PRE/POST OP CARE

In order to ensure your pets surgery and recovery goes as safe
​and comfortable as possible,
​ Please follow these pre and post-surgical care instructions.

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PRE-OP INFORMATION
RESERVATION: 
At the time of reserving the surgery suite, you would have been given an appointment time to
​check in between 8-9am. Please allow 5-10 minutes to go over paperwork before the pet is admitted.
IMPORTANT:
 If your pet has been unwell (example: vomiting or diarrhea) or his/her condition changed between scheduling and coming in for the surgery, please let us know ​IMMEDIATELY when checking in.

THE NIGHT BEFORE PROCEDURE:

• Feed your pet at normal time. DO NOT give ANY food or water past 10pm (treats included.)

This helps prevent your pet from aspirating while under anesthesia- which is potentially dangerous to him/her.

• Dental Procedures will be sent home the same day as appointment. All spay procedures, and feline declaws will be kept at least one night for observation. Any other surgeries will be at the doctor's discretion.

THE MORNING OF PROCEDURE:

• DO NOT feed any food or water morning of the procedure.

 

• Make sure your pet has an opportunity to use the bathroom before leaving home/walking into clinic.

 

• When checking in for surgery, you will be asked to sign a consent form. Please read this form carefully and advise of any other treatment required while your pet is under anesthesia. (Example: Dental cleaning, microchip implant, ear cleaning, etc.)

 

• We may need to contact you during the procedure or to discuss results. Please leave a contact number where we are able to reach someone at all times.

AFTER SURGERY:

• You can call for an update after 3pm, at that time you will be given a pickup time.
• The doctor will talk more in depth about the surgery and discharge you with instructions.

CANCELLATIONS:

• If you are unable to make it to your appointment, please let us know 24 hours before and we will happily reschedule you.

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POST-OP CARE
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Chances are your pet will be weak or groggy after surgery. Do not let him or her become too excited.
Restrain your animal with a leash or put your pet in a carrier when leaving the hospital; this will protect your pet from additional injury.​  

 POST-ANESTHESIA                  

• Your pet may appear more lethargic than usual. This is a normal side effect of general anesthesia & should dissipate after 24 hours.
• A slight cough for 1-2 days is not uncommon due to the endotracheal “breathing” tube.
• Defecation may be delayed a couple days because of the anesthetics and fasting.
•  A slight increase in urination on the first day is common from the IV fluids that were administered.

​   FEEDING
Some pets become carsick on their way home after undergoing anesthesia.
Please keep your pet in a warm and dry place when you arrive home after surgery.

• A decreased appetite usually isn’t a concern for the first day after surgery. only feed them a small portion of food (up to ½ of the normal amount). The following day, you may resume their regular diet. If your pet is not eating or drinking 24 hours after going home, please notify us.
• Water should always be available.

     ACTIVITIES
Activity is often restricted for a period after surgery, ranging from several days to several weeks, depending on the type of surgery.
We will provide you with specific detailed instructions upon discharge.
*Activity includes running, jumping, climbing, swimming, stairs, etc.*
      
INCISIONS
To prevent infection, surgical incisions need to remain dry and clean. If the incision becomes dirty, gently clean it with a sterile saline solution. Otherwise, leave it alone.

• Do not apply any topical medications or creams unless instructed to do so.
• Check the incision frequently until it is completely healed (10-14 days). Monitor for swelling, oozing, discharge, redness, heat, foul odor, or loose/missing staples/sutures.
• The incision may have a small amount of bloody discharge on the first day. This is normal. If you feel the incision is bleeding heavily, please contact us IMMEDIATELY!​​

E-COLLAR
 Short for Elizabethan collars, e-collars go around your pet’s neck to prevent them from being able to reach the surgical site.

• Licking at the incision is one of the most common sources of postoperative infection. Pets will need to be sedated and suture/stapled a second time at owners expense. *Please keep the e-collar on at all times.*

THE BANDAGE
Some surgeries may require your pet to go home with a bandage or splint,
which must remain clean, dry, & intact.

• Apply a heavy plastic bag over the bandage when taking your pet outside and remove it when indoors.
• If the bandage or splint gets wet,dirty, or becomes loose, or if you smell a foul odor, please call us IMMEDIATELY!

                                                                                      MEDICATIONS                                                                                            
Follow the medication schedule exactly and give the prescribed medications for the length of time indicated.

• Pain medications are necessary for most procedures.
• Watch for signs indicating your pet is uncomfortable: panting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and crying/vocalizing.
• Dogs in pain will be unable to settle down and rest. Cats are more likely to hide and stop eating.
• If you miss a dose, do NOT double up on the next dose. Simply give the next dose scheduled.
• Do not give any medication or supplements without first discussing them with the doctor.

•  Pill Pockets are a great way to give your pet a treat & their medication at the same time.