Dog Humerus Fracture: Post-Operative Care302

A humerus fracture is a break in the upper arm bone (humerus) of a dog. This can be a serious injury, and it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Surgery is often necessary to repair the fracture, and after surgery, your dog will need to undergo a period of post-operative care to ensure a full recovery.

Post-Operative Care Instructions

After your dog's surgery, you will be given specific post-operative care instructions by your veterinarian. These instructions will vary depending on the type of fracture and the surgical procedure that was performed. In general, however, you can expect to follow the following guidelines:* Restrict activity. Your dog will need to be kept quiet and restricted from activity for a period of time after surgery. This will help to prevent the fracture from moving and allow it to heal properly.
* Keep the incision clean and dry. The incision will need to be kept clean and dry to prevent infection. You will be given specific instructions on how to clean the incision and change the bandage.
* Give your dog pain medication. Your dog may experience some pain after surgery. Your veterinarian will prescribe pain medication to help keep your dog comfortable.
* Monitor your dog for signs of infection. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, discharge, and pain. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
* Follow up with your veterinarian. You will need to follow up with your veterinarian regularly to check on your dog's progress and make sure the fracture is healing properly.

Rehabilitation

Once your dog's fracture has healed, you will need to start a rehabilitation program to help your dog regain full use of its leg. Rehabilitation may include the following:* Range of motion exercises. These exercises will help to increase your dog's range of motion in the injured leg.
* Strengthening exercises. These exercises will help to strengthen the muscles in the injured leg.
* Balance exercises. These exercises will help to improve your dog's balance and coordination.
* Swimming. Swimming is a great way to provide low-impact exercise for your dog.

Complications

In most cases, dogs recover well from humerus fractures. However, there are some potential complications that can occur, such as:* Infection. Infection is a risk with any surgery. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, discharge, and pain. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
* Non-union. Non-union occurs when the fracture does not heal properly. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as infection, poor blood supply, or excessive movement. If non-union occurs, your dog may need additional surgery.
* Malunion. Malunion occurs when the fracture heals in an abnormal position. This can lead to pain, lameness, and decreased function. If malunion occurs, your dog may need additional surgery.

Prognosis

The prognosis for dogs with humerus fractures is generally good. Most dogs make a full recovery and are able to return to their normal activities. However, the prognosis can vary depending on the severity of the fracture and the presence of any complications.

2025-02-06

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