Orthopaedic surgery is often necessary for pets with fractures, joint injuries, or chronic mobility problems—but recovery doesn’t end when they leave the vet. The post-operative period is crucial to ensure proper healing and long-term mobility.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through how to care for your pet after orthopaedic surgery, including what to expect, how to support healing, and when to seek follow-up care.
The First 24–72 Hours: Pain Relief and Rest
Your pet may be sleepy, disoriented, or sore after surgery. This is completely normal and often due to anaesthetic recovery and pain medication. During this time:
- Provide a quiet, warm, safe space for rest
- Keep other pets and children away to reduce stress
- Follow all prescribed pain medication instructions carefully
- Limit movement—no running, jumping, or stairs
- Keep your vet’s number handy in case of concerns
Your vet will let you know whether to expect swelling, bruising or minimal discharge at the incision site—but anything excessive should be reported immediately.
Managing the Wound and Bandages
If your pet has stitches, staples or a bandage:
- Do not allow licking or chewing—use a recovery cone or protective collar
- Keep the area clean and dry
- Avoid bathing until cleared by the vet
- Monitor for signs of infection: swelling, redness, heat, pus or foul smell
- Follow up for stitch removal or wound checks as advised
Some procedures require splints or casts. These must be kept dry at all times—use a waterproof cover when going outdoors and never leave it on indoors.
Strict Rest and Activity Control
One of the most important parts of caring for your pet after orthopaedic surgery is enforcing crate rest or controlled activity.
This often means:
- Confining your pet to a crate, pen or small room
- Always using a leash for toilet breaks
- No running, climbing stairs, or playing with toys
- Gradual increase in movement under veterinary guidance
- Supervised short walks as allowed by your vet
Too much activity too soon can lead to re-injury or delayed healing, especially with joint surgeries like cruciate repair or patella luxation.
If you’re not sure how long your pet needs to rest, speak to our vets about their individual recovery plan.
Nutrition and Supplements
Healing takes energy. Make sure your pet is eating well (but not over-eating!) and getting the nutrients they need.
Some post-op pets benefit from:
- Prescription joint diets that support cartilage and bone health
- Omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation
- Joint supplements like glucosamine or chondroitin (as advised)
- Extra encouragement to eat if appetite is low—try warming food or hand feeding
We can help you choose the right recovery diet, especially if your pet is also managing weight, pancreatitis, or sensitive digestion. See our guide to sensitive stomach diets.
Rehabilitation and Follow-Up
Your pet may need post-operative rehab to regain strength and movement. This might include:
- Passive range-of-motion exercises (your vet will show you how)
- Gradual increase in walks and exercise
- Physiotherapy, laser therapy, or hydrotherapy (if available)
Your vet will schedule check-ups and possibly repeat x-rays to monitor bone healing. Don’t skip these—even if your pet seems “back to normal,” internal healing takes time.
In Summary
Caring for your pet after orthopaedic surgery takes time, patience, and consistency—but your effort plays a huge role in their successful recovery. Stick to the plan, follow vet advice, and don’t hesitate to ask questions along the way.
Need help with your pet’s post-op recovery or unsure about what’s normal?
👉 Book a follow-up or call our team at Cottage Vet for support.
