Indication: Standard recovery for any orthopedic surgical patient (TPLO, fracture repair, joint surgery, etc.) staying overnight or longer for pain control and observation.

What this protocol does:
• Meloxicam PO q24h × 5 days — NSAID analgesia. Add an opioid (e.g. methadone, buprenorphine) separately for the first 24-48 h if pain is moderate-to-severe.
• Cefazolin IV q8h × 48 h — perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis only. NOT a treatment of established infection.
• Wound check q6h — early detection of incision dehiscence, swelling, or discharge

Activity: strict crate rest. No discharge before the orthopedic surgeon clears the post-op films/exam.
Escalate if: incision opens / bleeds / discharges, lameness sharply worse instead of improving, refusal to eat past 24 h, or vomiting on NSAIDs.