Post FHO aftercare

Re: Post FHO aftercare

Cloudy Weather — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 07:43:40 GMT

Whilst researching the procedure I came across some good information which might help;

After Care and Convalescence

A prescribed analgesic medication should be administered in the postop period at home. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications are very beneficial to reduce pain at the surgical site and encourage weight bearing. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed.

Activity is not limited after surgery. In fact, exercise will help to maintain a good range of motion of the hip joint. The owner should do rehabilitation therapy using the surgeon's recommendations until the pet is using the limb normally. Flexion and extension of the hip joint is essential in the recovery period. Rehabilitation therapy will help prevent adhesions from forming, thus maintaining a good range of motion of the hip region. If possible, swimming should be started after the incision has healed. It is also highly recommended that rehabilitation therapy sessions be scheduled with a professionally trained therapist.

Most dogs will start to bear a small amount of weight on the limb within 2 weeks after surgery. Within 4 to 6 weeks the pet should bear a moderate amount of weight on the limb. By 2 to 3 months after surgery, recovery is complete.

The pet should be examined 2 weeks and 2 months after surgery to ensure that the hip region is healing well.

Most small pets do well following femoral head and neck excision surgery. Larger dogs can also do well, but some weakness on that limb frequently can be seen. This is due to the muscles supporting the region of the hip instead of the actual joint. As a result, heavy exercise can cause the pet to become stiff or lame. Anti-inflammatory medication can be given to give your pet relief if needed. If your pet is a medium to large breed dog, total hip replacement is the preferred technique over the femoral head and neck excision surgery.

Re: Post FHO aftercare

F1chick — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:57:06 GMT

How are you getting on now? My cat is weight bearing well and climbing stairs, but not jumping yet (although it is only 3 weeks post op and he's 12 years old and quite heavy). I've stopped his Tramadol and on Sunday, stopped his Matacam, I'll see how he goes. Makes me wonder why I was so worried.....bloody owner!

Re: Post FHO aftercare

NJ_VN — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:00:25 GMT

Aw thats great that hes doing so well. My kitty is doing too well for her own good! everytime i leave the room she finds her way up on to the sofa, or on top of the cage! She occasioally yowls when she rolls over and loses her balance,but i think it will come, its only been a few days.

they really are remarkable creatures!

Re: Post FHO aftercare

Mark Hedberg — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 20:00:33 GMT

Brilliant, glad kitty is doing great! :)

Re: Post FHO aftercare

F1chick — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 18:48:07 GMT

My cat is doing really well. It's astounding! I'm having issues trying to keep him semi restricted! His urination pattern is limited, but I think he's doing ok. He actually fully went in the tray for the first time in months (He has recently been putting head and front paws in and peeing on the floor). I'm pleased with his progress.

How's your kitty?

Re: Post FHO aftercare

Suze — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 16:01:13 GMT

How are all the patients today? Over the worst I hope

Re: Post FHO aftercare

NJ_VN — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:01:47 GMT

No words of wisdom, but just to say I hope it all goes really well My kitty had her leg amputated yesterday, so i feel your pain!

Re: Post FHO aftercare

F1chick — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 14:41:01 GMT

I'm waiting for news................................ :( I hate being an owner

Re: Post FHO aftercare

F1chick — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 13:40:43 GMT

Thanks guys! I'm terrible when it comes to my own, especially when I'm no longer in practice. I keep telling myself if it was a clients cat I would tell them to go for it! It'll make a huge difference!

Re: Post FHO aftercare

Fuzzyduck — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 19:03:31 GMT

My 2 cats have both had FHEs they were both RTA strays! They are both fab now so dont worry you cant even notice anything when they walk.

The best thing is to allow them to exercise gently, restricting exercise is not a good idea as the muscles need to work in order to form a good false joint, it did take my female a good 6 months to completely get rid of her limp.

I only kept them rested for a few days then let them do as they pleased indoors but didnt let them out for a good 2 months.

Good luck :)

Re: Post FHO aftercare

Mark Hedberg — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:46:00 GMT

Rest, a small room, no chairs to jump on for a few days (cats will jump on anything!) and gentle snuggles with pain relief. The ones I've done have bounced back with impressive speed - don't rush things though, take it easy for 6 weeks or the length of time your vet says.

It sounds a scary operation but it really is well worth it.

Re: Post FHO aftercare

F1chick — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:39:24 GMT

Thank you! I'm dreading it. I'm not going to be involved in anyway, so it's totally out of my hands :(

Re: Post FHO aftercare

Saskia Quinn — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 22:02:02 GMT

Hi F1chick,

My adopted stray (rta at christmas & presented to hospital) had a femoral head excision recently. He has so far recovered quite well. Post op I found with oral cat meloxicam and antibiotics he is doing well. He got his buster collar off yesterday during the day while I was at work and unfortunately made a good job of removing his own sutures so that was repaired again this morning.

I havent found the need to cage rest him (and generally we dont stipulate this in the post operative care) as he has been resting quite well himself. Obviously keep him indoors during the post operative time especially if like Thomasina he is wearing a buster collar.

Good luck and let us know how your wee cat comes along. Thinking of you as I know from bitter experience its not nice when one of our own has to undergo a general anaesthetic never mind a surgical procedure!

Re: Post FHO aftercare

F1chick — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:45:17 GMT

Awww, thank you, that's lovely!

Re: Post FHO aftercare

Katie Mansfield — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:22:40 GMT

I don't know, I'm afraid, other than lots of pain relief and a nice soft bed. I just wanted to wish him (and you!!!!) all the best for next Thurs,

K x