Animal Clinic of Billings Resources Post-Operative Care Instructions semi ambulatory spine surgery

semi ambulatory spine surgery

  • Because your dog is uncoordinated, he or she could easily get hurt if allowed to roam free in the house especially around steps or stairs. We recommend you keep your dog confined or under your direct supervision. Soft, dry bedding, at least 1 inch in thickness, must be supplied to prevent pressure sores from developing. 
  • Superficial heat 2-3 times daily will be helpful.  Place a towel between your dog’s lower back and the warm pack. Remove in 15-20 minutes. When using heat check the skin every 2-3 minutes for redness or over heating.
  • Passive range of motion exercises for all of your dog’s limbs will help to reduce atrophy and encourage use. Gently grasp your dog’s paw and move each limb in flowing, circular, forward to backward movements. This exercise may be done lying or sitting. Repeat for 10-15 repetitions, several times daily.

Weight shifting exercises will help your dog to regain balance and coordination. Stand your dog squarely on firm footing and gently nudge his or her side at the point of the hip to make the weight shift onto the other leg and support ones self. Alternate from side to side. At first some support may be necessary to avoid falling. As proprioceptive ability is regained the shifts may be made more challenging. Begin with a 30 second session and gradually increase to 5 minutes per session.

  • If your dog shows worsening of neurological status, such as breathing difficulties, or change in movement in the front limbs, you should contact our hospital or your regular veterinary hospital immediately.  
  • Sutures will need to be removed 3 weeks from the date of surgery.  
  • At 1 month from surgery we would like to reevaluate your dog to asses neurological status and evaluate restrictions. Until that time no running, playing, stairs or unsupervised activity. Regardless of what your dog says!

Thank You

Kenneth D. Brown D.V.M.

Animal Clinic of Billings and Animal Surgery Clinic

veterinarian Dr. Ken Brown

Let our highly trained and experienced team of veterinarians and veterinary technicians help you keep your cat as happy and healthy as they can be.

Call the Animal Clinic of Billings and Animal Surgery Clinic to schedule your pet cat’s next wellness examination with one of our veterinarians today!

406-252-9499   REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

 

ANIMAL CLINIC OF BILLINGS AND ANIMAL SURGERY CLINIC

providing our region’s companion animals and their families what they need and deserve since 1981

1414 10th St. West, Billings MT 59102

406-252-9499

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT