Total knee replacement aftercare is very important!  You, your veterinarian, and Dr. Liska are all part of the health care team.  We will work together so your dog will enjoy the new knee for life.  The following are important points to remember:

• 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 an Elizabethan collar will be necessary.
  
• Activity must be limited for 6 weeks.  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.
• Avoid slick surfaces to prevent falls.  Sometimes temporary runners work well in high traffic areas if you have tile or hard wood floors.
  
• A Fentanyl 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.
  
• Give the medications as directed on the label.  The medications are given at about 8:00AM on the day of release.
  
• Rechecks are done at 2 weeks, 6-8 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and annually thereafter.  The sutures are removed at the 2-week recheck when progress will be assessed.  The 6-week, 3 month, 6month, 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 choose either a day-admit for the day, or make an outpatient appointment, depending on your schedule.
  
• You must resist the temptation to allow vigorous or strenuous activity during the first 6 weeks.  Your dog will probably feel better within a few weeks and will want to be more active than advisable.  Resisting the temptation to go on walks or retrieve may be difficult but necessary.  Please mark your calendar for the 6 week target date to limit activity.
  
• We request that Nancy Doyle, MPT, Director of Gulf Coast Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness, direct the physical therapy. We will work with you and her to achieve the best possible outcome. The rehabilitation effort is very important after knee replacement surgery, and we are confident in her expertise.
  
• Long term, there are some strenuous activities that should be avoided or minimized for life.  These include activities such as jumping up over high objects, sudden stops, or pivoting at high speed.  Endurance activity, such as long walks, swimming, and running will not be prohibited once rehabilitation is complete.
  
• Should your dog ever develop an infection elsewhere in the body that requires antibiotic therapy, or if a dental procedure is performed, please feel free to call and ask about antibiotic protocols.
  
• Dr. Liska closely follows his Total Knee 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.

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