Feline fracture repair - post operative care

The post-operative care for your cat is critical. Your cat may have a bandage or cast in place, this must be monitored daily for rubbing or discomfort. You will be advised when you need to revisit for this to be removed. Once the bandage or cast is removed your cat must be discouraged from licking the incision. This sometimes requires placement of a special collar to prevent your pet from reaching the incision. Your cats attitude and appetite should be monitored daily while the leg heals. Ten days after surgery the sutures will be removed from the incision. You will require an appointment for this. You will need to revisit the clinic regularly for xrays to be taken to monitor the fracture healing process. An appointment is required for these visits. You will be advised when you need to have these xrays taken.

The activity level of your cat must be strictly controlled. For the first month after surgery your cat should only be allowed outside, while supervised, to urinate and defecate and for a short walk. Your pet should be immediately returned to the house afterwards. Inside the house your cat should avoid stairs and slippery floors. If your cat must go up and down some stairs, you should go with your pet to control the speed of your pet on the stairs. Good footing is important. Absolutely no running, jumping or playing is allowed in the first 2 months after surgery. When your cat is not under your control they should be confined to a small room or pen. Some owners find that a large cage or airline crate is an ideal place to confine their pet when they are not at home.

A general guide to exercise after the sutures have been removed is as follows:
The first 2 weeks after suture removal, 10 minutes twice daily.
The next 2 weeks, 10 to 20 minutes twice daily.
The next 2 weeks, 20 to 30 minutes twice daily
All exercise must be strictly supervised.

RUNNING, JUMPING AND PLAYING GAMES IS NOT ALLOWED.

For the second post-operative month, the same restrictions apply but you may allow your cat access to the full house. After the second month, you may gradually return your pet to full activity, only after consulting with us. Your cat may also require revisits to remove pins, you will be advised if this is necessary.