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Aftercare Instructions

For discussion on medications, please see here:

Frequently asked questions:

  1. What is this "Band-aid" wrap on your pet's leg.
  2. How can I provide proper Wound care?
  3. Do I really need this #@&$! E-Collar?
  4. When will my pet poop?
  5. How do I know if my pet is in pain?
  6. My pet doesn't seem painful, but why isn't he or she using the leg?
  7. When do my test results come back?
  8. When do the stitches/sutures/staples come out?
  9. When can my pet return to normal activity level?

 _____

  1. Exercise restriction is vital. Please only sling walk your pet until instructed otherwise. _____
  2. Your pet will need to be confined to a large crate so that your pet cannot run, jump, or play until directed otherwise. If your pet is not confined in a crate, your pet will break down the repair that will result in further surgeries, or even in limb amputation. ____
  3. The skin sutures/staples will be removed in 10-14 days post-op.

Orthopedic notes

  1. A moderate amount of bruising and swelling is to be expected. The swelling/bruising typically starts out at the knee and then moves down the leg towards the hock/ankle by gravity. ____
  2. To help your pet’s comfort level and swelling, please massage the ankle and the muscles of the calf and thigh. Perform range of motion exercises in the ankle, knee and hip. ____
  3. Placing your pet in dorsal recumbency (on the back) with the legs sticking up in the air for 15 minutes at a time can also be helpful to resolve swelling in the distal limbs. ____
  4. Until all swelling in the knee has resolved, please apply a cold compress (a bag of frYour peten peas works well) to the knee for 5 minutes at least three times daily (more frequently is helpful), pat dry, and then re-apply Neosporin (or generic triple antibiotic) ointment to the incision. ____
  5. There will be follow up radiographs (X-Rays) 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. Please bring your pet fasted (no food after midnight the previous day) for those visits because we will likely need sedation for properly positioned radiographs.
    If you give your pet Tramadol and Acepromazine prior to his radiographic recheck, you may be able to avoid additional sedation and associated charges.  ____
  6. There is no charge for the recheck examinations with Dr. Christiansen at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. There will, however, be charges for the radiographs, sedation/anesthesia and any other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures that may be necessary. These costs are not included in the original estimate for the surgery.  __
  7. It is important to note that TTA does NOT eliminate cranial drawer.  It eliminates tibial thrust, the active translation of the joint during weight bearing.

Thank you for allowing me to assist in the care of your pet. Please feel free to contact me via e-mail below or call the hospital at which surgery was performed with any questions or concerns regarding this or any other pet.

Dr. Christiansen can be contacted directly and/or called in to treat your pet if necessary.

Contact

Superior Veterinary Surgical Solutions


Animal Specialty and Emergency Hospital - (321) 752-7600

Please ask for Dr. Christiansen specifically to make sure you see me!

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "My Labradoodle, LuLu, needed knee surgery. Her health is my top priority, so I researched Veterinary Surgeons, and Dr. Christiansen was highly recommended to me. My experience with him has been wonderful, and Lulu loves him. His demeanor with her was so compassionate, you could really see how much he cares about animals.

    Lulu is fully recovered from her surgery, yet I still look to Dr. Christiansen as a source of advice and expertise regarding Lulu's well being."
    Debbie Arluck - Palm Bay, Florida