With severe physical overload, joint problems often occur. Experts say that the most vulnerable parts of the human body are the knees. Due to the complexity anatomical structure, these joints bear the majority of any physical load. It is especially fraught for them to carry out physical exercise without special training or with a violation of performance technique. As a result, the knee joints become deformed. There is also a high risk of getting more serious complications(the affected leg may stop bending).

Description of the term

Arthroscopy is a special method of surgical intervention in human joints. An instrument called an arthroscope (a type of endoscope) is inserted into the cavity through a microincision. In the case of diagnosis and treatment of the knee joint, two micro-incisions are made at once:

• for surgical probe;
• for arthroscope.

Compared to traditional surgical procedures, the arthroscopy procedure has enormous advantages. There is no need to completely open the joint, exposing it. This means that the healing process and recovery after arthroscopy of the patient’s knee joint will be several times faster and easier. During such an operation, the risk of damage to connective tissues is virtually eliminated.

Stages of diagnosis by arthroscopy:

• Soft tissue incision.
• Insertion of the arthroscope.
• Examination of the knee joint through an arthroscope lens.
• Studying the video recording on the monitor transmitted by the arthroscope.
• Establishment of a specific pathology.
• If the accompanying conditions allow, arthroscopic surgery can begin immediately.

The need for surgery

The initial purpose of arthroscopy is to diagnose internal state joints of the knee, shoulder, hips, elbows and wrists. The following pathologies are most often found:

• meniscus injuries;
• partial destruction of cartilage;
• arthritis;
• cruciate ligament injury.

Once the doctor has made a specific diagnosis, a decision is made on the date of an operation called surgical arthroscopy. In some cases, immediately after diagnosis, the patient is sent to the surgical table.

Possible consequences

Arthroscopy is one of the safe operations. However, even after it some complications occur. The most common symptom after knee arthroscopy is swelling. In some cases, the leg simply does not bend due to the huge amount of fluid.

The causes of edema vary. Most often this is due to uneven load on the sore leg during physical therapy. If even slight swelling appears in the joint area, you should immediately consult a specialist.

Sometimes the swelling is inflammatory in nature. This is fraught with infectious contamination. Therefore, if unexplained swelling occurs and pain, you should consult your doctor.

Recovery

Rehabilitation after knee arthroscopy is simple and often short-lived. If the operation was successful and no swelling occurred after it, after two to three months, with a mandatory visit to exercise therapy, the joint will return to normal.

If complications arise during the rehabilitation process associated with various factors, you should adhere to certain medical recommendations.

Inpatient procedures

During surgical arthroscopy, the patient is given anesthesia. Depending on the duration and complexity of the operation, it can be either local or general.

In the first case, the patient is sent home within a few hours along with a detailed recommendation from an orthopedic doctor, a referral for exercise therapy and a list of corrective menus for the coming days. During the rehabilitation period, it is not recommended to eat too much salt or drink liquid at night. It is strictly forbidden to drink alcohol, because it toxic effects only increase the risk of swelling.

In the second case, the patient after the operation is transferred to intensive care unit. After the anesthesia wears off, the patient is prepared for discharge with typical recommendations.

When swelling occurs, specialists prescribe various diuretics that help remove excess water from the body. To eliminate pain syndrome Analgesic-based drugs are recommended.

IN rehabilitation period Patients may be prescribed the following restorative procedures:

• massage;
• electrical stimulation.

Self-rehabilitation

After surgery on knee joint It is necessary to give the body a little rest. Special attention should be given to the sore leg. The development of the knee joint should occur gradually without overload. Minimize hiking, use a stick or cane for a while. Do not overexert yourself during exercise therapy. If swelling occurs, be sure to apply ice wrapped in soft thick fabric. The procedure must be repeated 3-4 times a day.

Give your leg a two-hour day rest every day. To do this, take a horizontal position and place your sore leg on a soft pillow. It is important that the leg is above the level of the heart. This ensures proper blood flow and relaxes the limb.

There are also therapeutic exercises for developing the knee joint. To do this, you need to take a horizontal position on a hard surface and raise/lower your leg, while the knee should not bend. Manipulations should be carried out 15–20 times every 2–3 hours. After 2–3 months, you can increase the load and switch to an exercise bike.

If possible, wrap your leg elastic bandage. This minimizes the risk of swelling.

