Recheck evaluations are very important so that we can ensure that your pet stays on track with their recovery. Getting into the car and going to the veterinary hospital, where the floors are very slippery, after your pet has had major orthopedic surgery is stressful; therefore, Dr. Lynch makes every effort to structure your rechecks so that you do not need to come back to the veterinary hospitals until you have your follow-up X-rays (usually at 8 weeks post surgery).
In most circumstances you will have virtual rechecks with Dr. Lynch and his nurse every two weeks. During these virtual rechecks, it is expected that you will email a video of your pet walking, a photo of their incision (until it has healed) and include a brief progress update as it relates to the goals that were set for that two-week period.
You are responsible for responding to Dr. Lynch through your patient portal every two weeks, at a minimum
It is always acceptable to send more frequent photo/video updates related to your pet’s surgery
These virtual rechecks are at no additional cost; however, if Dr. Lynch needs to come to your primary veterinary facility to address a complication that your pet is having, or if you require him to be present for a recheck evaluation, then this is an additional cost. Please ask your primary veterinary facility what this cost would be.
Generally, you will not need to come back into the hospital until your pet’s final X-rays, at which time your pet is expected to be functionally healed. Your recheck schedule at your primary veterinary facility will be dependent on a few things:
Bandages: If your pet goes home with a bandage, then it must be changed as frequently as necessary to keep it clean, dry and to prevent it from slipping.
Sutures: Nearly every pet is sent home with absorbable sutures, which do not need to be removed; however, some pets will have non-absorbable sutures that will need to be removed by your primary veterinarian. Dr. Lynch will make it known to your what type of sutures your pet have during your post-surgery phone call.
X-rays: Most patients will require follow up X-rays at some point, generally at eight weeks. Dr. Lynch will make this known to you during your post-surgery phone call, and you should schedule this visit with your veterinarian at your discharge appointment.
If you are uncertain what type of sutures your pet has, or if/when they need X-rays, then you may email Dr. Lynch’s nurse; however, you should do this with ample time for you to then be able to contact your primary veterinarian to schedule the necessary appointment.