Following surgery, your pet will need enforced inactivity for a period of several weeks. If you have other animals in the house, or children that play with or come in contact with your injured pet, please keep them separated unless you can fully supervise all interaction.

Activity must be limited to very short leash walks for the purpose of your pet going to the bathroom only. Your pet should be kept in an enclosed area such as a small yard, dog run, or a small room in the house.

Your pet's splint or bandage will require a little extra care and attention. Do not allow your pet to chew on the bandage/splint. Use the plastic Elizabethan collar that your pet was sent home with. Keep the splint/bandage clean and dry. If it is damp outside or the surface that your pet must walk upon is damp, put a plastic bag around the bandage to keep out all moisture. Do not leave this plastic bag on the bandage all the time or moisture will develop in the bandage and this will result in a skin infection developing under the bandage. If you need to add tape to worn areas, make sure to use breathable (porous) tape otherwise moisture problems will develop. If your pets toes have been left exposed at the bottom of the bandage, be sure to check them daily for swelling. If they become cool and/or puffy, it is possible that the bandage is impairing the circulation of the limb and will need to be changed. Please call our office immediately if this occurs. The bandage/splint may loosen at the top of the leg. As long as it is still supporting the limb and you can still check your pet's toes (and they are okay) it should be all right. If your pet develops some chafing of the skin at the top of the splint, you may add some padding, corn starch, or baby powder to the affected area. If the bandage/splint is damp or foul smelling, have it changed immediately.

With your help at home, your pet will get maximum protection and wear from the bandage/splint. If you have any questions regarding your pet's bandage/splint, please do not hesitant to contact our office immediately. We are available to answer questions 24 hours daily either directly or through our voice mail system. Our staff is always happy to help you. Thank you for letting us give your pet the extra special type of care it deserves.  

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