Bandage, Splint, & Cast Care

If your pet has a bandage, splint or cast applied to his/her limb or body, you will be responsible for the proper care of the bandage, splint or cast. Your care directly influences the outcome of the treatment that your pet has already received.

Please follow the exercise restrictions given to you by your doctor!

Your pet will not be as mobile as usual, so you must protect him/her from additional injury. When your pet is not under DIRECT RESPONSIBLE ADULT SUPERVISION, please confine your pet to a crate or similarly restricted space. This will avoid injury from falling off of furniture, down stairs or slipping/tripping when walking.

Keep your pet quiet. No running, jumping, or strenuous activity should be allowed. Walks should be kept short and slow; dogs should be kept on a short leash while outdoors.

When your pet must walk on stairs or slick surfaces (e.g., tile or linoleum), please provide additional support by placing a towel or sling under his/her belly. You don’t need to carry any weight with the towel/sling, just provide a ‘safety net.’

Keep the bandage clean and dry. A heavy-duty plastic bag should be placed over the end of the bandage when your pet goes outdoors. The plastic bag should never be left on for more than thirty (30) minutes at a time.

Examine the bottom of the bandage daily for discharge or for a foul odor. When the bandage has an open end, as most do, insert your finger to check the toes for swelling or drainage. You should be able to insert your finger between the toes when there is no swelling. Examine the toes at the time of release from the hospital to “get a feeling” for what is acceptable. If the bandage does become wet or soiled, if it slips from its original position, if you observe any sores, if the toes appear swollen or cold, or if there is any odor, THE BANDAGE MUST BE RE-CHECKED/CHANGED by a doctor promptly.

If you have any questions or problems, please call: 585-424-1260

Be certain to schedule and keep your follow-up appointment. Please call if you must re-schedule or if you will be late.