Question - answer

Quite often, the patient has a lot of questions that he tries to answer for himself. However, it is worth remembering that health must be protected and you cannot rely on chance. Here we will try to answer some frequently asked questions. But this is not a substitute for a full consultation with a specialist.

Question: I experience pain when doing home exercises. Is it worth continuing?

Answer: Rehabilitation exercises should not be painful. The maximum you will feel is slight discomfort, associated with micro-incisions. If you feel pain, you should stop exercising immediately and consult a doctor.

Question: While taking a bath, the wound got wet. What to do?

Answer: In the postoperative period, doctors recommend tying the leg with polyethylene during hygiene procedures. If the wound gets wet, you should consult a doctor and immediately clean the wound and change the dressing. Delay is fraught infectious diseases and inflammation.

Question: Do I need to see a doctor after arthroscopy?

Answer: After such an operation, the doctor makes appointments for the patient within 10–15 days. After this, the patient engages in his rehabilitation independently at home. If he has no complaints, there is no need to visit a doctor.

Question: Do I need to wear post-operative orthoses?

Answer: There is no need to wear orthoses (special fixing structures) without a doctor’s prescription. But if the doctor examined the joint and found that muscular system is too weak, then supporting and fixing orthoses will be prescribed to you in mandatory.

Arthroscopy was previously used only for the diagnosis and treatment of professional athletes. Now this practice is available to any patient. Knee arthroscopy – simple and effective procedure. However, without making efforts to independently rehabilitate and proper recovery, it will be very difficult to avoid swelling, severe pain and other complications.

How to restore and develop the meniscus after surgery?

The cartilaginous layer in the knee joint, located between the surfaces of the femur and the tibia tibia, called the meniscus. It functions as a shock absorber and stabilizer, but under certain types of load, especially during sports, it may rupture. This injury is one of the most common and accounts for about 75% of all closed injuries of the knee joint.

Restoring the meniscus after a tear is possible using stitching with a special thread. If this cannot be done, then it is removed. In some cases, synthetic prostheses are implanted, which take on the functions of the meniscus.

Rehabilitation after surgery consists of physical therapy and physiotherapy; the duration of this recovery period depends on the nature of the injury.

Rehabilitation set of exercises

If resection of the meniscus (its complete or partial removal) was performed arthroscopically*, then the restoration complex can begin 1-7 days after the operation.

* That is, using special video equipment through two punctures on the sides of the knee joint.

If the injury caused damage to the ligaments or removal of the meniscus was performed open method, That physical therapy will have to be postponed, because at first the knee needs rest. The same situation is observed in the case of suturing the edges of the meniscus, which need to heal before putting weight on the knee again. This period can take up to 5-7 weeks after surgery, depending on individual characteristics.

Early recovery

Main goals pursued early rehabilitation after surgery include:

• normalization of blood circulation in damaged joint and elimination of inflammation;
• strengthening the thigh muscles to stabilize the knee;
• prevention of contracture (limitation of range of motion).

Physical therapy should be carried out in different body positions:

• sitting, passively extending the operated leg, placing a cushion under the heel;
• standing on a healthy limb;
• lying down, tensing your thigh muscles for 5-10 seconds.

All these exercises can be performed only with the permission of the attending physician in the absence of effusion (inflammatory fluid) and blood in the joint after surgery.

Late recovery

The objectives of late rehabilitation are:

For this purpose, the most effective classes are in gym and in the pool. Cycling and walking are very beneficial. Do not forget that for the first few weeks after meniscus resection, it is not advisable to squat and run.

Examples of exercises

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy in the postoperative period is aimed at improving blood circulation and metabolism in the knee joint, as well as accelerating regeneration processes. Massage, laser therapy, magnetic therapy and electrical muscle stimulation are effective for these purposes.

Massage should be performed when there is swelling and limited mobility of the knee. For greater effectiveness, it is advisable to teach the patient self-massage, which he will perform several times a day. It is not recommended to massage the joint itself in the early postoperative period. To perform other physical procedures, you will need to visit the clinic.

