by Heidi Brickner

Created on: August 13, 2009

So, you're pet has just had surgery and now it is time to recover. I must tell you that the biggest part of your pet's recovery is all up to you, the owner. Please allow me to share some helpful advice and pointers to help the two of you on your way to a healthy and successful recovery.

First and foremost is activity restriction. This is singularly the most important part of any surgery recovery. It does not matter if it is a routine neuter, a lumpectomy or a ligament repair. You must restrict activity for a minimum of seven days. Why is this? Well, simply put, the incision site needs to heal. Movement will aggravate the affected area and cause swelling and potential infection. You can liken it to yourself. If you recently had a vasectomy or a tumor removed, what would happen if you put on your running shoes and took a jog around the block? I'm sure you can imagine the outcome. Now, as the owner, it is up to you to be the voice of reason for your pet. So here is a list of activities to avoid while your pet recuperates: running, playing with other pets, rough housing, swimming, jumping, stair climbing, and going for walks.

Activity restriction with a young animal can be particularly difficult and frustrating. You may find the use of a crate or kennel to be quite useful during this time. A baby gate can be useful to restrict your pet to a small room of the house. Be sure to separate your pet from other animals in the house. Chew toys such as nylabones and kong toys can be helpful in keeping a young dog occupied. Do not get discouraged during this time. Just remember, if you let them have their way, and play and jump, it will only cause complications and prolong the whole experience.

Now, let's talk about the incision site itself. Your pet will have sutures or staples whether they are visible or not. Be sure to check with your veterinarian if any sutures/staples need to be removed and at what time. If you leave sutures/staples in too long, the skin will begin to heal around them and will be painful to have them removed later on. The use of an Elizabethan collar, otherwise referred to as a cone or lamp shade, is highly recommended. This will prevent your pet from licking or chewing the incision site. Many unpleasant things can happen from this behavior. Licking WILL cause irritation, swelling, and possibly infection. There is also the potential for your pet to chew out the sutures/staple and open the incision, a very unpleasant thing indeed. Play it safe and use the Elizabethean-collar. Your pet may pout, but you know better, and ultimately it is the best thing for them.

Be sure to monitor the incision site. Any amount of redness, swelling, or discharge is cause for alarm. These may be signs of infection. Be sure to alert your veterinarian and have the area checked.

Lastly, when your pet is discharged, your veterinarian will go through any instructions with you. Be sure you understand all instructions. What we discussed here today are basic guidelines. Know if and when sutures/staples need to be removed, the length of time for activity restriction, feeding instructions, schedule for medications, and if a recheck is needed.

With these pointers you are sure to do well. Here's to a quick and speedy recovery for your four-legged friend!

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