The patient should be confined for the first 6 to 8 weeks following surgery.

 

1. Three activities are allowed:

 

• The patient can be in the house under the immediate control of the owner on a carpeted surface without playing.

 

• The patient is to be in a traveling kennel while

 

• The patient is to be under the direct supervision of the owner and on a leash while outside for bathroom duties.

 

• No prolonged walks are allowed. These restrictions are imposed during the bone healing process to secure the anticipated surgical No free activities are allowed until after healing has occurred and is confirmed by x-rays.

 

2. Normal food and water consumption can resume the day following surgery. During the 6 to 8 week confinement period it is recommended that the patient be kept on half (50%) of their normal portion of food to prevent excessive weight gain which could hinder rehabilitation.

 

3. Inflammation is usually the worst during the first 2 to 3 days following If there is a time when the patient is acutely sore or hurts, please contact us immediately. Sharp yelps or cries and change in usage of a limb are indications of potential problems.

 

4. Discourage the patient from licking at their incision. Licking leads to chewing and the patient may remove sutures or create a wound infection by doing so. Bandages and splints should be kept clean and dry. Any odors or persistent licking and chewing are indications of a possible When in doubt call us or your veterinarian to schedule an evaluation ASAP.

 

5. Please schedule an appointment for 10 to 14 days post-operatively for evaluation of soft tissue healing. X-rays are usually taken 6 to 8 weeks following surgery to evaluate bone healing (x-rays may be advised at 4 week intervals depending on the case and the procedure done). After bone healing is confirmed by x-rays, a more active rehabilitation process will be outlined and initiated.

Passive Range of Motion (PROM):

 Passive Range of Motion (PROM) is used to help post-surgical patients recover following surgery on a joint: hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, etc.

 

2. The intent of this physical therapy (PT) exercise is to re-establish and/or maintain movement in the operated joint.

 

3. PROM is accomplished by flexing and extending – bending and straightening – the operated joint and/or region with slow, rhythmic The flexing and extending movements should be repeated 10 to 15 times in a row during each PT session. Three to five PT sessions a day during the rehabilitation phase of recovery are indicated.

 

4. During PROM, the operated joint should be flexed and extended to its maximum degree as dictated by the patient’s comfort level. A minor degree of discomfort is anticipated during the initial PT PROM should be pushed to the level of minor patient discomfort. Pushing PROM beyond this point is harmful to the patient and the healing and is not advised. A compress of chipped ice, ice cubes or other ice pack (a bag of frozen peas work the best) helps to reduce swelling and should be applied following each PROM PT session for 3 to 5 minutes. Apply the compress directly over the surgical wound or operated joint. Most patients tolerate the cold compress well during the initial recovery period and PT sessions (initial 2 to 4 days postoperatively). Patients frequently become agitated with the cold after this point and it can be stopped.

 

5. PROM is most effective and important for postoperative recovery during the initial 10 to 14 days following After this time, PROM PT sessions can be tapered to once a day or stopped completely depending on the situation and individual patient recovery.

 

6. Inflammation is usually the worst during the first 2 to 3 days following If there is a time when the patient is acutely sore or hurts please contact us or your regular veterinarian. Sharp yelps or cries and change in usage of a limb are indications of potential problems.