Frequently asked questions after discharge

We understand that the first days after surgery can be quite challenging for both pets and their caretakers. In addition to your pet's personalized aftercare instructions, we would like to provide you with information regarding some of the more common questions and concerns that arise once pets are at home.

My pet is restless, cannot seem to get comfortable, is whimpering and/or sleeping poorly…

This is not unusual, especially during the first hours to days following discharge from the hospital. A number of factors are likely contributing to these behaviors, including the recent hospital experience, low grade pain, and changes in their usual home environment and/or with their daily routine. If your pet calms down when you are directly engaging their attention (by talking to them, sitting with them, or petting them), inadequate pain control is not likely the cause of their actions.

You can often help this situation by letting your pet know you are nearby, placing familiar items (dog bed, favorite toy) in your pet's new enclosure, and–if it was dispensed by the surgeon–the administration of a sedative. If these measures are unsuccessful, it is possible that your pet is experiencing a side effect of some of the pain medications they're receiving or that their pain is not yet adequately controlled. If you believe this to be the case, please contact VSA for further instructions.

My pet was using the operated leg well, but has suddenly stopped doing so…

This sometimes occurs after a support bandage is removed. A pet grows accustomed to having extra support for the operated limb, and using the limb without that support may feel awkward for a while. This may also occur with overuse of the limb. As your pet begins to feel more comfortable using the leg, they may not “remember” that the leg is still healing and somewhat fragile. They may forget to step lightly on the limb to protect it as you might following an injury or surgery. Additionally, the normal release of adhesions (immature scar tissue) with greater limb use following surgery may cause transitory pain. It is rare that any permanent setback occurs if your pet has been adequately confined and their exercise limited appropriately.

If your pet stops using the operated leg well, and in the absence of evident pain or deformity of the limb, try strictly limiting their exercise for the next 24-48 hours. If the surgeon dispensed an oral analgesic such as Torbugesic in VAL syrup or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory tablet (Rimadyl, Etogesic), you may administer them as directed on the label. The surgical site may also be warm compressed by using a dampened towel that is warm–but not too hot–to the touch for 10-minute sessions, 2-3 times daily. If there isn't a return to the previous level of limb use within a day or two, or if you believe that your pet may have done more significant damage to the surgical repair, then contact VSA during the next business day for further advice.

My pet's eating and elimination habits are abnormal…

Eating patterns may be altered by surgery for a number of reasons. The combination of recent anesthesia, pain medication, environmental change, and decrease in normal exercise can sometimes cause a decrease in food intake. If your pet has no special dietary requirements/orders from the surgeon, it is acceptable to entice them with a special food (like boiled chicken and rice) in small quantities. This should be offered in combination with your pet's normal diet. Please avoid foods that have significant fat or are considered to be “rich”, since the last thing your recovering companion needs is gastrointestinal upset.

Elimination habits, especially defecation, are often altered for several days following surgery. Again, the combination of drug therapy, low-grade surgical pain, and environmental changes all contribute to these abnormal bathroom habits. Your pet may not produce stool for several days following a hospital stay. This should not cause great concern, assuming they are not straining to defecate. If no stool is seen within 4-5 days following discharge from the hospital, contact VSA for consultation during regular business hours.

My pet must use the stairs to get outdoors…

Please do your best to keep your recovering pet in a place where stairs do not have to be used in order to go outside or spend time with the family. We realize that this is not always possible, but we make the recommendation in order to protect your pet from overusing an operated leg or slipping and falling, traumatizing the surgery site. If your pet must navigate stairs, please accompany them on leash, walk very slowly, and–for orthopedic and neurological patients–position a sling under their body for support.

What happens when I need to speak with a VSA representative after-hours?

When our offices are not open, there is always a VSA surgeon on-call for emergencies. When you dial any of our numbers, your call will be directed to the answering system automatically. You will be asked to leave a detailed message and given two options for its direction–to have the question answered on the next business day or to have the surgeon paged immediately. Please understand that, though we want to be available to assist with questions regarding your companion's care, the surgeon on call often works shifts on either side of their on call duty and adequate sleep can be quite useful when performing surgery. Additionally, when you call the surgeon may already be involved with an emergency surgery and thus require a little time before being able to respond. However, they will do their best to reach you as soon as they are available. Please remember to leave your area code when you call! If your pet is experiencing a potentially life-threatening emergency or requires veterinary attention before the next business day, you may be directed to seek care at a local emergency clinic.

We hope this information is helpful for you during your pet's recovery process. Together with your referring veterinarian, we are striving to help you achieve the best possible surgical outcome for your pet.