What should I expect with postoperative care?
Postoperative instructions vary with the procedure that your pet is having. You will be given detailed written discharge instructions that should answer all of your questions. But please do not hesitate to contact us at any time if you have questions or concerns. You can also contact your local emergency clinic with urgent concerns after hours.
How long is the recovery?
Recovery from orthopedic surgery typically requires strict rest for two to three months until healing is complete. Running, jumping, climbing furniture, and playing must be prevented during this time. At first, your pet likely will put minimal weight on the affected limb, but should be able to start to bear weight within a week after surgery. When unsupervised, your pet should stay in a crate or in a small area without access to furniture or stairs. Time outside should be limited to short, leash-controlled walks for going potty. If your pet suddenly stops using the affected limb, please contact your veterinarian.
Following soft tissue surgery, activity should be limited for approximately three weeks while the surgery site heals.
For cats, try to minimize running and jumping. This can be challenging because cats are quite agile and love to run and jump. Consider placing your cat in a small unfurnished room, small bathroom, or dog crate. The crate can be large enough to hold a litter box and food.
When should sutures be removed?
Skin sutures/staples are typically removed 10-14 days after surgery. However, this can vary depending on the procedure and other factors that could delay healing in your pet. This information will always be included in your discharge instructions.
How do I care for the incision?
It’s usually not necessary to clean the wound. Most surgical incisions are best left alone. It’s not necessary to put any ointment on the incision. Pets like to lick at the ointment, so it’s of little value. Keep an eye on the incision for increased bruising, swelling, or discharge. If any of these signs of inflammation develops, please contact us. Because licking or chewing at the incision is detrimental, Elizabethan collars may be necessary until the incision has healed. Elizabethan collars should also be used to protect bandages, since chewing or ingesting bandage material is harmful to pets. If your pet does not tolerate wearing the collar, please ask your veterinarian if an alternative device will work that will protect the surgery site.
You can apply cold compresses to the incision to help reduce inflammation and improve your pet’s comfort. This may be done as frequently as you choose, assuming your pet tolerates it easily, during the initial postoperative period. Wrap an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables in a light cloth, and apply to the incision for 5-10 minutes, 2-4 times per day. These can be used for 3 days after surgery.
How do I care for the bandage?
Bandages must be kept clean and dry. Limb bandages must be covered with a plastic bag when your pet goes outside. Make sure to monitor bandages carefully for wetness, slippage, odor, discomfort, or swelling around the bandage. These could all be potential signs of problems. Most bandages keep your pet’s toes visible — check the toes several times per day to make sure they’re warm and not swollen.
If you notice any of these issues, make an appointment with your vet for a recheck so the bandage can be changed if necessary.
When can I feed my pet after surgery?
Anesthesia, medications, stress, etc. can cause your pet to experience vomiting or diarrhea. After surgery, gradually ease your pet back into his or her normal routine. For the first few days after surgery, it’s generally a good idea to feed your pet smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day rather than one or two large meals. It’s not unusual for pets to have a decreased appetite for the first few days. As your pet’s digestive tract returns to normal, you’ll be able to transition back to normal eating habits. In some cases, special feeding instructions will be necessary after surgery. Your veterinarian will provide detailed instructions should that be necessary.
Your pet’s bowel movements may be delayed after illness, anesthesia, or surgery. It may take several days for the gastrointestinal system to return to normal, and your pet’s bowel movements are likely to be small and infrequent until a normal appetite returns. If you’re concerned about constipation, you can add Metamucil or canned pumpkin to your pet’s food to help speed the process.
Will my pet go home with medication?
Medications are often necessary after surgery to control pain, eliminate infections, treat nausea, reduce anxiety, etc. You’ll be given detailed instructions on the use of any prescribed medications. Please contact us if your pet seems in pain, since individual animals vary in their pain level and narcotic tolerance, and doses or medications can be adjusted.
How many rechecks are necessary?
Many surgeries require only the suture removal appointment as a final recheck, whereas other procedures may require 2-4 additional rechecks, especially orthopedic procedures. Ask your veterinarian how many rechecks will be needed for your pet.