Stan Wood, DVM, Diplomate ABVP

Specialist in Canine & Feline Practice

Post-operative Instructions

Your dog is recovering from major surgery that requires continued nursing care at home in order to ensure a successful outcome. Your job in the recovery period at home is just as important as the procedure we just completed.

This care at home mainly entails restriction of activity because your dog does not understand the significance of the recovery period. It will become very active in a short period of time, and confinement indoors by you is of the utmost importance! This entails:

- No jumping or running

- No stair climbing

- No playing with other pets

- No “rough-housing”

When your dog goes outside to eliminate, it must be on a short leash and returned indoors immediately. If your dog is to be left alone, it must be confined to a cage or other small area. This strict confinement must be continued during the entire convalescent period. Excessive activity often leads to re-injury or serious complications that result in failure of surgical implant(s) or necessitate re-operation. This means additional expense to you and added discomfort to your dog.

Observe the incision daily for signs of redness, swelling, discharge or excessive licking. The incision should look better daily. Please do not hesitate to call if any of the above occur. We have available various sizes of protective collars to keep your dog from licking the incision. Licking usually leads to chewing out sutures, which can occur in a matter of minutes. Call us as soon as possible if this occurs because this can result in an infection that is difficult to treat and may require hospitalization.

In general, your dog should improve gradually each day. If it suddenly worsens please call us as soon as possible. Our goal is to help your dog return to a normal and pain free life. Please call if you have any concerns.