Post-Operative Instructions for Spinal Surgery

Introduction

Your pet is recovering from major surgery. It’s going to take a few weeks, maybe even a few months, for them to fully recover. These first few weeks can be stressful, but be patient with yourself and your pet. Over time you will get in to a new routine. Once that routine settles in, most pets need about 30 minutes of attention three times a day. Otherwise they need to be resting.

Resting your pet

Spinal surgery involves the removal of a small portion of bone from the spine and often leaves small holes in the discs. To facilitate healing, it's essential to minimize movement during the initial weeks, as excessive activity could lead to further disc herniation or even bone fractures. Therefore, it is critically important that your pet remains confined, particularly during these early weeks.

This confinement entails placing your pet in a small crate, pen, or a compact room like a laundry room. The space should be just large enough for your dog to stand comfortably, turn around, and should not grant access to furniture. Ideally, the space should measure approximately 3 ft by 4 ft for smaller dogs and 4 ft by 5 ft for larger ones. This area should provide ample room for a bed and a water bowl. It's also essential that the enclosure is tall enough to allow them to stand and turn comfortably.

Your dog should remain in this space at all times, except for three short 10-minute leash walks each day. If your pet experiences neck pain, it's best to use a harness instead of a neck collar for walks. Ensure that the leash is attached to the harness.

For smaller pets, you may hold them while engaging in activities like reading or watching TV, but you must maintain direct physical control at all times. If you need to leave, even for a brief moment, place them back in the crate. For larger dogs, you can secure them via a harness to a stable piece of furniture, like your desk, ensuring complete control over your pet, even in unexpected situations, such as a visitor at the door.

It is crucial to prevent your pet from sleeping in your bed or being unsupervised on furniture, as these actions could lead to injuries. Remember, it only takes a split second for an accident to happen. Be vigilant!

We understand that enforcing strict rest can be challenging, but keep in mind that you're doing this for your pet's well-being. Consider it an act of tough love.

It takes a minimum of four weeks of rest to allow your pet's bones to heal after surgery. During this time, their spine is more vulnerable than usual, which is why we emphasize the importance of strict rest. After this initial period, we will gradually reintroduce your pet to activity. Completing the entire treatment, even if your pet feels better sooner, is essential to prevent relapses or the need for a second surgery.

Assistive Devices

Your pet may have been provided with a sling to aid in walking. If not, you can purchase one at many major pet stores or online. If your pet experiences difficulty walking with their front legs, consider getting a whole body harness, which is available at www.helpemup.com.

Urinating and Defecating

Spinal injuries in pets can often lead to bladder infections. It's essential to be vigilant and monitor any changes in the color or smell of your pet's urine. If you have any concerns regarding your pet's urine, please don't hesitate to contact the hospital.

Some pets may encounter difficulty emptying their bladder after a spinal injury. If your pet falls into this category, our team will provide you with guidance on how to express their bladder properly. Ensuring that your pet urinates at least once every 24 hours is of utmost importance. If your pet has gone without urinating for over 24 hours or if they are experiencing constant urine dribbling, we strongly urge you to contact the hospital urgently.

It's quite common for pets to experience a delay in bowel movements for several days following surgery. The skipped meals before and after surgery, coupled with pain medication, can slow down the digestive process. During the initial days, there's no need for concern if your pet hasn't had a bowel movement. To assist in the process, consider adding 1 tablespoon of canned pumpkin per 10 pounds of body weight to each meal (e.g., a 30-pound dog would receive 3 tablespoons of pumpkin). However, if your pet has not had a bowel movement by the fourth day post-surgery, please reach out to the hospital to discuss the possibility of using laxatives.

Physical Therapy

The necessity of specific exercises during your pet's recovery depends on their individual level of function. Our Neuro team will be there to provide guidance on which exercises are appropriate for your pet. It's important to note that physical therapy should never cause pain for your pet. Instead, aim to create a positive and enjoyable experience for them. Engage with your pet through conversation, use gentle touch, and offer treats during the exercises. Ideally, physical therapy sessions should be conducted a couple of times each day.

For a comprehensive list of recommended exercises, please visit our dedicated physical therapy page.

If you believe your pet would benefit from a more structured approach to rehabilitation, you have the option to schedule an appointment with a certified pet rehabilitation therapist. Please let us know if you're interested, and we can provide a referral. While many pets recover successfully through the exercises we provide along with time, some, especially those with significant injuries or delayed recoveries, may find greater benefit in a more intensive and supervised exercise program.


Things to watch for:

Please check your pet’s incision everyday. If it looks red, swollen or is leaking any type of fluid please snap a picture and email us at the hospital.

If your pet is experiencing any of the following please seek urgent veterinary advice:

  1. Moderate to severe pain despite medication

  2. Ability to walk or move getting worse

  3. Have not urinated in over 24 hours

If your pet is not improving over the course of several weeks, or you feel at any point they are starting to get worse, contact your medical team for advice.