What the Discharge Summary Generator actually produces

DISCHARGE SUMMARY – POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS PATIENT: Bella | SPECIES: Canine | BREED: Golden Retriever | AGE: 4 years | SEX: Spayed Female | WEIGHT: 28 kg | OWNER: Sarah Morrow | DATE DISCHARGED: [Current Date] PROCEDURE PERFORMED: Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) on right hind limb performed [date]. Surgery was uncomplicated. Implants (plate and screws) were secured appropriately. Incision was closed with subcuticular (absorbable) sutures and surgical adhesive. RECOVERY EXPECTATIONS: Bella will require 8 weeks of strict cage rest followed by a gradual return to normal activity. During the initial 2-week period, her activity must be severely restricted to allow incision healing and initial bone union. Over weeks 3–8, activity will be slowly increased as directed during recheck visits. Full recovery typically takes 12–16 weeks, though most dogs resume normal activity by 8 weeks post-op. Incision Care: • Keep the right hind leg incision clean and dry at all times • Do NOT bathe Bella or allow water to contact the incision for 10–14 days • Check the incision daily for redness, swelling, discharge, or separation of the incision line • Ensure Bella does not lick or chew at the incision; an E-collar (cone) must be worn at all times until suture removal [see Medications section] • Apply cold compress to the knee for 10 minutes, three times daily, for the first 3 days post-op to reduce swelling DIETARY INSTRUCTIONS: • Continue normal diet. Bella may have reduced appetite for 24–48 hours due to anesthesia; this is normal • Ensure fresh water is always available • Administer medications with food as directed (see Medications section) ACTIVITY RESTRICTIONS: Weeks 1–2: • Strict crate/cage confinement except for controlled bathroom breaks • Leash walks ONLY for elimination: maximum 5 minutes, 4 times daily • No jumping, running, stairs, or uncontrolled movement • No swimming, wading, or water play • Keep off hard floors (slippery surfaces increase re-injury risk); use rugs, yoga mats, or non-slip surfaces Weeks 3–8: • Gradually increase leash-walk duration per veterinarian recheck instructions (typically progressing by 5 min per week) • No jumping, stairs, or off-leash activity • Supervised indoor activity only; outdoor activity on-leash only • Swimming remains restricted until cleared by veterinarian (typically week 12+) Wound Care Schedule: • Suture recheck appointment: [Date] (10–14 days post-op) for incision assessment and possible suture removal • Radiographic recheck: [Date] (8 weeks post-op) to confirm bone union and assess implant position WARNING SIGNS – WHEN TO CALL THE CLINIC: If you observe any of the following signs, contact our clinic immediately or proceed to emergency care if after hours: • Swelling, redness, warmth, discharge, or separation of the incision line • Limping becomes acute (sudden worsening of lameness) • Inability or extreme reluctance to bear any weight on the right hind leg (may indicate complications) • Fever (temperature >103°F) • Vomiting or loss of appetite lasting more than 2 days • Difficulty urinating or defecating • Excessive panting or difficulty breathing • Restlessness or signs of severe pain unresponsive to prescribed medications