Surgical repair of meniscus

Meniscus performs important role V normal operation knee joint, therefore during the operation it is not completely removed, but they try to preserve maximum quantity intact tissue. There are two main methods for surgically restoring the meniscus after injury:

• Applying a suture, which is performed in cases of linear rupture, if no more than a week has passed from the moment of damage. It makes sense to apply it only in the zone good blood supply. Otherwise, the tissue will never heal and after some time it will rupture again.
• Replacement of the meniscus with the help of special polymer plates is used quite rarely, usually with extensive destruction and removal of most of the cartilage tissue. In addition, there is the possibility of transplanting fresh frozen donor tissue.

In conclusion, it is worth recalling that if you have suffered a knee injury, you need to contact an experienced traumatologist. The doctor will determine the nature of the damage and conduct necessary treatment. Execution simple exercises for rehabilitation and restoration of meniscus function after surgery will very soon allow you to forget about the unpleasant incident and return to your previous active life.

Unfortunately, our four-legged friends sometimes they get sick and are forced to undergo operations of varying complexity. To completely cure your beloved pet, it is not enough to entrust it to a competent veterinarian. Already after qualified medical intervention The owner must independently care for the sick animal properly. We'll tell you what it means a suture in a dog after surgery, how to properly care for it during the rehabilitation period.

Photo: Rehabilitation of a dog after surgery

Remember the most important things: always follow your veterinarian's advice. Strictly follow the recommendations of the doctor who performed your pet's surgery. Caring for your dog may vary from case to case, so it is possible that your to a pet For example, a special diet will be prescribed.

Do not doubt the doctor's words. And if you are still not sure about the recommendations, consult not with friends or Internet users, but with another veterinarian who is able to assess the animal’s condition, its tests, and prescribed medications.

There are also general rules caring for a sick pet.

Photo: Wounded dog

Typically, the rehabilitation period after surgery lasts about 10-14 days. Only after the most complex surgical intervention, special care for the animal can last up to two months. This primarily applies to older dogs, in which the recovery of the body occurs much more slowly, and complications may arise.

Some inexperienced owners remember the well-known saying “it will heal like a dog” and think that in a couple of days after complex procedure their pet will be able to overcome high barriers and run in the morning with ease, just like before. But you shouldn't count on it. Even if your pet appears completely healthy, do not rush to return him to his usual lifestyle, as this can lead to complications. If the doctor prescribed two weeks " bed rest“- this means that these recommendations must be strictly adhered to, even if you are so “inconvenient” and it seems that your pet is “still a big guy.”

Walks

The first day after complex operation It is better not to walk the dog so as not to disturb it again. Moreover, at this time she is unlikely to want to go to the toilet, since the animal does not eat before and after the operation. Take your pet outside only if he asks, and do it very carefully.

To recover after surgery, the dog needs rest and a minimum of physical activity, but this does not mean that the pet should only be outside for 5 minutes. Give him longer walks, but don't make him run and jump. Walk slowly, in familiar areas, and at the same time avoid the company of dogs, so that the animals, when starting a game, do not harm the sick pet.

Photo: long walks

Carefully observe the dog's behavior on the street: if he shows with all his appearance that it is difficult for him to walk for a long time, do not force him to do it.

Take your pet outside for a short time, but more often. Please note: if during rehabilitation you give your pet medications with a diuretic effect, he needs to be walked at least 4-5 times a day. And, of course, you can’t scold him if, without getting outside in a timely manner, he defecates at home.

Do not force the dog to endure for a long time, as bladder pain will negatively affect the general condition of the animal and slow down the body’s recovery process.

If you have small children, be sure to warn them that the dog should not be disturbed for play. Firstly, the animal needs to be provided with peace, and secondly, a sick pet that experiences discomfort can become aggressive. To protect both the dog and children from injury and stress, it is better to ask little fidgets not to disturb the animal for at least two weeks after the operation.

If your dog has a catheter on his paw, keep it and the protective bandage clean, regularly treat the area with an antiseptic, and wrap it with plastic wrap before each walk to prevent dirt or water from getting into the catheter. Try to clean your home more often.

Photo: Dog food

Follow the feeding recommendations your veterinarian gives you. Even if the new dog diet is too troublesome for you, be patient at least during the rehabilitation period. Your care will allow the dog to recover faster.

The diet may vary depending on the type of surgery. But there are also general rules. The dog should not be fed or watered for several hours after surgery. This is especially important if the surgery was abdominal cavity or the animal suffered a difficult one.

Then you need to give food in very small portions and often (3-4 times a day). In addition, food should be fresh, light and preferably liquid.

