1) My pet seems restless and is vocalizing since coming home from surgery; are they in pain?

 - The is due to the effects of anesthesia. Your pet is not painful. Keep them warm in a dark quiet room and it should subside will subside within 12-48 hours post-op. Elderly pets most often experience this for a longer period of time. 

​

2) My pet is constipated and has not had a bowel movement since returning home after surgery. Is this normal?

 - This is very common and is due to the effects of codeine. It is normal for a pet to not have a bowel movement up to 5 days post-op. 

​

3) My pet does not seems interested in water since returning home from surgery

 - This is likely due to the fact that your pet was on IV fluid therapy while in the hospital. They are not dehydrated. 

​

4) When does massaging/icing/PROM exercises start after surgery?

 - Massage and icing can generally start 2-3 days after their surgery. The start date for PROM depends on the procedure they have had. TPLO's can begin PROM immediately. TPLO's who have also received an Internal Brace or Total Hip Replacement's generally begin between 6-8 weeks post-op. The exact date will be outlined on your discharge instructions. 

​

5) Can my pet go up/down the stairs after surgery? If not, when can this start and is there a maximum number of stairs they can do?

 - Your pet will go home with specific exercise restrictions outlining when they can use the stairs freely. Until they are healed, minimize the number of stairs they must do and ensure they are on-leash so they are supported and cannot run or jump. If there are a few stairs going outside, that is fine. If they must do a flight of stairs to go upstairs to bed and then come back down in the morning, limit this to only once per day and again, make sure they are on-leash and kept under control while doing so. 

​

6) How long does the Telfa pad/bandage stay on the incision?

 - If possible, the bandage may stay on till sutures are removed which is generally 14 days post-op. If the bandage becomes soiled or loose then it is time to remove the bandage. Removing the bandage can be done by you in one swift motion at home. If you are ever unsure if it is time to remove the bandage, you are more than welcome to send a photo to our email address. 

​

7) The Telfa pad/bandage is soiled with blood upon returning home, is this normal? Does the pad/bandage need to be removed/replaced?

 - This is normal as it s not long after their surgery and they were likely moving around during their car ride home. If you are unsure, please email a photo to the hospital's email address. Never replace the bandage or apply anything to the incision unless directed otherwise by the doctor. 

​

8) How often do laser therapy treatments need to be done? What are the benefits?

 - Laser treatments are recommended every 2-3 days for the first 2 weeks post-op. In total we recommend between 4-6 treatments. Laser treatments are highly beneficial in reducing inflammation, preventing infection, and stimulating healing. 

​

9) I am having trouble getting my pet to take their medications. What can I do?

 - Try tricking them by hiding it in a little peanut butter or deli meat. Do not use cheese as most antibiotics cannot be combined with dairy. We also recommend using pill pockets which can be purchased at our clinic or pet stores. If these tactics are not working, we suggest using a "piller" which can also be purchased at our clinic. The post-operative medications are essential so it is extremely important you ensure they receive all their medications as prescribed. 

​

10) My pet has been vomiting since they came home, either soon after they receive their medications or through the day? What should I do?

 - This may be the after effects of anesthesia or due to the post-operative medications they are receiving. Let us know when this began, when during the day this occurs and the frequency it occurs. Depending on the situation we may inform you to continue monitoring and keep us updated or may modify the current medications.