Sample aftercare instructions for neurological surgery

The surgical incision should be inspected daily for any evidence of infection. Signs of infection include excessive redness, heat, swelling, pain, and/or any discharge (such as pus). Please contact VSA as soon as possible if any of these signs are observed.

Your pet should not be allowed to lick or chew at the incision, as this can interfere with appropriate healing and may introduce bacteria to the surgical site. Please contact us for advice if your pet exhibits this behavior. An Elizabethan collar or other deterrent may be required to stop this behavior until skin closure is removed.

Bathing should be avoided until skin closure has been removed and the incision determined to be adequately healed.

For the first 2 days after your pet is discharged from the hospital, please apply a cold compress to the surgical site (incision) 3-4 times a day for 5-10 minutes. For the next 5 days, please place a warm compress on the area 3-4 times a day for 5-10 minutes. This helps to decrease swelling and discomfort.

Please make an appointment to have your pet's skin staples removed in 10-14 days.

Your pet needs to be fully restricted for the next month. Essentially, he/she is on bed-rest and should have no unscheduled activity. Scheduled activity includes physical therapy as directed and trips outside to urinate/defecate. When you take him/her outside, he/she should be carried or assisted to his/her favorite spots, allowed a chance to urinate/defecate, and carried or assisted back inside.

When restricted, your pet should be kept in a very small, carpeted area or crate. He/she should have well-padded, clean bedding at all times to help prevent bedsores. Bedding should be changed as soon as possible if it becomes soiled or wet. Your pet can be out of his/her restricted area whenever someone has full control of his activity (he/she is in your lap, on a leash at your feet, etc.)

Physical therapy sessions should be conducted 2-3 times a day. Each session should begin with gentle massage of the limbs. Next, begin range of motion exercises at each joint of the affected limbs. Each joint should be gently flexed and extended for 20-30 repetitions. The range of motion exercises should be followed by standing exercises. Place your pet in a regular standing position with light support for balance. Allow your pet to sink to the ground, then repeat 20 times. Once your pet has regained the ability to voluntarily move the affected limbs, begin sling-walks for five minutes at a time, 2-3 times a day.

The nerves which allow the bladder to empty normally are often affected by spinal cord injury. We will instruct you regarding bladder care when your pet is discharged from the hospital. If he/she is not producing a normal quantity of urine at least twice daily, has small accidents on his/her bedding or when handled, or you have any concerns regarding urination, please call VSA immediately.

Neurological recovery is often very slow, progressing over a period of weeks to months. We recommend recheck examinations on a regular basis, usually monthly, as directed by your surgeon.