Your Pet's Post-operative Care

After your pet has had his hip replaced, he is bound to feel a little punk after surgery. Dr. Tony Kremer, a specialist in TPLO surgery, says, “You may be responsible for administering medication or bandaging, and you should learn the best way to carry your recuperating pet. You'll also need to be on guard for any post-surgical problems within the first few days after the operation, and you'll need to provide plenty of plain old TLC.” Here are a few things you can do to keep your pal comfortable and safe during the recovery process.

For Dogs and Cats

All's Quiet on the Sequestered Front

When your pet first comes home from the hospital, keep her quiet and sequestered from other animals and small children so that she doesn't feel threatened or make sudden movements.

Avoid Solitary Confinement

Kremer says, "Keeping your pet quiet after surgery doesn't mean that you should leave the animal alone. This is a common mistake many people make after surgery.” When he's settled in a comfortable spot, such as his crate or kitty bed, check on him often to make sure he's okay. This will make your pet feel secure and will prevent him from getting up to come look for you. If the animal isn't mobile, bring food to him. Carry him to the litter box or outside for potty visits if necessary.

She's Been Down Under

After your pet has been under anesthesia, she may be groggy and disoriented. She may bump into furniture and trip over her food. She's likely to fall if she attempts to climb up or down stairs. Keep her away from these dangers for a day or two until her equilibrium returns. Show her to her food, then stay with her while she eats. Put a gate across the staircase if necessary.

He's Had a Close Shave

The area on which surgery is performed is generally shaved, so it's easy to see the skin afterward. Following the operation, check this area twice a day for problems—pulled sutures, bleeding, swelling, or anything else that looks unusual. Call the vet if you're concerned that the incision is not healing the way the vet told you it would.

He's in Stitches

Your pet may have sutures for a couple of weeks, so keep watching the area even after he's up and around. If he continually scratches or licks the stitches, he may be allergic to the sutures themselves, or an abscess may be developing. Call the vet.