If you give it to your pet, soak it in warm water so that he does not have to chew, and also to facilitate the digestion process.

If this does not contradict the veterinarian's recommendations, you can use special canned food, but it is better if they are dietary. Foods that are unfamiliar to the dog should not be given. Many animals already have no appetite after surgery, so they are unlikely to want to try new food.

Photo: broth

If you usually feed your pet natural food, at the first postoperative meal, give him broth, and then feed him porridge with minced meat, cottage cheese, and kefir. Unless, of course, the veterinarian gave other recommendations.

In addition, the dog should always have access to clean drinking water. However, in the first days after surgery, it is better to slightly limit the amount of fluid consumed. And do not forget to regularly change the water to fresh water. If the animal cannot stand up on its own, carefully feed it from a syringe without a needle, because a dehydrated body will not be able to regain its strength.

TO usual diet return the dog gradually: over the course of a week, add a little regular food to the medicinal food. And with each feeding, increase the portion of your usual food.

Attention! If your dog has any digestive problems, consult your doctor. Under no circumstances should you give your animal any medications without your veterinarian’s knowledge, as they may not be compatible with the medications you are using to restore your pet’s health. Don’t be lazy to consult your veterinarian once again, even if you think that alarming symptoms you might have dreamed it. It is better to be safe than not to notice the deterioration.

Photo: Chlorhexidine for treating sutures in a dog after surgery

To prevent the dog from licking the seams, you need to put a special blanket or Elizabethan collar on it. Postoperative sutures you need to treat it with an antiseptic 1-2 times a day. It is better if it is alcohol-free, so as not to provoke additional discomfort in the animal. For example, chlorhexidine is ideal for this purpose.

After treatment with an antiseptic, it is necessary to carefully lubricate the seams with antimicrobial and healing ointment. The drug levomekol has proven itself very well. Find these simple and inexpensive medicines can be found in any human pharmacy.

If the animal is prescribed any medications, they must be given strictly according to the instructions. If the schedule is not followed, treatment may not be effective and you will have to repeat it. Any deviations from the recommendations must be agreed with your doctor. Don’t hesitate to ask again and clarify: you are not a doctor, you are worried about your animal and may not figure it out the first time. The veterinarian must explain his instructions so that you can follow them.

Photo: Place to relax

Provide the animal with the maximum comfortable conditions for recovery. Make sure that the place where the dog rests is dry, comfortable, warm, but not hot, and always without drafts.

If the house is cool, cover your pet with a blanket to prevent him from getting too cold. To prevent your pet from falling, do not arrange a bed for him on a hill.

Please note: When recovering from anesthesia, the animal will move awkwardly and its limbs will be flaccid, so make sure that it does not climb onto the sofa or chair. In this case, falling even from such a low object can be dangerous.

If your dog experiences involuntary urination or any other symptoms after surgery copious discharge, lay down a waterproof oilcloth and well-absorbent diapers. Don't worry, after anesthesia it's normal phenomenon. And, of course, do not scold your pet for this.

In the first 3-4 weeks, constantly monitor the animal’s health. Daily examine his lips and gums. If their color has changed (become bluish or white), take your pet to the vet as soon as possible.

Also keep an eye out so that there is no blood in the animal’s excrement. Intense bleeding from the surgical wound, inflamed appearance of the suture or bad smell from a wound is also a sign that the dog is not recovering.

Video

Watch the video: Postoperative care behind stitches on pets

Watch the video: Caring for dogs and cats after sterilization (also used for castration, laparoscopy)

Injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee is a fairly common injury in dogs and can result in the dog limping. hind paw. This injury occurs when the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee is stretched or torn, causing acute or chronic pain. Despite the pain of PCL damage, the dog is often quite capable of recovering if provided with drug treatment and proper rest. After some time, the injury will certainly heal, but in dogs large breeds Arthritis may develop as a consequence of injury if surgery is not performed in a timely manner.

Steps

Relieving your pet's pain at home

Provide your dog with comfortable bedding and place bowls of water and food nearby. Choose a place to place the bedding where your dog can safely recover from injury. Make sure that your dog can still spend time with your family members and go outside to the toilet without any problems.

• Move all of your dog's personal belongings to his temporary resting place to make him comfortable.
• If your house has several floors, it is best to place the dog on the ground floor.

