Orthopaedic Surgery Discharge Information

At Motto Farm Vet, we understand that orthopaedic surgery can be a stressful experience for both pets and their owners. Proper post-operative care is essential to ensure your pet recovers safely and regains full mobility. These discharge instructions guide you through your pet’s recovery and help maximise the success of their surgery.

Post-Operative Aftercare for Pets

Everything you need to know after your pet comes in for orthopaedic surgery

Take-Home Medication

Your pet may be prescribed antibiotics, pain relief, or other medications. Always follow the instructions on the medication label carefully. If you have difficulty administering medications or have questions about dosages, contact our clinic immediately. Correct medication management is critical for preventing infection and managing post-surgical pain.

  • Keep all bandages clean and dry. Cover with a plastic bag during toilet walks if the ground is wet.

  • Prevent your pet from licking or chewing the bandage using an Elizabethan Collar or Wound Gard Spray. Wound Gard can also be applied to the suture line after the bandage is removed.

  • Bandage removal should occur 48 hours after surgery. While this can be done at home, we recommend scheduling an appointment with our nurses for safe removal. Your pet can also be assessed by a vet at this time.

  • Book a post-operative vet check approximately 10 days after surgery to inspect the suture line and assess healing progress. Rehabilitation therapy sessions can be incorporated at this visit if recommended.

The recovery period following orthopaedic surgery typically lasts 8–12 weeks, depending on the type of surgery and your pet’s progress.

  • First 10 days: Strict confinement is critical to allow soft tissues to begin healing.

  • Confinement may be required for the full post-operative period, depending on your pet’s surgery.

Cold & Warm Compress

  • Cold compress 5-10 mins at a time, 3 times a day for the first 3 days

  • Change to warm compress 5-10 mins at a time 3 times a day for the next 5 days 
Gradual Exercise Timeline

  • 2 weeks post-surgery: Begin gentle range-of-motion exercises (ROM) and short on-lead walks for 5 minutes, 2–3 times daily. No other exercise is recommended.

  • 4 weeks post-surgery: Introduce hydrotherapy or swimming (up to 5 minutes) in addition to ROM exercises. Gradually increase walk duration weekly by about 10% or 1 block.

  • 8 weeks post-surgery: Your pet should walk comfortably for approximately 20 minutes. Continue swimming sessions for 5–10 minutes, but avoid exceeding 10 minutes to prevent inflammation. Full recovery may take 3–6 months, and ongoing monitoring is essential.

Post-Operative X-Rays

Depending on your pet’s procedure and recovery progress, post-surgical X-rays may be performed 6 weeks post op. X-rays ensure proper healing before gradually increasing activity levels.

Rest and controlled activity are critical after surgery, but prolonged inactivity can lead to muscle atrophy. Structured rehabilitation therapy helps restore strength, mobility, and function.

At Motto Farm Vet, our rehabilitation programs are tailored to each pet. Programs may include:

  • Massage and stretching

  • Exercise therapy

  • Cryotherapy

  • Hydrotherapy or swimming

  • Customised exercise routines

Each program is designed specifically for your pet’s needs, supporting safe, gradual recovery and optimising long-term orthopaedic health.

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