Discharge

	There will be a lot of care required after RamonŐs surgery.  The right leg will have 
an external apparatus which will stabilize the fracture and allow it to heal.  It is important 
to keep the area where the pins enter the skin clean.  You can use regular tap water with a 
gentle spray to keep the new tissue around the pin healthy. Afterwards, you can dry the 
area gently.  When cleaning the area, look for excessive draining of the tracts and 
increased heat and swelling.  If you do see this, please call us as soon as possible, because 
we need to reevaluate the area.  Also watch the side bars, if Ramon starts to chew on the 
bars, this may be an indication of pain or irritation, and we may need to recheck the leg.
	The left leg was fixed with internal pins.  In this case it is necessary to carefully 
watch the incision area.  Please call us if there is excessive swelling or drainage from the 
suture area.
	Ramon must be kept confined in a small room or a crate exclusively for a week.  
After a week, you can start to walk Ramon on a leash for short distances at a time.  He 
should be closely supervised when you are at home, and then confined again when there 
is no supervision.  After Ramon is rechecked, we can decide how much additional 
exercise he will be allowed.
	A recheck of the right leg will be required in four weeks.  We will repeat the 
radiographs and assess his healing status.  We will then need to recheck the left leg in 
approximately four months.  During each recheck we will discuss further exercise which 
Ramon will be allowed, depending on his healing status.
	In order to control pain we will be prescribing Rimadyl, which is a non steroidal 
anti-inflammatory. If you notice that Ramon is still painful, please call us immediately 
and we will prescribe more pain medication.  We will also be prescribing an antibiotic as 
a preventative, give these medications as instructed on the label.