1. Rest your dog for 6 weeks to allow the injury to heal. The dog should be able to lie down in a comfortable position to reduce inflammation around the affected joint. Temporarily avoid long walks with your dog, and do not let him jump or walk on stairs.

   Provide a ramp for your dog so he can easily climb onto upholstered furniture. It is best to lift the dog yourself in such situations, but you yourself will not always be there to help your pet. You don't want your dog to jump on furniture, so create a ramp for him to climb up.

   • The ramp can also be used to make it easier for your dog to get into your car if he needs to go somewhere.
   • Pre-made ramps can be found at local pet stores or purchased online. There are even folding ramps.

2. Use baby gates to limit your dog's movements around the house. Baby gates are a great way to provide your dog with the rest he needs. Using gates, limit the area accessible to the dog to just one room, and also block the stairs with gates so that the dog cannot use them.

   • Make sure the gate you use is high enough so your dog won't try to jump over it. You know your dog best, so choose the appropriate gates at your own discretion.

3. Avoid keeping your dog on slippery floors such as linoleum or laminate. The dog should walk on surfaces that provide good grip on its paws. Otherwise, the dog may be re-injured or injure another paw. Block her access to rooms with slippery floors or cover slippery floors with non-slip mats.

   • Do not try to cover slippery floors with towels or blankets. The fabric will slide violently across the floor, which can cause injury to the dog.
   • Refusal of operational surgical treatment may cause the dog to later develop early arthritis in the injured joint.
   • Dogs larger than 10 kg may not recover on conservative treatment. home treatment, so they often require surgery.

Changing the Routine for an Injured Dog

1. Put your dog on a diet to prevent gain excess weight in the process of recovery from injury. The dog will be sedentary for at least 6 weeks, so it will not need as many calories as before. In addition, the extra weight load on the injured anterior cruciate ligament may interfere with the healing of the injury. Choose a dog food specifically designed for weight loss or weight maintenance.

   • Please consult with your veterinarian first to determine the best food for your dog.
   • Follow the dosage recommendations on the packaging of the food you are using.

2. To provide your dog with physical activity, give him swimming sessions 2-3 times a week. Since swimming does not create much stress on musculoskeletal system, the animal’s joints, muscles and ligaments will not suffer from such exercises. If your dog can swim regularly, his muscles will maintain their tone, and he will receive good mental stimulation.

   • Consult your veterinarian before swimming with your dog.
   • Provide your dog with enough support while swimming to prevent him from overexerting himself.
   • Swimming may not be an available exercise option during the colder months, as dogs are not allowed in pools in most cases. If the injury occurred in the warm season, the dog can be taken swimming in natural bodies of water.

3. After 6 weeks, start taking your dog for five-minute walks twice a day. This will allow you to gradually increase physical activity on your legs without overloading the injured limb. Keep your dog on a leash at all times to prevent him from running around and risking a recent ligament injury. As your dog's condition improves, you can gradually increase the duration of your walks.

   • Before you start physical activity, consult your veterinarian.

4. Use a special brace to support your dog's knee joint. Attach a special bandage to your dog's knee joint to provide additional support. Slide your fingertips under the bandage to check that it provides light pressure on the paw without cutting into your dog's skin. You may need to adjust the bandage periodically throughout the day. Be sure to make sure your dog is comfortable wearing it.

   • Using a knee brace will help your dog recover from an ACL injury without surgery, however, this measure is not always effective. Ask your veterinarian if a bandage will help in your case.
   • It is best to use a bandage specially selected for the dog from veterinary clinic, but you can also order a bandage via the Internet.

Seeking veterinary help

1. Take your dog to the vet to have the injury diagnosed. The veterinarian will examine and possibly x-ray your dog to check for the presence or absence of a fracture. The veterinarian will also be able to rule out others. possible reasons the dog's pain and make a correct diagnosis. After diagnosis, the specialist will recommend treatment for your dog.

   • The veterinarian may need to put the dog to sleep briefly to examine the injured area without causing pain or discomfort to the animal.

2. Ask your veterinarian to give your dog non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to help relieve pain. To eliminate the pain symptom, the veterinarian may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to the dog. Dogs are often prescribed drugs such as meloxicam (Meloxicam-Teva), Norocarp, Carprofen and Onsior. Give the prescribed medication to your dog at feeding time as recommended by your veterinarian.

