Exercise Restriction: Over-activity after surgery is the most common cause of post-operative complications in dogs and cats. Restricting activity is easy the first day when your pet is tired and sore from surgery. Often times when they start to feel better, they become too active too soon. Running and jumping cause excessive movement at the incision edges which pulls on the suture. This leads to swelling and inflammation of the incision. The result is more pain at the surgery site and longer healing time. In addition, the sutures may tear, causing bleeding or gapping of the wound edges.
When we recommend restricting activity after your dog's surgery, make sure to walk him or her outside using a leash. A fenced-in back yard does not restrict your dog from running or jumping. Try to eliminate or reduce how often your dog goes up and down stairs. Do not allow him or her to jump on and off furniture. For cats, it is best to keep them restricted to one or two rooms with no high perches in order to limit their jumping. Remember to bring their food, water and litter pans into this area.
Although some owners may feel like they are being mean to their pets by restricting their activity so much after surgery, these restrictions make their recovery as quick and painless as possible. If you are having a difficult time restraining your pet after surgery, please contact us for suggestions.
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