choose the right size?
A: Measure chest girth (and back length for full suits), then confirm against our recovery suit sizing guide for dogs. If between sizes, most dogs are happier in the larger size.
Q: How long should my dog wear recovery clothing?
A: Typically for the full vet‑advised period (often 10–14 days for soft‑tissue and up to 8 weeks for TPLO/CCL), or whenever your dog is unsupervised and likely to lick.
Q: What’s the difference between Suitical and MPS?
A: Suitical is the at home brand. MPS (Medical Pet Shirt) is the veterinary range used in clinics. We carry both; fit and fabric quality are premium across ranges.
Q: Can my dog walk and sleep comfortably in a recovery suit?
A: Absolutely. That’s the point. The soft, breathable fabric allows natural movement and comfortable sleep without the bumps and frustration of a cone.
Ready to try it?
Give your dog a cone‑free recovery with vet‑approved clothing that actually keeps them comfortable.
Delivered anywhere in South Africa, with friendly expert support if you need sizing advice.
