Your pet is recovering from orthopaedic surgery and will require careful home care over the coming weeks to support healing and achieve the best possible outcome.
Recovery following orthopaedic surgery typically takes 8–12 weeks, although this may vary depending on your pet’s procedure and your veterinarian’s recommendations. During this time, following your discharge instructions is extremely important.
This guide is intended to complement the discharge instructions provided by your veterinarian. If your veterinary team has provided different advice for your pet, always follow their recommendations.
What to expect after surgery
It is normal for your pet to experience some mild effects while recovering from surgery and anaesthesia.
Your pet may experience:
- Grogginess
- Decreased appetite for 24–48 hours
- Decreased bowel movements for 1–2 days after returning home
- Mild bruising and discomfort around the surgical site
- A mild cough for 2–3 days following anaesthesia due to irritation from the breathing tube
- Mild clipper rash around the surgical site
- You should also notice gradual improvements as recovery progresses.
Depending on your pet’s procedure, they may begin putting some weight on the affected leg within the first 10 days, followed by a gradual increase in weight – bearing over the following weeks. Recovery times vary, so always follow your veterinarian’s advice.
Some orthopaedic patients may go home with a pain relief patch, which must be removed as directed by your veterinary team.
Activity and confinement
Restricting activity is one of the most important parts of recovery.
Excessive activity can interfere with healing and may result in complications.
Your veterinarian may recommend:
- Crate or cage confinement during the initial recovery period
- Room confinement with exercise restrictions for 6–8 weeks
- No running
- No jumping
- No playing with other animals
- No slippery floors where possible
- No stairs unless specifically advised
- Controlled lead walks only
As your pet heals, your veterinarian will advise when activity can gradually increase.
Medications
Your pet may be prescribed medications to help manage pain and support recovery.
These may include:
- Pain relief medications
- Anti – inflammatory medications
- Other medications prescribed by your veterinarian
Some pets may also benefit from joint – support supplements or prescription joint diets during recovery.
Always administer medications exactly as directed by your veterinary team.
Incision care
Please check the surgical incision 1–2 times each day.
Some bruising and inflammation around the incision are expected during the early stages of healing. The skin may also appear inflamed for a few days due to clipping before surgery.
Contact your veterinary practice immediately if you notice:
- Increasing redness
- Swelling
- Discharge
- A foul smell coming from the incision
Elizabethan collar
If your pet excessively licks the incision, your veterinarian may recommend an Elizabethan collar (cone).
Licking can damage the surgical site, remove sutures and delay healing.
Avoid bathing your pet until your veterinarian advises it is safe to do so.
Rehabilitation
Many orthopaedic procedures benefit from a structured rehabilitation programme.
Depending on your pet’s surgery, your veterinarian may recommend:
- Passive range – of – motion exercises
- Controlled lead walking
- Swimming or hydrotherapy
- Balance exercises
- Rehabilitation can help:
- Improve recovery
- Maintain muscle condition
- Improve flexibility
- Reduce discomfort
- Improve overall mobility
- Always begin rehabilitation only when advised by your veterinary team.
Follow – up appointments
Follow – up appointments are an important part of recovery.
Your pet may require:
- A bandage change (if applicable)
- A post – operative check
- Suture removal approximately 10–14 days after surgery (if required)
- Ongoing rehabilitation assessments
- Your veterinarian will discuss the recovery plan that best suits your pet.
When to contact your veterinarian
Please contact your local veterinary team if your pet:
- Is licking at the incision site
- Cannot be safely confined
- Has difficulty toileting
- Has pale gums
- Is off food after 24 hours
- Is vomiting after 24 hours
- Develops swelling or discharge around the incision
- If you have any concerns about their recovery
- We encourage open communication and are here to support you and your pet throughout their recovery.
