Orthopedic Surgery Dismissal

Your cat has just had orthopedic surgery performed.  Here are a few things you will need to know for the next eight weeks.

Activity:

1. Your cat's activity will need to be significantly reduced for the next ________ weeks.

• The more your cat moves around, the longer it will take for the bone and tissue to heal.
• Your cat should not be in a position where they can run, jump, or fall off of furniture.

2. A large airy kennel or a small room with little to no furniture would be an ideal place to keep your cat.

What to watch for:

1. Please watch the leg for any signs of discharge, swelling, odor, or change in color or temperature.  If you notice any of these, please call us immediately.

2. If your cat had a bandage or splint applied over the surgical area, please watch the toes for any signs of swelling, odor, or change in color or temperature.  Please also watch to make sure that your cat does not get the bandage wet, either by stepping in water or urinating on it.  If this happens, please call us.

3. If at any time your cat acts lethargic, stops eating, or starts vomiting, please call us immediately.

4. If your cat starts chewing or licking incessantly at the surgical area, please let us know as this can be a sign of significant pain.

Items that may have been sent home:

Pain medications.

• Metacam (meloxicam) is a pain reliever similar in function to ibuprofen.  This is an anti-inflammatory pain blocking medication that lasts up to 48 hours and is given once every other day.  If you cannot get your cat to take this orally, you can mix it in moist food.
• Buprenex is a narcotic pain medication that doesn't block pain, but instead helps your cat to disassociate from the pain.  This lasts 8-10 hours, and so must be given at least twice daily.  This is not effective if swallowed, it must be squirted on the gums or under the tongue, or can also be given as a subcutaneous injection.
• Please give any pain medications as directed until gone as cats do not tend to show signs of pain, but that does not mean they don't feel it.

Antibiotics.

• If antibiotics were dispensed, please give these as directed until gone.  Bone infection can become very serious, so please do not stop giving them early.  If you cannot get them in, let us know, as most antibiotics can be given in alternative modes of delivery.

Follow up:

Please make an appointment to bring your cat back in 6 weeks to recheck the surgery site, and possibly x-ray to determine the level of healing.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call us at All Feline Hospital at 402-467-2711 or info@allfelinehospital.com

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