Amputation Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for amputation: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Home Setup
- •Non-slip surfaces everywhere (yoga mats, rubber-backed rugs)
- •Block access to stairs, furniture, and slippery tile/hardwood
- •Ramp for getting in/out of cars
- •Crate or small room for confinement
Amputation recovery, day by day
Strict Rest
- Your pet will need to adjust to balance on 3 legs. Provide non-slip surfaces.
- Help your pet stand and go outside on a leash for bathroom breaks only
- Ice the surgical area 10-15 min, 3x daily (with a thin towel barrier)
- Give pain medication BEFORE it wears off to stay ahead of pain
Incision Care
- Check incision twice daily for swelling, redness, or discharge
- E-collar must stay on at ALL times to prevent licking
- Some bruising around the surgical site is normal
Controlled Movement
- Short leash walks as your pet gains confidence. Gradually increase.
- Continue ice therapy as needed for swelling
- Avoid slippery floors (use rugs or mats)
- Suture check at 10-14 days
Rehabilitation
- Gradually increase activity based on vet guidance
- Monitor limb use and weight-bearing
- Physical therapy exercises as prescribed (swimming, controlled walking)
- Recheck X-rays at 6-8 weeks to confirm bone healing
When to call your provider or 911
- •Excessive bleeding from the incision that doesn't stop
- •Incision opens, separates, or has pus/foul odor
- •Your pet is extremely lethargic or unresponsive
- •Persistent vomiting or diarrhea for more than 12 hours
- •Difficulty breathing or blue/pale gums
- •Refusal to eat or drink for more than 24 hours after surgery
- •Collapse or inability to stand
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 14
Incision typically healed
Incision typically closed, sutures removed, though healing time varies
- Day 14
Toe-touching
Confident walking on 3 legs
- Day 42
Recheck X-rays
Bone healing confirmed on radiographs
- Day 14
Expected return to normal activity
Cleared for off-leash activity
For clinics
Stop photocopying aftercare sheets.
QR Rx sends this exact amputation recovery plan to every patient, branded to your practice, opened by a QR code. It checks in automatically, answers post-op questions, asks for a review at the right moment, and brings patients back for their next visit. The aftercare you already owe every patient, doing the work of keeping them.
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