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Orthopedic Surgery Care
Orthopedic Surgery Care
If after surgery your pup is crate or limited rest, we suggest lots of enrichment toys such as frozen kongs, lick mats, and puzzle toys.
Each orthopedic surgery will have a unique set of instructions for you to follow with your foster. Please follow the vet's instructions, here are some links with additional info:
Minor Complications to watch for and how to treat
Bruising — Minor bruising around the incision site is common after any surgery and should resolve after several days. You can treat this with an ice pack.
Some fluid / blood draining. This is normal if the stiches are still intact and its not excessive. You can treat with a little sugar or flour on where the bleedings is, this helps clot. You can also apply an ice pack.
Seroma formation — Fluid may accumulate under your pet’s skin near the bottom of her remaining stump. As long as swelling is not excessive, this is a minor complication, and the fluid should slowly resorb over one to two weeks.
Infection — Skin infection is not common unless your dog licks the incision or it becomes contaminated from her environment. Ensure your pet wears her e-collar at all times, and keep her in a clean area with clean, dry bedding. If you notice infection signs, such as redness, swelling, warmth, or pus, contact us immediately.
Neuroma formation — Occasionally, nerves that were cut during surgery form small lumps that can be painful. Although this complication is rare, treatment options are available.
Phantom pain — Many owners of pets who need limb amputation are concerned about their pet suffering from phantom pain (i.e., pain from a body part that has been removed), but such pain is uncommon in pets and is not a typical limb-amputation complication.
Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic Surgery
Each ortho surgery will have a unique set of instructions for you to follow with your foster. Please follow the vets instructions, here are some more info!
Post Amputation Care
Dogs bounce back much quicker from an amputation than we do but we still need to help them heal!
Be sure to give your dogs all the meds the vet sent home with them; even if the dog may not seem like they are in pain, some medications are for swelling as well
Your pet will have skin sutures that will require monitoring until they are removed (approximately 10 days after their surgery); you will need to check your pet’s incision daily for abnormal swelling, bleeding, redness, or draining signs
Your pet will likely come home wearing an e-collar - this must stay on at all times; the collar prevents them from chewing their incision sutures, or licking the incision and causing a skin infection
Encourage your pet to rest in a safe location away from stairs and slippery floors.
Slow, gradual activity can be upped to normal activity once the stitches come out.
Your dog may slip more while they learn to balance once again, help them to learn and encourage them to take it slowly.
Minor Complications and How to Treat:
Bruising
Minor bruising around the incision site is common after any surgery and should resolve after several days. You can treat this with an ice pack
Some fluid/blood draining
This is normal if the stitches are still intact and it's not excessive. You can treat with a little sugar or flour on where the bleeding is, this helps clot. You can also apply an ice pack.
Seroma formation (accumulation of fluid under the skin near remaining stump)
As long as swelling is not excessive, this is a minor complication. The fluid should slowly resorb over one to two weeks.
Skin infection
This is uncommon unless your dog licks the incision or it becomes contaminated from their environment. Ensure your pet wears their e-collar at all times, and keep them in a clean area with clean, dry bedding.
If you notice infection signs, such as redness, swelling, warmth, or pus, contact us immediately.
Neuroma formation (small, painful lumps caused by cut nerves)
Although this complication is rare, treatment options are available. Contact us immediately
Phantom pain
Many owners of pets who need limb amputation are concerned about their pet suffering from phantom pain (i.e. pain from a body part that has been removed). Such pain is uncommon in pets and is not a typical limb-amputation complication.
Find more in-depth info here: What to Expect After a Limb Amputation - Virginia Veterinary Centers
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