Medication and Physical Therapy

Here is a list of medications for Poutine for the next 2 weeks:

* Tramadol - pain medication, twice daily
* Metacam - non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug, once daily
* Noroclav - antibiotic used to help reduce the risk of infection, twice daily

Physical Therapy:
Week 1 - ice pack the knee 2-3 times daily; massage the muscles of the upper leg 2-3 times daily; very slow, controlled leash walks; avoid activity that causes any discomfort or increasing amounts of lameness.
Week 2-8 - slow, very controlled leash walks 3 times daily; continue massage of upper leg muscles; passive range of motion exercise (flex the knee until resistance is felt, hold in position for 10 seconds, follow by extending knee, and holding it for 10 seconds); apply warm pack to the knee 5 minutes before and ice pack for 5 minutes after the exercises.
Week 8-10 - initiate progressively longer walks; gradually increase the length of walks to 1 or 2 blocks; pet will benefit more from several short walks during the day as opposed to a single long walk.

Follow Up Appointments:
- Appointment with veterinarian in 12 to 14 days for a recheck assessment and suture removal.
- In 4-6 weeks for a recheck assessment.
- Again in 8-10 weeks for a recheck assessment.