Managing Your Dog in the First 2 Weeks Post-Surgery

The recovery period immediately following surgery is critical for your dog’s healing process. This blog post is relevant following orthopaedic surgery, spinal surgery and any other surgery.

Here are key steps to help you manage your dog effectively during the first two weeks post-surgery:

1. Rest and Restricted Activity

Usually the first two weeks, you should limit your dog’s activity to promote healing. Create a calm environment and restrict movement, avoiding stairs, jumping on and off furniture and rough play. Use a crate or a small, secure area to prevent them from moving around too much.

2. Follow Veterinary Instructions

Adhere closely to your veterinarian’s post-operative care instructions. This includes administering medications as prescribed and it is important to give your pet pain relief to help manage the pain and keep them comfortable. Make sure you monitor for signs of infection or complications, such as swelling, redness, or unusual behaviour.

3. Controlled Potty Breaks

Take your dog outside on a leash for potty breaks, ensuring they don’t engage in excessive movement. Limit the time spent outdoors and avoid busy or distracting areas. If your dog is struggling to walk then they can be carried or supported with a sling.

4. Supportive Care

Provide comfort by keeping your dog in a familiar space with their favorite bed or blanket. Use ice packs if recommended by your vet to reduce swelling and pain.

5. Nutrition and Hydration

Ensure your dog stays hydrated and receives a balanced diet to support recovery. Consult your vet about any dietary restrictions or specific recommendations post-surgery. Some animals may need to be hand fed or assistance with eating and drinking especially in the first few days.

6. Gradual Reintroduction to Activity

As per your veterinarians instructions, usually after 1 – 2 weeks they are happy to introduce slow controlled lead walks. This usually starts with only 5 minutes of walking with allowing time to sniff. If your dog is limping, then encourage a slow pace to allow for weight bearing. If your dog has had neurological surgery and is able to walk without support, slings can be really helpful to avoid straining your back. For cats, this may be allowing further mobility around the house but continue to limit areas where they may be tempted to jump on and off furniture, window sills etc.

7. When to commence physiotherapy?

We recommend commencing physiotherapy within the first 1 – 2 weeks following surgery. We usually commence with an assessment, hands on treatment and provide the owner with a home exercise program. Some owners commence physiotherapy prior to the surgery to ensure they have a good set up and understand how to manage in those first 1 – 2 weeks. Hydrotherapy in the underwater treadmill is very beneficial following surgery and this can be started at 2 weeks post surgery once any wounds are healed.

Conclusion

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a smooth recovery for your dog in the crucial first two weeks after surgery. Always consult your veterinarian with any concerns or questions about your dog’s recovery process. Feel free to contact us if you have any concerns about your pet and whether you would like to book in a consult.

What conditions do Veterinary Physiotherapists usually see in Dogs?

Orthopedic Conditions

  1. Cruciate Ligament Rupture (CCL) – Similar to ACL injuries in humans, this is common in dogs and often requires rehabilitation post-surgery. Surgeries include TPLO, extracapsular repairs, MMP, TTA etc.
  2. Hip Dysplasia – A genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to arthritis and pain.
  3. Elbow Dysplasia – Malformation of the elbow joint, often resulting in pain and arthritis.
  4. Patellar Luxation – A condition where the kneecap dislocates, causing lameness and pain.
  5. Arthritis – Common in older animals, physiotherapy can help alleviate the pain and improve mobility.
  6. Fractures – Post-surgical recovery to improve mobility and strength after a bone fracture.

Neurological Conditions

  1. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) – Common in certain dog breeds, this condition affects the spinal discs and can cause paralysis or difficulty moving.
  2. Degenerative Myelopathy – A progressive disease affecting the spinal cord, leading to loss of coordination and eventual paralysis.
  3. Peripheral Nerve Injuries – Trauma or injury to peripheral nerves, resulting in limb weakness or paralysis.

Sports Injuries

  • Sporting and working dogs are prone to soft tissue injuries like tendonitis, ligament strains, and muscle tears. Physiotherapy helps in recovery and preventing future injuries.

Obesity and Weight Management

  • Physiotherapy, including hydrotherapy, can be part of a weight management program for overweight pets to improve mobility and reduce the risk of joint diseases.

Geriatric Conditions

  • Senior pets with mobility issues due to age-related degeneration often benefit from physiotherapy to maintain strength, flexibility, and quality of life.