Care after surgery

General Post-Operative Instructions

1. Dogs and cats must be kept indoors after surgery. Restrict activity for the next seven (7) days – no running, jumping, playing. Keep pets on leash when outside. Take stairs slowly and one step at a time. No jumping into and out of vehicles or onto and off of furniture.

Due to the lingering effects of anesthesia, your pet may be sedated or groggy this evening. Sedation may last 24 hours.

4. Do not offer food to patients immediately upon returning home. Anticipate possible gastrointestinal upset after anesthesia. Restrict your dog or cat from any food or water for at least four (4) hours this evening. You may provide one or two ice cubes to lick or chew during this time. You may give a small amount of your pet’s normal food and small amount of water after the the initial four hours has elapsed.

5. A special head collar may have been sent home with your pet. Keep this Elizabethan collar on at all times for 10-14 days after surgery. This barrier is necessary to prevent your pet from over-grooming, licking or chewing at the incision site.

6. A small amount of seeping blood or serous discharge is normal for a few days following surgery, especially in the first 24 hours. You may notice some bruising or minor swelling near the incision. If you notice any continued drainage or swelling, contact the spay/neuter clinic as soon as possible.

7.Do not apply ointments or creams to the incision unless specifically directed by the veterinarian.Do not bathe or allow your pet to swim for at least 10-14 days after surgery. Gently towel dry the incision site if your pet becomes wet.

Information from HSI spay-neutering program.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="No jumping"][/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="we "][/caption]