"The Care of Your Pet Following Surgery"

The following is an instruction sheet (1 of many) that we received from our vet when we picked Chili up on Friday. I thought I'd post what the sheet reads for some further information. (Please note: I wrote down the sheet as it was filled out for Chili's specific situation. There were more options for other surgeries, etc.)



Care of Your Pet Following Surgery and Hospitalization
Procedure: MPL (Medial Patella Luxation) right hind limb

Proper Restraint
Please protect your pet when leaving the hospital by using either a leash or a carrier. Excessive activity may result in your pet getting loose or result in an injury if your pet is recovering from surgery. Try to prevent your pet from becoming overly active and excited when you pick him up from the hospital.

Food and Water
With the excitement of returning home after surgery, your pet may be inclined to drink and eat excessively, which may result in vomiting. To avoid this, we recommend restricting access to food and water for an hour or so until your pet is calmed down. Then you may offer water and a light meal later in the evening. Normal feeding may resume the next day.

Exercise and Activity
Patients recovering from surgery or illness should have limited exercise. Avoid access to stairs or situations that may lead to injury. Due to the effects of anesthesia, he may be groggy for 12 hours. Your pet should be strictly confined to a cage or small room for 8 weeks. Carry your pet outside for eliminations. No running, jumping, or access to stairs is permitted.

Medications
It is important to follow all label directions carefully. Medications dispensed:
Clavamox
Tramadol
Rimadyl
Sedative

Sutures/Staples
Discourage your pet from licking or chewing at the sutures. Please check the incision line daily for any redness, swelling, or discharge. If it appears irritated or infected, notify us immediately. Also, keep your pet dry (no bathing or swimming) until the sutures are removed. Sutures will be removed 10-14 days from the date of surgery. Please keep an e-collar on at all times to prevent self trauma.

Bandage and Splint Care
The bandage should be kept clean and dry. Notify us if the bandage slips, the toes swell, or if you notice any odor or discharge. Discourage your pet from licking or chewing the bandage. It may be necessary to use an Elizabethan collar to restrict your pet's access to the bandage. Keep your pet confined to keep the bandage from becoming loose. Tape a plastic bag around the bandage temporarily to keep the leg dry when your dog goes outside. Immediately remove the bag when the dog returns indoors.

Appointments
Please make an appointment for the following:
Bandage change/removal in 4 days
Suture removal in 10-14 days
Recheck in 4 & 8 weeks

Monitor
A decrease in activity or appetite for one to two days may be observed. However, if your pet exhibits any of the following signs, please notify the hospital.
Loss of appetite for over 2 days
Weakness
Depression
Refusal to drink water for more than one day
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Unwillingness to move around as usual