Remember to keep it simple. Stop feeding your pet by 10 p.m. the night prior. Water's okay until you drop off your pet for surgery the next morning. If medications are part of their routine, talk to your primary care veterinarian before stopping medications. If you are thinking of a pre-surgery bath, aim for 2-3 days in advance.
The risks of anesthetic complications are very low. Your primary veterinarian and Dr. Jackson will make sure, by first giving a thorough check-up and running some blood tests. Dr. Jackson requires a CBC and full chemistry panel be run on every patient within 2 weeks of a scheduled surgery. This helps us to assess your pet's health and alerts us to any underlying problems. Anesthesia is tailored to your pet, and we keep a watchful eye during the whole procedure. Most modern monitoring equipment include, pulse oxygenation, end tidal CO2, temperature, EKG, and respiratory rate. Once recovered from anesthesia, pain medication will be sent home with your pet. Once recovered from anesthesia, You will be called and updated that surgery is completed. At this call, an expected discharge time will be given to you. Discharge instructions are emailed to you prior to you picking up your pet.
After finishing veterinary school, some vets, like Dr. Jackson, decide to go the extra mile completing a small animal internship followed by a rigorous 3-year surgery residency. After completing many hours of surgery supervised by other board-certified surgeons and publishing research, the resident is considered board-certified after successful completion of a multi-day certification test.
Absolutely. That e-collar (or any other anti-lick gear) must be on at all times, especially if left unsupervised. One of the most common complications is an infection of the surgical incision, caused by licking of the incision. Keep your pet's infection risk as low as possible by keeping the e-collar on at all times. The e-collar should extend past your pet's nose. If it does not, your pet may be able to lick the incision.
Wait for 10-14 days until the stitches come out and the wound is healed and you are given the okay by your veterinarian. Bath time post orthopedic surgery, use an anti-slip mat or just head outdoors to avoid slippage and potential injury.
It happens. Anesthesia, pain meds, and less moving around can slow things down. If it’s been three days, chat with your primary care veterinarian for recommendations. If necessary, your primary care veterinarian will collaborate with Dr. Jackson to address the issue.
Think back to how it looked when you left the hospital. A bit of redness or purple tint (from bruising) is okay initially. If it’s hot, painful, or leaky, contact your primary care veterinarian. If necessary, your primary care veterinarian will collaborate with Dr. Jackson to address the issue.
Keep it simple. Just keep an eye on it and stop any licking. Unless we tell you otherwise, no creams or ointments are to be applied. They might just complicate things. If you have any questions, ask your primary care veterinarian. If necessary, your primary care veterinarian will collaborate with Dr. Jackson to address the issue.
Think of it as a vacation for your pet. Short, calm leash walks just for the essentials. Keep jumping, running, and roughhousing off the list. Remember that tissues take time to heal and any excessive activity may delay that healing. And when you're not around? A cozy crate or room works wonders. In short, if your pet is wagging their tail and appears to be having fun, they probably are having too much activity.
Mild Swelling around the ankle after TPLO surgery is normal and normally occurs 2-3 days following discharge, then resolves over about 4 days. If it persists longer or your pet is painful, please contact your primary care veterinarian who will collaborate with Dr. Jackson.
Count 16-20 weeks for a complete bounce back in most patients. The first 8 weeks are crucial with bone healing, so strict activity limits are important. The next 8 weeks, gradually ease them back into their routine. Don't forget to schedule your rechecks with your veterinarian at 8 weeks and 16 weeks for recheck radiographs, these are important rechecks to determine if your pet is progressing normally.
Yes, they are. If we suggest them, please don't skip. It helps us ensure your pet's on track and ready for normal activity. We take radiographs at 8 weeks and 16 weeks post surgery to monitor healing and determine if everything is on track properly.
At Midwest Veterinary Surgical Services, we are always here for your pet!
