Post Surgery Care and Rehabilitation What to Expect First Night: Most dogs will not act like themselves the first night, some will be restless and whine. This is to be expected and is a result of anesthesia and pain medication. Please be assured everything possible has been done to relieve your pet from pain. Your dog’s eyes will look different due to an eye ointment administered at the time of surgery to prevent drying of the eye. Some dogs will be very thirsty, you may give small amounts of water every half hour. An occasional patient will vomit. If this occurs, remove water, food and medication for just this one night. Since the surgery wound is fresh, some bleeding may occur. The dried blood makes a natural bandage and should be left alone. Cleaning the incision could cause it to bleed more. Some licking is ok since the sutures are under the skin. If your dog licks excessively, you can place a sock with the toes cut out up over the knee or an e-collar may be necessary. Most dogs will return to “normal” in 1-2 days. Day 1-3: During this period some toe touching (to the ground) usually begins. This varies by dog and also by the extent of the surgery. Some dogs will begin to walk at this stage and for others, walking could take up to three weeks. Dark red/purple bruising and mild swelling at the at the incision is normal. Day 2-5: Within a few days following surgery, the area around or below the surgery sight may become swollen. This is also normal and will disappear within a couple of days. Cold packing this area is not necessary. Day 5: Remove and dispose of the fentanyl patch. Keep it away from children and other dogs. Removal of this potent pain patch may cause dogs to temporarily become a little more lame. Where the patch was removed, wash the area with warm water and mild detergent. Do not let your dog lick where the patch was placed. Day 14-21: At two weeks please make an appointment with your veterinarian, or if being seen here please call us so we can check the suture line to make sure your pet is progressing. At this point, most dogs are bearing weight on that leg. Two Months: Please make an appointment with your veterinarian for a two-month check-up. If all is well, your dog can gradually return to normal off-leash function. Swimming is excellent therapy at this time. Long and longer walks, then runs may begin. For some dogs it can take up to six months for full recovery. However, most dogs are doing very well at two to three months following surgery. Please contact us with your questions at any time during your pet’s recuperation – 1-800-699-BONE (2663).