Surgery Discharge Instructions

General Post Surgery Instructions

Keep your pet in a warm, quiet place, such as his crate, etc. for tonight.  Please keep away other pets for at least 48 hours.  Your pet may be a little unsteady on his feet, so please do not allow him near any stairways overnight.

For tonight, give your pet a small drink of water after arriving home (approx. ¼ of a normal drink).  If no vomiting or nausea is seen, you can then offer a larger drink.  After a couple of hours, offer approx. ¼ of a normal meal for tonight.  If no problems are seen, your pet can have a normal meal in the morning.    

The most common surgical complications are caused by a pet licking at his incision.  If we noticed this in the hospital, we will send home a special collar that discourages licking.  If problems are seen after this point you can come in and purchase one from us, or they are available at most pet retail stores.  Keep the collar on at all times until the sutures are removed.   Other pets in the household may also try to help by licking the incision.  If this occurs, you will need to separate the pets until the incision is healed.

Your pet will be sent home on an appropriate pain medication.  Instructions will be given to you on how to administer this medication.  Let us know if you have any questions.   If your pet seems uncomfortable, let us know.  Signs of pain in pets include hiding, moving more slowly, licking at the area, decreased appetite, etc.  If you are concerned at all about pain, please contact us.

A small amount of redness, bruising, or discharge from the incision can be normal for the first couple of days.  If you see an increase in warmth of the area,  redness, swelling or pain in the area, please contact us.  There may be an infection and we may need to prescribe your pet some antibiotics to take home.

No running, jumping or frolicking about for at least several days after surgery.  You should leash walk only to go outside for the first week post surgery.   

Your pet should not have a bath, swim or play in water until the sutures are removed.

Sutures need to removed in 14 days.  Please contact us and make an appointment.