MEDICATION SCHEDULE Administer all medications exactly as prescribed. Give medications with food unless otherwise directed. 1. CARPROFEN 75 mg (NSAID for pain and inflammation) Dose: 75 mg per dose Frequency: Twice daily (morning and evening, approximately 12 hours apart) Duration: 14 days Administration: Give with food to reduce GI upset Side Effects to Monitor: Mild GI upset (decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea) — if occurs, contact clinic. Rare: liver or kidney changes — contact clinic if lethargy or increased thirst develops. Storage: Room temperature, away from moisture Expected Effect: Reduces pain, swelling, and inflammation around the surgical site 2. AMOXICILLIN-CLAVULANATE 500 mg (Antibiotic) Dose: 500 mg per dose Frequency: Twice daily (morning and evening, approximately 12 hours apart) Duration: 7 days Administration: May be given with or without food Side Effects to Monitor: Diarrhea (common and usually mild) — contact clinic if severe or bloody. Allergic reactions (rare; signs: facial swelling, difficulty breathing, severe itching) — seek emergency care if observed. Storage: Room temperature; keep in original labeled container Expected Effect: Prevents or treats bacterial infection at the surgical site 3. GABAPENTIN 100 mg (Pain management) Dose: 100 mg per dose Frequency: Three times daily (morning, midday, evening; approximately 8 hours apart) Duration: 10 days Administration: May be given with or without food Side Effects to Monitor: Mild drowsiness or slight incoordination — this is normal and expected. Contact clinic if excessive sedation or difficulty walking develops. Storage: Room temperature, away from light and moisture Expected Effect: Provides additional pain relief and nerve-related pain management 4. OMEPRAZOLE 20 mg (Stomach protectant) Dose: 20 mg per dose Frequency: Once daily (morning, with food) Duration: 14 days Administration: Give with food to protect stomach lining Side Effects to Monitor: Generally well-tolerated; rarely GI upset. Contact clinic if vomiting or diarrhea develops. Storage: Room temperature Expected Effect: Protects stomach lining from irritation caused by NSAIDs (Carprofen) MEDICATION CHECKLIST: □ Fill all prescriptions before discharge □ Label all medications with Bella's name and your name □ Store medications in original containers away from children and pets □ Set phone reminders for medication times (especially important for TID dosing) □ Keep a written log of when each medication is given □ Do not stop medications early, even if Bella appears to improve □ Call clinic if you have questions about any medication DRUG ALLERGY ALERT: Bella has no known drug allergies on record. However, inform your veterinarian immediately if Bella has any reaction to these medications.

RED FLAG WARNING SIGNS – SEEK IMMEDIATE VETERINARY CARE Wound/Incision Complications: • Swelling, redness, warmth, or hotness around the incision • Any discharge (pus, blood, fluid) from the incision • Incision line opening or separation (gaping) • Scabs or crust formation lasting more than 3 days post-op • Bruising that worsens after the first week Lameness & Mobility Issues: • Sudden acute lameness or inability to bear weight on the right hind leg • Extreme reluctance or refusal to stand or walk • Dragging or non-functional appearance of the right hind leg • Swelling of the right hind limb that develops suddenly or worsens daily Systemic Signs (Indicating Possible Infection or Systemic Complication): • Fever (temperature >103°F measured rectally) • Lethargy or extreme drowsiness beyond expected anesthesia effects (lasting >48 hours) • Loss of appetite for more than 2 meals • Vomiting (more than 1–2 episodes in the first 24 hours is abnormal) • Diarrhea that is severe or contains blood • Difficulty urinating or producing very small amounts of urine • Difficulty defecating or straining to defecate • Excessive panting, rapid breathing, or difficulty breathing Anesthetic/Pain Management Complications: • Difficulty waking or excessive unresponsiveness • Severe pain uncontrolled by prescribed medications (panting, whining, inability to rest) • Tremors, seizures, or uncontrolled muscle contractions • Behavioral changes (aggression, extreme agitation, disorientation) OTHER EMERGENCY SIGNS: • Collapse or inability to stand • Severe bleeding from any location • Severe swelling of face, throat, or difficulty breathing (possible allergic reaction) • Inability to walk on all four legs (possible spinal or nerve involvement) IF ANY WARNING SIGN OCCURS: • During business hours: Call our clinic immediately at [phone number] • After hours or if clinic unavailable: Proceed to the nearest emergency veterinary facility • Do not delay seeking care waiting for clinic opening hours REGULAR FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS (MARK YOUR CALENDAR): • Suture recheck: [Date] (10–14 days post-op) • Radiographic recheck: [Date] (8 weeks post-op) — X-rays to confirm bone healing • Final clearance recheck: [Date] (12 weeks post-op) — before resuming full activity Contact information: [Clinic phone number], [Emergency clinic phone number], [Veterinarian email]