Post-op Instructions

After the operation your pet can have a light meal on the evening of surgery. Do not be concerned if s/he does not want to eat right away. You must remove food if any vomiting occurs. Normal food can be fed the following day. Offer normal amounts of water.

 Keep your pet in a confined area way from other pets and children for a day. Do not place him/her in a high place (bed, sofa, etc). Rest is essential for healing.

Your pet may appear drowsy; this is because of the anaesthetic and should wear off during the next 24-48 hours.

Your pet may cough occasionally following his/her procedure. This is because a tube was placed in his/her windpipe to help him/her breath during their anaesthetic. If a cough is present it will normally resolve over a number of days.

Prescribed medication

If any medication has been prescribed please start this the following day (unless instructed otherwise). Any anti-inflamatories (pain relief) must be given with food (unless instructed otherwise)

Please check the wound at least twice a day, a small amount of redness and swelling is normal. Wounds should be clean and dry and free from odours. A small amount of blood around the incision is normal immediately following surgery. Please do not attempt to clean the wound unless instructed otherwise.

Do not bathe or let your pet get wet for 7 days.

A clipped area may be present on one of your pet’s forelegs, this is where the anaesthetic was injected. A little bruising in this area is not unusual and will recede with time. The hair will usually grow back in 4-6 weeks.

It is very important that the sutures are protected from self trauma. If you cannot stop your pet from licking we recommend an E-collar. Please call us if you have any concerns regarding the appearance of the skin wound(s).

If your pet is wearing an E-collar, prepare for him/her to react negatively at first. It usually takes 24 hours to get used to the collar, but then they are usually quite accepting of it.

We expect your pet to urinate within 24-48 hours of going home, and to defecate within 4-5 days. If this does not happen, or you notice straining without passing of anything, please phone for advice.

If your pet is repeatedly sick or becomes excessively lethargic please contact the surgery.

Dogs must be kept on a lead and discouraged from running, jumping and rough play until the sutures have been removed.

Cats must not be allowed to jump onto or down from work surfaces/window sills.

Stitches are normally removed 10-14 days after the operation. Please organise an appointment to have the wound check and any stitches removed before leaving the clinic.

If you have ANY worries, please call the surgery on 01483 536036