   Discuss with your veterinarian whether or not surgical treatment is necessary. The dog can recover from the injury on its own, but in some cases surgery may be the best option. The surgery will stabilize the dog's joint, which will facilitate recovery. Surgery can also reduce the risk of recurrent injuries and the development of arthritis as you age.

Postoperative care- a fairly broad topic, because there are nuances postoperative management there are almost as many patients as various types operations. Let's consider some general and specific aspects of postoperative patient management.

The postoperative period can be divided into “acute” and “chronic”.

Spicy postoperative period occurs immediately after the patient leaves the operating room.

Although technically the operation of ovariohysterectomy is comparable to that of sterilization, general condition the patient is immeasurably sicker due to intoxication. With such interventions, the animal may spend several days in the hospital. (In uncomplicated cases, it is possible to carry out infusion therapy(drips) on an outpatient basis, but owners must be prepared for a significant investment of time (4-9 hours).

When clinically satisfactory condition a long (7-14 days) course of antibiotic therapy (injections or tablets) is prescribed. Processing and removal of seams, blanket - as indicated above.

Surgeries to remove tumors (eg breast tumors). As a rule, in this case, a unilateral mastectomy is performed (removal of the entire ridge with capture of the lymph nodes). This is a major operation accompanied by significant tissue damage.

Patients are often older age group and have a number accompanying pathologies. Infusion therapy may be required for 1-3 days, the animal must be anesthetized (injections of opiate analgesics or NSAIDs) for the first 2-5 days, a course of antibiotics for 5-7 days.

The sutures are treated with levomekol ointment and are usually removed on the 14th day.

Quite often, with such interventions, a seroma (liquid) forms under the skin along the suture on days 4-5, which in some cases must be aspirated (“sucked out” with a needle) or even the cavity drained. If you experience symptoms of “ichor” discharge along the suture or a “water ball” “rolling” under the skin, it is better to see a surgeon.

Urethrostomy.

The most common indication for surgery is the resulting blockage of the urethra. The essence of the surgical intervention is to dilate the urethra and form a new shorter one. urethra; In cats, the scrotum and penis are removed. During the operation it is installed and sutured urinary catheter, which should stand for 3-5 days until the stoma forms. The bladder is sanitized (washed) through a urinary catheter 2-3 times a day. Patients after urethrostomy usually require a long course of antibiotics, antispasmodics, hemostatic drugs and strict special diet. If acute renal failure Intensive infusion therapy (droppers) is required for several days and observation in a hospital.

The formed stoma must be carefully protected from licking at least until the sutures are removed (the sutures are removed on days 12-14) (put an Elizabethan collar or diaper on the animal). After the operation, a specialized diet is prescribed.

(removal of non-viable teeth, opening of abscesses oral cavity, osteosynthesis of jaw fractures, etc.) in the postoperative period require feeding with soft, mushy food for 7-20 days and thorough treatment of the oral cavity after each meal with an antiseptic (for example, copious rinsing with chamomile decoction or Stomadex tablets). An antibiotic is usually needed.

Operations on the stomach and intestines.

After the majority surgical interventions carried out on organs digestive system(delete foreign bodies and neoplasms from the stomach, intestines or esophagus, surgical interventions for volvulus/acute dilatation of the stomach), the patient requires a strict fasting diet for 2-4 days - neither water nor food should enter the gastrointestinal tract.

Liquid and nutrients must be administered parenterally (intravenously). Since in such cases we are almost always talking about high volumes of infusion therapy and the need for strictly calculated administration of drugs parenteral nutrition, such animals are indicated for observation in a hospital before feeding.

After discharge, a course of antibiotic therapy, special dietary food and in the first weeks, fractional feeding regimen (5-6 times a day in small portions)

Osteosynthesis and other orthopedic operations.

Osteosynthesis - surgery for fractures of varying complexity. This may involve installing an external fixation device (Ilizarov apparatus) large dogs or wire in small animals), insertion of a plate, screw, wire, wire cerclage, etc.

In simple cases, the owner will need to treat the sutures daily (chlorhexidine + levomekol) and limit the pet's exercise. The external fixation apparatus requires careful care (treatment of sutures and places where pins are inserted), protection with a gauze bandage until its removal (depending on the complexity of the fracture, up to 30-45 days, sometimes longer). It is mandatory to take a systemic antibiotic; in the early period, injections of analgesics may be required.

