Owners often ask about their pet’s recovery time following surgery. However, there isn’t any one-size-fits-all routine. It’s contingent upon many variables like age, fitness level, health, and procedure type.
Remember that even though the pet’s wound is closed and swelling has diminished, that doesn’t mean they are fully healed. There are a few things that happen when healing. Certain tissues heal quicker than others. The full recovery can take between six weeks and four months, contingent on the type of operation. To ensure safe and complete recovery, it’s essential to provide post-operative care that includes progressive rehabilitation.
How to Take Care of Your Pet Recover After Surgery
A veterinarian or board-certified vet surgeon will provide an estimate of how long it will take for your pet to heal. To speed up your pet’s recovery, follow the individual post-operative guidelines. Listed here are some things you must know in treating your pet:
Follow Medication Routines
Keep track of when you’re required to administer their medications and follow the schedule. Post-surgery discomfort can be reduced through the use of pain relief medications. The healing process will be delayed if the pain isn’t controlled. The pet could receive one to three types of pain medication depending on the kind of procedure. A pill to treat anxiety may be prescribed if necessary so that your pet can concentrate on healing. To prevent and treat infection, antibiotics can be given in certain circumstances. Unless directed otherwise by a veterinarian, All antibiotics should be given.
Use an Electronic Collar (aka “Cone of Shame”)
If your pet is allowed to rub their wounds for just one minute increases the risk of infection or opens the wound. So, an E-collar is usually only required for the first two weeks after vet surgery.
Restrict Activity
Your pet needs to be kept in an area that is small and carpeted where they cannot jump on furniture, run around the home, or take the stairs. This is the ideal place to let your pet relax if they’re already in crate training. While you’re home, it is possible to keep them connected to you. Unless you are told otherwise by your veterinarian, and you are allowed to walk your pet outside with the aid of a leash. You should be able to monitor your pet’s movement at every stage of their recovery. The instructions for post-operative care will outline the duration of the restricted period of activity.
Practice Proper Wound Management
You should be conscious of symptoms such as excessive redness, swelling, and bleeding. Do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian if your pet is showing any of these symptoms. Unless otherwise instructed by your veterinarian, there is no need to apply any ointment or clean the wound. Instead, we recommend using an ice pack to the wound several times per day for a few minutes every day for the first few days following surgery. Ice can reduce swelling and eases pain after surgery.
Take Charge of Your Pet’s Emotions
Your pet might be experiencing anxiety or pain by whining, pacing, and digging, as well as excessive meowing and barking. Spend more time with your pet when you’re home and make sure they’re part of the family. Make sure they are in a quiet space when you’re away, perhaps with a TV or gentle music.
Carolina Veterinary Specialists Matthews provides a variety of surgical options for orthopedic and soft tissue issues. The surgeons at this emergency animal hospital will conduct an extensive evaluation and talk about appropriate diagnostic tests, treatment options, and the risks and results with you based on the concerns of your pet.
Conclusion
As stated above, the total recovery times vary based upon the surgical procedure. You might need to wait up to a year to completely get back to competitive levels that active or athletes’ dogs were before the process. It takes longer to get your pet back on the right track than the slow, steady rehab.