Recovery & Aftercare

Recovery and aftercare are just as important as the surgery itself. A calm, well-structured recovery protects the surgical repair, keeps your pet comfortable and gives the best possible long-term result — and our team guides you through every step.

Our aftercare and rehabilitation support includes:

• A clear written recovery plan — tailored to your pet's procedure, setting out rest, exercise restriction, wound care and what to expect week by week.
• Multi-modal pain relief — a comfortable, carefully managed recovery using the most appropriate combination of medications.
• Structured, graded exercise — a controlled return to activity, from initial rest and short lead walks through to a full return to normal exercise.
• Physiotherapy & hydrotherapy guidance — to rebuild muscle, restore range of movement and support pets recovering from orthopaedic surgery.
• Recheck appointments & progress imaging — rechecks and follow-up X-rays to confirm healing is on track and adjust the plan as your pet improves.
• Ongoing support — we stay in close contact with you and your referring vet, and are always on hand to answer questions throughout recovery.

Every recovery plan is shared with both you and your referring vet, so everyone caring for your pet is working towards the same goal: a calm, comfortable recovery and a return to happy, pain-free movement.

Structured aftercare is part of every orthopaedic case at AVS, and a dedicated rehabilitation plan is particularly valuable when:

• Your pet has had a procedure such as cruciate repair, fracture repair or patella luxation surgery
• A period of strict rest and controlled exercise is needed to protect the repair while it heals
• Your pet would benefit from physiotherapy or hydrotherapy to rebuild strength and mobility
• Muscle wastage, stiffness or reduced range of movement need to be addressed
• You would value clear, week-by-week guidance and reassurance after surgery

Whether your pet has had surgery with us or elsewhere, we can put together a rehabilitation plan to support the best possible recovery.

• A comfortable, well-managed recovery with pain kept to a minimum
• Protection of the surgical repair while healing takes place
• Restored muscle strength, joint mobility and confidence on the limb
• A smooth, steady return to normal activity and exercise
• The best possible long-term function and quality of life

With a structured plan and good owner support, the great majority of pets make an excellent recovery and return to the activities they love.