Post Operative Orthopedic Home Care

Pet Care Following Orthopedic Procedures

Home care after any orthopedic procedure is very important. Often after surgery, a patient will start to feel better and more self-assured on the leg after the problem is corrected. Normally after any fracture repair or osteotomy, it will take several months for the bones to completely heal and even longer for soft tissues such as muscles, tendons and ligaments. At any point up until healing occurs, the implants can fail if too many stresses are placed on them. Because pets do not understand this, they will try to use the leg more than they should. Therefore it is up to the owner to provide their pet with an environment in which proper healing can take place.

A well padded, draft-free area that has good footing would be the ideal area for recovery. A ventilated plastic airline travel type kennel (such as VariKennel brand) is recommended.

Vari-Kennels are available from a number of pet supply sources. The following sizes are available:

• Small – dogs less than 10 pounds
• Medium — dogs 10-20 pounds
• Intermediate — dogs 20–40 pounds
• Large — dogs 40-60 pounds
• Extra Large — dogs 60-90 pounds

For cats, we recommend an intermediate sized carrier, that can accommodate a litter box.

If your pet is unable to be taken outside to relieve him/herself, the area should also be readily and easily cleanable. Stairs should be avoided until advised by your surgeon. Cats should be confined to the kennel in the house with a bed, fresh water, food and litter box. If you have other pets, they should also be supervised so that they do not injure your recovering pet.

Periodically, recheck examinations will need to be done. To monitor the healing of fractures or osteotomies, radiographs will need to be taken at some of the follow up visits. These follow up examinations are very important so that any problems or complications can be identified and managed early. Although physical therapy may not be necessary, occasionally exercises designed to increase mobility and use will be outlined by the doctor at each recheck visit.

Once healing has occurred, a second surgery may occasionally need to be done to remove implants if present.

If implant loosening or failure occurs to do over-activity, multiple surgeries may be required to re-stabilize bones and realign joints. Costs for additional surgery are often high and are not covered by the hospital. The risk of infection, nerve and blood vessel injury, and non-union of the bone increases exponentially with each surgery that is performed.

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