Orthopaedic

Orthopaedic

Postoperative care for orthopaedic surgical patients

Your dog has had a major orthopaedic procedure and will require the following postoperative care.

The night after the operation he/she may be sleepy and not particularly hungry. Offer something tempting but if your pet will not eat, don’t worry. Leave fresh water within easy reach, and allow him/her to sleep. He/she will not require any medication until the following morning.

Cage or small-room rest will be necessary all the time in the immediate postoperative period, and for part of the time for at least the first six weeks.  A puppy cage is ideal for smaller dogs and cats, alternatively make an enclosure out of a convenient corner. It is important that your pet does not race around, play with other pets or jump up and down on furniture or stairs.

Anti-inflammatory analgesics should be given at the dose prescribed for as long as we or your own vet advises. We will check that you have a supply of these, before you leave.

The surgical wound is covered by a primapore dressing. This is to protect it from dirt, and it will be removed by your own vet in two to three days. Do not worry if it falls off before then. Do not allow your pet to lick the wound as this will make it sore and may introduce infection. If necessary, apply an Elizabethan collar.

A cast or support dressing may have been applied to the limb. In this case, you will be given specific instructions at the discharge consult.

Postoperative care schedule

• First three days: Strict cage rest, for dogs, out into the garden ON THE LEASH to do his/her business then straight back to bed. You should be giving anti-inflammatory analgesics as instructed at the dismissal consult.  
• Day three: Visit your usual vet for post-op check of the wound. Your vet will advise on the continued dosage of anti-inflammatories.
• Day three to 14 (follow-up appointment at Dovecote): For dogs, gradually work up to five minutes walking ON THE LEASH three times daily. Your dog is to be on the leash at all times when not in bed.
• Day 10 to 14: Arrange to visit your own vet for staple/stitch removal.
• Day 14: Follow-up appointment at Dovecote. This is a visual check and there is no need to bring your pet starved, unless advised to do so by your own vet. Morning appointments are preferred as, if there is a problem requiring admission, it can be dealt with on the day. The surgeon will assess gait, range of movement and pain control and will advise you how to proceed with regard to anti-inflammatory drugs and exercise. We will also remove staples/sutures if this has not already been done by your own vet.
• Six weeks: Postoperative X-rays to assess the implants. This will require admission at Dovecote for the day, so bring your pet starved for a general anaesthetic. Please feed your pet at about 8pm the night before, and then give no further food before admission; you may leave the water bowl down until 7am in the morning. Please note that postoperative X-rays are not included in the cost of the operation, therefore there will be a charge.

Follow-up appointments

• Two to three week visual check.
• Six week post-op X-rays

If you are concerned about your pet’s progress or the surgical site, please contact your own vet in the first instance, they will then decide whether you need to be seen there or here.