Total hip replacement aftercare
is very important! You, your veterinarian, and
Gulf Coast Veterinary Surgery, Orthopedics & Neurology are all part of the health care team. We will work together
so your dog will enjoy the hip for life. The following are important
points to remember:
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The incision can be left alone.
There should be no drainage or discharge. The area should be left dry.
Your dog should not be allowed to lick the incision. Licking and chewing
of the sutures does not happen often, but some dogs do! If your dog does
chew the sutures a restraint collar will be necessary.
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Activity must be limited
for 2 months. This means no running, jumping, playing, stair
running and no walks in the neighborhood. “Normal” daily activity around
the house, and going outdoors, on a leash, to eliminate is fine.
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Dogs must avoid slick surfaces
to prevent falls. Sometimes temporary runners work well in high traffic
areas if you have tile or hard wood floors.
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A pain patch is applied to the
skin for pain relief. It may still be in place at the time of release.
If so, please do not allow the patch to become loose and come in contact
with a child. It can be removed in about 48 hours.
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Give the medications as directed
on the label. The medications are given at about 8:00AM on the day of
release.
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Rechecks are done at 2 weeks, 2
months, and annually thereafter. The sutures are removed at the 2-week
recheck when progress will be assessed. The 2-month recheck and annual
recheck consist of an exam and radiographs. These rechecks take about an
hour and may require a light sedative for your dog’s comfort. You may
either choose to drop-off for the day or make an outpatient appointment,
depending on your schedule.
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You must resist the temptation
to allow vigorous or strenuous activity during the first 2 months. Your
dog will probably feel good within a few weeks and will want to be more
active than advisable. Resisting the temptation to go on long walks or
retrieve may be difficult but necessary. Please mark your calendar for
the 2-month target date to limit activity.
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After 2 months
you will be asked to begin short regular walks with your dog. We will
discuss the initial walking distance at the 2-month recheck. The walks
will be twice a day and the distance will get progressively longer. The
walks will continue for about a month. After 1 month of walks, all normal
activity can resume.
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There are some strenuous
activities that should be avoided for life. These include activities
where your dog may jump up and land with all the weight on the hind legs,
such as Frisbee. Endurance activity, such as long walks, swimming,
and running will not be prohibited once rehabilitation is complete.
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Should your dog ever need
antibiotic therapy or a dental procedure performed, please feel free to
call and ask about antibiotic protocols.
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We closely follow all Total Hip
Replacements for the life of the patient. Therefore, if you change your
address and/or phone numbers, please let us know so we may keep your dog’s
information current. Periodically, short questionnaires may be sent to
you. Please help us by returning them. We love to hear how our patients
are doing.
If you have any questions
about aftercare, rehabilitation, activity level, or future performance,
please call us for answers: 713-693-1122.
