BODPUO Care Protocol
BoneVet Orthopaedic Post-Operative Management Guide
As a peripatetic surgical service, BoneVet relies on the exceptional ongoing care provided by our referring primary care teams. This protocol outlines the standard post-operative management expectations for our orthopaedic patients to ensure optimal recovery, aggressive pain management, and the early detection of any complications.
Phase 1: Immediate In-Hospital Care (0–24 Hours)
Analgesia & Monitoring
- • Continue IV fluid therapy until the patient is fully ambulatory and eating.
- • Administer scheduled methadone or buprenorphine as per the specific surgical orders.
- • Utilize a validated pain scoring system (e.g., Glasgow Composite) every 4 hours.
Incision & Joint Care
- • Apply cryotherapy (ice packing) to the surgical site for 10-15 minutes every 4-6 hours while hospitalized to manage acute edema.
- • Ensure the Primapore/Melolin dressing remains clean, dry, and intact.
- • Provide thick, supportive bedding and assist with sling-walking for all outdoor toilet breaks.
Phase 2: Discharge & Home Care (Days 1–14)
A comprehensive, written discharge appointment must be conducted with the pet parents. The primary clinic is responsible for dispensing the prescribed take-home medications and ensuring the owners understand the strict confinement rules.
- NSAIDs: Meloxicam or Carprofen for 14-28 days (with food).
- Neuropathic/Adjunct: Gabapentin (5-10 mg/kg PO TID) for 10-14 days to manage nerve pain and provide mild sedation for rest.
- Antibiotics: Only if specifically requested by the surgeon (e.g., Cephalexin for specific implant protocols).
- Elizabethan Collar: Mandatory 24/7 until suture removal.
Phase 3: Rechecks & Radiography
The 10–14 Day Recheck (Suture Removal)
Conducted by the primary care clinic's nursing or veterinary team.
- Assess incision for discharge, excessive erythema, or dehiscence.
- Remove skin sutures/staples.
- Evaluate limb use at a walk; patients should be consistently toe-touching or bearing partial weight by this stage.
- Clear the patient to begin 5-10 minute controlled, flat leash walks.
The 6-Week Radiographic Recheck
All osteotomies (TPLO, CBLO) and fracture repairs require 6-week post-operative orthogonal radiographs (sedated) to assess bone healing before clearing the patient for increased activity.
Complication Management
If a patient presents with sudden deterioration in limb use, significant surgical site swelling, or suspected implant failure, do not hesitate to reach out directly. Early intervention is critical.