Post-Surgical Info

Surgery Patient Information

When you pick up your pet, you will be given written and oral instructions to go home.

POST SURGICAL CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Your pet has undergone a major surgery and anesthesia. Due to the anesthesia, your pet may act differently or be confused and may be sleepy. This can take 24-48 hours to resolve.

PLEASE READ, FOLLOW, and KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS TO ENSURE YOUR PET'S SUCCESSFUL RECOVERY!

  1. Keep your pet confined for the next 24 hours to reduce injury. Make sure the pet is kept in an area that is warm and dry, yet small enough to minimize activity. Remember to provide a litter box for your cat if confined.
  2. DO NOT ALLOW YOUR PET TO LICK, BITE, SCRATCH, RUB, or use its hind feet to scratch at the incision for the next 10-14 days. If your pet will not leave the incision alone, then you will need to purchase an Elizabethan Collar (E-Collar) from us or your local pet store. It MUST extend 2 inches beyond the nose to do any good.
  3. Your pet may be nauseous due to the anesthesia and may not want to eat or drink, or may vomit or dry heave. Later this evening, you may try to give your pet no more than ¼ cup of water every 2 hours. You may also give ice cubes instead. If there is no vomiting about an hour after giving the water, you may give a small amount of food. IF the pet vomits after eating the food, please wait until morning before trying to feed again.
  4. If any medication is sent home with your pet, start the day after surgery in most cases unless otherwise directed. Be sure to finish all the medication that is sent home.
  5. CHECK INCISION DAILY. Some minor swelling is expected; a hard lump may be present at the incision site. This is a normal part of the healing process. If you notice any severe redness, discharge, or incision opening, PLEASE CALL US FOR ADVICE. Do not apply topical medication to the incision site unless otherwise directed to do so.
    PLEASE CHECK THE INCISION IN THE MORNING AND CALL US IMMEDIATELY IF THERE IS A PROBLEM. THE SOONER IT IS TAKEN CARE OF, THE BETTER FOR THE PET. WE PREFER INCISION CHECKS TO COME IN FIRST THING IN THE MORNING.
  6. Dissolvable Sutures are used unless otherwise noted. It can take more than 180 days for the suture material to dissolve internally.
  7. MINIMIZE your pets’ activity level and exercise for the next 10-14 days or until the incision is completely healed. Leash walks only. Minimize stair usage, especially for spay patients; 3-4 ok whole flights no! After the incision is completely healed, the pet can resume normal activity.
  8. DO NOT BATHE your pet for the next 10 days. Swimming is not permitted either! Getting the incision wet may cause it to open or become infected.
  9. If you think your pet is in pain, DO NOT GIVE any over-the-counter medications.
    Human pain medication may be toxic to your pet and may cause internal bleeding or death. Pain Medication is available for pets upon request.
  10. When our post-surgical instructions are followed, there are rarely complications.
    An E-Collar Etiquette form will be issued if your pet was issued an e-collar.

We also have surgical suits available, but realize your pet may need a suit and an e-collar!
Please follow all instructions as directed for the well-being of your pet.

IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE KEEPING YOUR PET CALM AND RESTRICTED ACTIVITY POST SURGICAL, PLEASE CALL US FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS.
Remember, following instructions is free; NOT following instructions can be painful for both your pet and your pocketbook! Please follow instructions so your pet recovers without complications!

If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at 330-545-2255.

WE ARE NOT A 24-HOUR CARE FACILITY.

For emergencies call
MEDVET GIRARD at 330-530-8387
or
Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital at 330-666-2976
OR YOUR LOCAL VETERINARIAN

We will not be responsible for services or fees obtained at another veterinary facility!

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