Your pet has had an orthopeadic surgery. We know this has been a stressful time for both of you so please read through these discharge instructions and let us know if you have any concerns or questions. You have made a huge investment into your pets health and future. Lets work together to make sure we have the best possible outcome during their post-operative stage. It is important that we are cautious returning to full activity. We need to monitor your pets pain levels and SLOWLY build back to full exercise.
Take Home Medications:
Your pet will be sent home with Antibiotics, Pain relief and other medications. Please refer to the drug label for detailed administration instructions. If you have any concerns administering the medications please call us and let us know.
Bandages and Sutures:
It is important that the bandage remains clean and dry. When going for walks to toilet please make sure to cover with a plastic bag if the ground is wet. If your pet licks or chews at the bandage, we recommend getting an Elizabethan Collar or Wound Gard Spray (this can also be used on the suture line after the bandage is removed). The bandage on the leg needs to be removed 48 hours after surgery. Whilst this can be done at home, we would recommend booking in for removal with one of our nurses and your pet can be seen by one of our vets if needed. Discuss Rehabilitation Therapy and we can incorporate the first session on the same day. Please make an appointment to see a vet 10 days after surgery so that the suture line can be check and the leg assessed.
Post-Operative Confinement and Exercise:
The post-operative period is generally 8 weeks-12 weeks. For the first 10 days close confinement is important to allow the soft tissues to start to heal. Confinement may be recommended for the entire duration of the post-operative period depending on your pets specific surgery and recovery process.
Ice:
Once the bandage has been removed ice should be placed on the surgical site for 20min (or as long as they will tolerate it) up to 3 times daily (2 hours apart). Continue for up to 10 days.
2 weeks after surgery please start Gentle Range of Motion Exercise (ROM) and slow on-lead walks for 5 minutes 2-3 times a day. This is to encourage gentle use of the leg. Your pet should still be kept on the lead at all times. NO OTHER EXERCISE is recommended for the first 2 weeks.
4 weeks after surgery hydrotherapy/swimming (up to 5min) can be introduced to the Gentle ROM and slow on-lead walks. The walks can increase (by 10% or 1 block) each week now.
8 weeks after surgery your pet should be walking well, however it can take 3-6 months to know the full result of the surgery. Your pet should be walking for about 20 min now (please discuss with the vet before exceeding 20min) and you should have seen an improvement in their ROM. Continue with swimming 5-10 minutes but do not exceed 10 min as this could exaggerate inflammation and result in lameness.
Post-op X-Rays may be done at 8-12 weeks depending on the procedure performed and your pets recovery. X-rays are important to ensure everything has healed prior to increasing the exercises as tolerated.
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation:
Post surgery, rest and controlled activity is very important for our pets. However, the longer the body is inactive, the more muscle atrophy will occur. Getting our patients back to structured activity is extremely important for the healing process. This is why we recommend rehabilitation therapy after surgical procedures or injury. Our rehabilitation programs are developed for your pet by Rehabilitation Veterinarian, Dr Lindy and our own Veterinary Nurse Rehabilitation Intern. Programs are individually based on their specific problems and their unique journey to recovery. Depending on the case; massage, stretching, exercise therapy, cryotherapy, swimming/hydrotherapy, a variety of exercises or any combination of these methods may be used in your pet’s program.