Fracture Repair Recovery Guide for Your Pet

After a fracture repair surgery, it’s crucial to follow a detailed recovery plan to ensure your pet heals properly and avoids complications. The guidelines below outline the essential steps for post-operative care. Read through each section carefully and consult your veterinarian if you notice any concerning changes.

1. Incision Care

• Daily Monitoring:
  
  • Check the incision several times a day until it has fully healed.
  • Look for signs such as swelling, oozing, pus, redness, heat, or an unpleasant odor.
  • Ensure that sutures or staples remain secure and intact.
• Cleaning Instructions:
  
  • If the area becomes dirty, gently clean it with mild hand soap and lukewarm water.
  • Pat the incision dry with a clean paper towel.
  • Otherwise, avoid unnecessary touching of the incision.
• Licking Precautions:
  
  • Any licking can irritate the incision and may lead to infection or increased drainage.
  • A small amount of drainage (none to just a few drops) can be normal.
    
    

2. Medication Management

• Administration Guidelines:
  
  • Follow the prescribed medication schedule exactly and complete the full course as directed.
  • If you miss a dose, do not double up on the next one; simply resume the regular schedule.
• NSAID Usage:
  
  • Always administer NSAIDs with food to help prevent stomach upset.
    
    

3. Nutrition, Elimination, and Bathing

• Feeding & Hydration:
  
  • A slight decrease in appetite during the first day after surgery can be normal.
  • If your pet isn’t eating or drinking within 24–36 hours after returning home, contact your veterinarian.
  • Ensure that fresh water is always available.
• Bowel Movements:
  
  • It is common for pets to take 1–3 days to have a bowel movement after surgery.
  • If no stool is produced within 72 hours, give a tablespoon of canned pumpkin and notify your veterinarian.
• Bathing Restrictions:
  
  • Do not bathe your pet until after sutures or staples have been removed, typically around 14 days post-operation.
    
    

4. E-Collar (The Cone)

• Purpose and Function:
  
  • Prevents your pet from licking, biting, or scratching the incision, which could lead to infection or dislodgement of sutures/staples.
• Types and Considerations:
  
  • E-collars come in various forms, including traditional hard plastic, fabric, or inflatable models.
  • Consult your veterinary team to choose the best option for your pet’s specific situation.
• Usage Tips:
  
  • Eating may be more challenging with the collar on.
  • If the collar is removed, closely supervise your pet to prevent them from reaching the incision.
    
    

5. Activity Restrictions

• Movement Guidelines:
  
  • Limit your pet’s activity to short, leashed walks only.
  • Avoid running or any strenuous activity for a full 2 months following surgery.
    
    

6. Bandaging and Splint Care

• Bandage/Splint Management:
  
  • Splints or Robert Jones bandages are typically used after fracture repair.
  • These should be changed every 2 weeks, or sooner if they become damp or soiled, and are usually maintained for 4 to 8 weeks depending on the fracture’s nature.
• Outdoor Protection:
  
  • Cover the bandages or splints with a plastic bag when taking your pet outdoors to keep them clean and dry, but remove it after each walk to avoid retaining moisture.
    
    

7. Radiographic Monitoring

• X-Ray Evaluations:
  
  • Most fracture repairs require one or more radiographs (x-rays) to monitor the healing process.
  • X-rays help assess callus formation and determine when it’s safe to remove splints or bandages, as well as guide adjustments in activity restrictions.
    
    

Following these detailed guidelines will support a smooth recovery for your pet after fracture repair. If you have any concerns about your pet’s healing process, please consult your veterinarian immediately.