Follow your vet s post op instructions while this is going to seem like a no brainer but first and foremost follow your surgeon s rehab schedule to a t.
Icing dogs knee after surgery.
Now it s time to encourage.
Your dog is undergoing a complex and invasive surgery to his or her hind knee and you will need to severely limit activity particularly all jumping after the operation.
If you are seated or lying down icing your knee can also help to reduce swelling.
Best icing methods after surgery crushed ice in a bag.
With weakened muscle however your dog may be reluctant to use the injured leg.
Icing will help constrict the blood vessels and prevent inflammatory agents from entering the knee joint.
You can add saran wrap to around the bag to keep the ice block more dense therefore making it last longer.
You will need to confine your dog for the first several weeks after surgery.
Here are a few things to do to encourage using the leg post rest period to rebuild muscle.
After a few months scar tissue will start to form in the knee and it will have gained stability.
Your dog should eat normally and not be in a large amount of pain.
There is often post operative swelling of the knee for 2 7 days after the surgery.
Use ice packs after exercises the first week after acl surgery.
An easy to make go to is to take about 1 2 cups of crushed shaved ice or ice cubes and put it into a ziplock bag.
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This will help reduce swelling.
Use ice packs the first week of post op to reduce inflammation and soreness.
Place an ice pack over the knee for 10 15 minutes after exercises twice daily.
There is a lot that you can do to prepare your home so that your dog can enjoy a safe recovery period.
If you have further questions about acl surgery or post surgery care please contact our clinic.
Gentle physical therapy exercises should also be performed on a daily basis for up to 20 minutes a day to help the dog regain his range of motion.
Wrap an ice pack in a thin cloth and place it onto your affected knee.
Ice packs reduce inflammation and soreness and should be used ten to fifteen minutes twice a day.
This swelling can move down the leg towards the tarsal ankle joint and usually peaks 3 5 days following surgery.
Clair of topdog health and rehabilitation explains the importance of post operative icing within the first 72 hours following acl repair surgery.
For the first few weeks a dog owner will have to routinely place ice packs on the mended knee a few times a day for up to 15 minutes.
Place an ice pack on your affected knee while you are resting.
The use of ice can also help relieve pain and make your pet more comfortable.
Keep the ice pack on your knee for 10 to 20 minutes then remove it for 1 to 2 hours so your skin can return to its normal temperature.
Choose a room that will become the recovery space.
