Mary Allen
After orthopedic surgery, the treating veterinarian usually recommends follow-up treatment to monitor the healing process. But how well are the relevant consultation deadlines being met?
To be able to assess the healing process and identify any complications at an early stage, the veterinarian always recommends that you visit at least one follow-up appointment after orthopedic surgery. It is known from human medicine that not having these follow-up appointments following orthopedic surgery is correlated with a poorer final therapeutic outcome. Although comparable studies from veterinary medicine are still lacking, the importance of follow-up care seems obvious. Faced with this situation, University of Florida veterinarians set out to determine how reliable follow-up appointments are by pet owners and what factors might be influencing this.
Clear risk factors identifiable
To answer these questions, they analyzed the medical records of nearly 500 dogs and cats who underwent orthopedic surgery. In doing so, they took from the records whether or not the patients were presented at the recommended postoperative check-up appointments. The data collected in this way shows that the recommended consultation appointments were only attended in around 66 percent of all cases. This means that in over 30 percent of the cases any information about the development of the healing process was missing. This was less often the case with elective surgery than with emergency surgery. In addition, dog owners attended check-up appointments more than twice as often as cat owners did.
Communication as the key to full aftercare
If one assumes that monitoring the healing process is in the interests of both the operating veterinarian and the animal and its owner, the available figures appear sobering. The researchers see insufficiently convincing communication between the veterinarian and the pet owner as a possible cause. This would mean that special attention should be paid to the post-operative discharge interview to help the pet owner understand the importance of diligent follow-up care.
Frequently Asked Question
How does a dog behave after surgery?
After the operation, whether at the vet or in the animal clinic, the dog is still completely apathetic. After all, the anesthetic still shows its after-effects. After waking up, the dog feels listless and finds himself in a completely unfamiliar environment. He still looks ill on the outside.
How long dog rest after surgery?
This usually depends on the severity of the operation: After minor operations such as tartar removal, your dog will probably be allowed to walk free again after about 2 days. After castration or abdominal surgery, he should only walk on a leash for about 10 days, if possible not jump, and then slowly be put under pressure again.
Which food after larynx surgery dog?
Only soft food should be offered for the first 2 weeks after the operation. Great exertion must be avoided as much as possible. Gastrointestinal therapy is usually continued for 2 weeks.
How can I make it easier for my dog to breathe?
Humidified air can make breathing easier for four-legged friends with blocked airways. Tip: Take your four-legged friend into the bathroom with you, for example, while you enjoy a long, warm shower. Always pay attention to the state of health of your four-legged friend.
What causes laryngitis in cats?
Therapy depends on the root cause. Foreign bodies must be removed under sight. Viral infections of the upper respiratory tract can usually be treated symptomatically. Antibiotics are usually used to combat secondary bacterial infections, mucolytics, and anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. NSAIDs).
How long does a cat’s hoarseness last?
Hoarseness in cats is triggered by various causes. If the cat has only overworked the vocal cords, a few days of rest and care are sufficient. In the event of a fever and a change in general condition, the cat should always be consulted by a veterinarian.
Why is my cat gulping so often?
Drive to the veterinarian or the veterinary emergency service immediately. Excessive salivation in cats can be a result of gingivitis or a sign of dental problems such as tartar or FORL. Cats often drool more when they are tense or stressed.
How can I make it easier for my cat to breathe?
He is helped out of his acute shortness of breath with infusions, oxygen supply via a mask, and sedatives. Sometimes, especially in cats, dehydrating medication is used as long as it is not clear whether it is pulmonary edema, but the cat is suffering from acute shortness of breath.