Your dog is recovering from major surgery, which requires continued nursing care at home to ensure a successful outcome. Your job during the recovery period at home is just as important as the surgical procedure just completed.
Home care mainly involves restriction of activity because your dog does not understand the significance of the recovery period. Most dogs become very active in a short period of time, and confinement indoors by you is of the utmost importance! This means:
• No jumping or running
• No stair climbing
• No playing with other pets
• No "rough-housing"
When your dog goes outside to eliminate, he must be on a short leash and returned indoors immediately. If your dog must be left alone, he should be confined to a cage or other small area. This strict confinement and restriction of activity is necessary during the entire convalescent period. Excessive activity often leads to injury or serious complications. This means additional expense to you and added discomfort for your dog.
Observe the incision daily for signs of redness, swelling, discharge, or excessive licking. The incision should look better each day. Please do not hesitate to call if you observe any abnormalities.
Your veterinarian has various sizes of protective collars to keep your dog from licking the incision. Licking usually leads to chewing and removal of sutures, which can occur in a matter of minutes. Call your vet 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 gradually improve each day. If your dog's condition changes or suddenly worsens, or you have any concerns, please call your vet as soon as possible. The goal is to help your dog return to a normal and pain-free life.
Based on material written by Ernest Ward, DVM. and modified with permission from Lifelearn Inc.
© Copyright 2005 Lifelearn Inc.