For a number of orthopedic interventions, the patient is given a special soft Robert-Johnson fixation bandage for up to a month, which must be changed from time to time in the clinic.

Spine operations.

Patients with spinal injuries (fractures) or disc herniations usually require inpatient observation for the first 2-3 days. Rehabilitation period up to full recovery supporting ability can last from several days to several weeks. The owner must monitor regular urination and, if necessary, express urine or catheterize bladder. The animal must be limited in mobility (cage, carrier). The sutures are treated with levomekol ointment; a protective bandage is usually not required. Spinal patients require a course of antibiotics and steroids for 3-5 days.

To speed up rehabilitation, massage, swimming, and physiotherapy are indicated.

Dog after surgery

Normal dog recovery after surgery directly depends on how carefully the owner looks after her. Veterinarian will instruct the pet owner in detail how to care for it and what you need to know, but there are also general rules for caring for a sick animal.

A dog recovers after surgery in about 14 days, although there are cases when the rehabilitation period lasts up to 60 days.

A special place is occupied by maintaining rest for the animal. It is necessary to take care of a comfortable, favorable, warm, but not stuffy place:

To recover, the animal must experience minimal stress and rest more. During the operation, the pet experienced stress, so it may be aggressive.

• On the first day dog after surgeryNot Maybe There is and take a long walk.
• It is mandatory to dress blanket for dogs after surgery so that she does not touch the seams.
• Stitches in a dog after surgery require special care, That's why suture treatment after surgeryin a dog must be carried out by local antiseptic solution once a day. After the wound has been treated, antiseptic ointment is applied.
• All medications are given strictly according to the instructions prescribed doctor, to dog felt comfortable.
• Pain relief for dogs after surgery are given exactly according to the schedule, since a disrupted medication schedule can have a negative effect on the recovery process.

Postoperative nutrition for the animal

The dog owner wonders: how same feed the dog after surgery? We offer the following:

• Feeding should be done little by little so as not to burden the body, since a lot of energy is spent on digesting food.
• After surgery, the dog does not eat or drink for several hours. This is especially true for operations performed on the peritoneum.

There is no need to be afraid that the dog does not go to the toilet after surgery. This is natural, because she doesn’t eat anything. And to avoid constipation, you need to stick to a diet. It is better to give dietary food, which is sold in special canned food. Hard food softens in warm water. This type of diet is observed for about 30 days. It is better to return to your normal eating rhythm gradually. To do this, the usual food is gradually mixed into the diet.

In the postoperative period, it is preferable to give the dog broth, cottage cheese, kefir and porridge.

There must be fresh drinking water near the dog.

The owner must inform the treating veterinarian about negative reactions to food in the form of vomiting, diarrhea, constipation.

What is the feature of the protective structure?

A collar for a dog after surgery serves as a kind of limiter or barrier in protective therapy. The technique helps protect the dog from causing various types of damage to itself and prevents it from biting or scratching itself. This increases the likelihood fast healing wounds. These devices are prescribed by veterinarians in case of surgery, as well as in other incidents.

Pets do not like to visit clinics, so restraints in the form of collars make it possible to visit doctors less often. The wound heals faster, the risk of infection is reduced, and the dog does not come into contact with drugs used to treat the skin.

The device has the shape of a cone, which is cut off at the top. The material can be anything that holds its shape. On a positive note is that an animal with such a device calmly eats food. Try to get the dog used to this thing, and then it will stop worrying and accept it better.

What complications can occur after surgery?

• A dog after surgery needs quality care because she is more susceptible to complications that may arise against this background. Among other things, you cannot always force the dog to rest in order to allow the wound to heal normally. This is due to the fact that you cannot explain to her how to behave after the operation, namely:
• If the dog is not stopped in time, it can damage the wound and this will lead to the resorption of the sutures.
• Allergies can also occur in dogs. The owner does not always know the reaction of the dog’s body to one or another type of drug.
• Swelling after surgery in a dog may arise due to excess liquid, which accumulated near the wound. Swelling will cause the stitches to come apart and the wound will be vulnerable to infection.
• Bloody discharge from the wound in the first days after surgery should be a cause for concern.
• If the sutures dissolve early or are placed incorrectly, a hernia may form.

What body temperature should be after surgery?