We thank you for choosing WCVS for the care of your family member and loved one!
The immediate postoperative period can be stressful so it is wise to begin preparing for the transition now.
In an emergency situation, you will only have time to prepare the confined space which is totally fine.
Leading up to Surgery
Set-up Confined Space Inside:
Your pet's freedom inside the home will need to be limited to prevent running, jumping on furniture or slipping on flooring which can damage the repair. Damage to the surgical repair can lead to mild setbacks or major complications. A confined space to limit your pet's activity is necessary to mitigate these risks.
The most ideal is kennel confinement as it guarantees your pet cannot be too active. Some animals do not tolerate kennels so a small, 4'x4' or 6'x6' space or room is acceptable. They should not have access to furniture or stairs, and the footing needs to be stable. Baby gate corrals are also an option as long as your pet does not attempt to jump over it. It is recommended that your pet not sleep in your bed in the recovery period so it may be beneficial to begin this restriction early as well.
Begin Activity Restrictions:
Your pet's activity will be restricted for a couple of months postop, which includes no off-leash time outside. If your pet is not accustomed to going to the bathroom on-leash or leashed walks generally, then it is wise to begin practicing. High-impact activities should be limited to prevent further damage to the affected limb or other joints. Leashed walks can continue and are encouraged but the duration will be short and based on your pet's ability and comfort.
Diet:
Your pet's activity will be significantly reduced for the coming months so their energy requirements are much less. Reduce the amount they are fed by approximately 20% to ensure they do not gain weight during recovery. If your pet is already overweight, then it may be recommended to reduce even further. Our goal is to maintain weight, not gain or lose a substantial amount. Weight management is very important for any orthopedic disease so achieving a lean body weight should be the ultimate goal long-term.
Pre-op Rehabilitation:
When scheduling out weeks, some pets will benefit from 'Prehab' while awaiting their surgery date. The goal is to maintain as much muscle mass and strength before surgery, while limiting further damage. Some activities will be performed postop, so it also gives you chance to practice. However, certain injuries are too severe so discuss with your surgeon before beginning.
Formal rehabilitation with a rehab specialist is great to develop a personalized protocol for your pet but scheduling might be the limiting factor. At-home 'Prehab' will be relatively basic but will include:
Massage: Muscle soreness is common so perform this before and after exercises. Massage each large muscle group along the injured limb and along the back.
Range of Motion: Gently bring each joint on the surgical limb through a range of motion your pet is comfortable with. Identify sensitive areas and gently hold the position of tension just before they become uncomfortable.
Leashed-Walks: Multiple, short duration leashed walks each day will help to maintain a baseline level of muscle mass. The duration will vary be based on your pet's ability and comfort, begin with 5-10minutes and slowly increase if they are comfortable.
Weight Shifting Exercises: Videos are available online to demonstrate weight shifting.
Kneel behind your pet and support their weight under the belly. With the injured limb in contact with the ground, shift their weight onto the injured limb. Hold for 5-10 seconds, relax, then repeat 5-10 times.Water Therapy: Swimming is an excellent low-impact activity but use extreme care because of their injury. Your pet's normal ability to swim will be limited so keep them on-leash and only allow them to wade in the water up to their knee or elbow height. A little water therapy goes a long way so start with a low duration and increase as they are able.
Night Before:
Morning of Surgery:
Only give medications if directed by the surgeon
Drop-off time will be set the day before
Bring with you:
Post-Op Care
The doctor will call with an update as soon as your pet is in recovery from anesthesia.
Plan for your pet to stay with us overnight. We have a dedicated nurse in hospital overnight to monitor your pet's comfort and administer medications when needed.
Please call us after 9AM the next morning to schedule the release time. Release times are usually in the afternoon.
