POST SURGICAL CARE

POST DESEXING CARE- FEMALE DOG

We would expect your pet to be back to their normal self by the next day; normal energy levels & normal appetite.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR PET ARRIVES HOME:

• Your pet was given a general anaesthetic today, these medications can take a number of hours to wear off.
• There may be a small shaved area of hair on their leg – this was for the intravenous anaesthetic injection.
• Your pet may be a little quiet and lethargic this evening, but this is normal, as they are still recovering.
• You should keep your pet warm and comfortable indoors for the next 48 hours, if possible.
• Avoid running, jumping, and other strenuous activities that could cause excessive strain on their wound.

WHEN TO FEED YOUR PET:

• Offer your pet approximately half of his/her normal dinner tonight, then resume normal feeding.
• Some animals may experience nausea after general anaesthesia, so dividing the meal into smaller portions may decrease the risk of nausea and vomiting.
• Please contact us if your pet is not eating, or has any vomiting or diarrhoea.

SURGICAL INCISION CARE:

• Please keep the area clean and dry.
• It is essential to avoid swimming or baths, as this can introduce bacteria and lead to infection.
• Please monitor the surgical site daily for any redness, swelling or discharge.
• Please bring your pet back to us in 10-14 days for the stitches to be removed.

HOW TO STOP YOUR PET LICKING / CHEWING STITCHES:

• Your pet may instinctively try to clean his/her surgical site by licking.
• If you have been given an E-Collar, please ensure it is used at all times in order to prevent this behaviour.
• Many pets find these E-Collars strange at first, and will attempt to remove them.
• After a short period of time most will settle down and tolerate the E-Collar.
• If you have not been given an E-Collar and you notice your pet is beginning to lick or chew their incision, please contact us so that we can provide you with one.
• It only takes a few seconds of chewing for a pet to remove stitches or damage the surgical site.

IS YOUR PET COUGHING?

• Your pet has had a tube placed in the trachea (windpipe) during anaesthesia.
• This is done in order to administer oxygen and anaesthetic gas.
• This can cause mild irritation and a slight cough; this should usually diminish over the next 24 hours.
• If the coughing persists, worsens, or you are concerned at all, please contact us.

MEDICATION:

• After surgery, you may be sent home with some oral medications for your pet.
• If you have been given any medications, please read the label carefully.
• Ensure that you administer all medication as instructed.
• If you have any trouble giving medication to your pet, please contact us for advice.

POST DESEXING CARE – FEMALE CAT

We would expect your pet to be back to their normal self by the next day; normal energy levels & normal appetite.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR PET ARRIVES HOME:

• Your pet was given a general anaesthetic today, these medications can take a number of hours to wear off.
• There may be a small shaved area of hair on their leg – this was for the intravenous anaesthetic injection.
• Your pet may be a little quiet and lethargic this evening, but this is normal, as they are still recovering.
• You should keep your pet warm and comfortable indoors for the next 48 hours, if possible.
• Avoid running, jumping, and other strenuous activities that could cause excessive strain on their wound.

WHEN TO FEED YOUR PET:

• Offer you pet approximately half of his/her normal dinner tonight, then resume normal feeding.
• Some animals may experience nausea after general anaesthesia, so dividing the meal into smaller portions may decrease the risk of nausea and vomiting.
• Please contact us if your pet is not eating, has any vomiting or diarrhoea.

SURGICAL INCISION CARE:

• Please keep the area clean and dry.
• It is essential to avoid swimming or baths, as this can introduce bacteria and lead to infection.
• Please monitor the surgical site daily for any redness, swelling or discharge.
• The stitches on the side of her abdomen are “dissolving” stitches.
• You do not have to bring your pet in to have these stitches removed.
• These stiches take approximately 4-6weeks to dissolve.

HOW TO STOP YOUR PET LICKING / CHEWING STITCHES:

• Your pet may instinctively try to clean his/her surgical site by licking.
• If you have not been given an E-Collar and you notice your pet is beginning to lick or chew their incision, please contact us so that we can provide you with one.
• It only takes a few seconds of chewing for a pet to remove stitches or damage the surgical site.

IS YOUR PET COUGHING?

• Your pet may have had a tube placed in the trachea (windpipe) during anaesthesia.
• This is done in order to administer oxygen and anaesthetic gas.
• This can cause mild irritation and a slight cough; this should usually diminish over the next 24 hours.
• If the coughing persists, worsens, or you are concerned at all, please contact us.

MEDICATION:

• After surgery, you may be sent home with some oral medications for your pet.
• If you have been given any medications, please read the label carefully.
• Ensure that you administer all medication as instructed.
• If you have any trouble giving medication to your pet, please contact us for advice.