CARE AFTER SURGERY

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU BRING YOUR PET HOME

  • If your dog is active after surgery, they may experience slight swelling up to 7-10 days after surgery
  • We strongly recommend you keep your pet confined in a crate or small room the night after surgery.
  • Your pet may be groggy when you get home, experiencing a “hang-over” from the anesthesia. Your pet will typically require 18-24 hours to recover from the general anesthesia. Most animals will be back to normal when the anesthesia leaves their system entirely, usually within 24 hours.
  • Your pet may sleep much more than normal for 18-24 hours following surgery.
  • You pet may be a little agitated or aggressive due to the after-effects of anesthesia. Avoid handling the animal too much as he/she may try to bite or scratch you.
  • Isolate the animal from children and other pets. He may be more prone to snapping or nipping at other pets and even children due to the after-effects of anesthesia.
  • Your pet may have poor balance. This will make climbing stairs or getting in and out of the car more difficult than usual, so be ready to assist. Help your dog in and out of the car as sudden movements can damage his stitches. Lift the dog by wrapping your arms around the dog’s chest/front legs and rear/back legs.
  • Make sure your cat has a comfortable spot to sleep in a confined, secure, quiet place. Once she’s settled, she’s likely to sleep it off and will be fine upon awakening.
  • We provide 24/7 aftercare. If you have concerns, call the 800 number provided at check out. We are not responsible for vet care not authorized by one of our staff through our documented aftercare system. We cannot be held responsible for complications resulting from failure to follow post-op instructions, or for contagious diseases for which the animal was not previously properly vaccinated.

POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS

Spaying and neutering are very safe surgeries; however, complications can occur. Minimal redness and swelling should resolve within several days. Please contact Spay Oklahoma immediately (Monday-Thursday) if redness and swelling persist or if you notice any of the following:

  • Pale gums
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Discharge or bleeding from the incision
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Labored breathing
  • Decreased appetite
  • Lethargy lasting more than 24 hours

Spay Oklahoma will re-check your pet at no charge at our clinic for any complications resulting directly from the surgery. There may be a minimal cost for medication if needed (such as antibiotics) or an e-collar (cone of shame).

Spay Oklahoma cannot be held responsible for complications resulting from failure to follow post-operative instructions or for contagious diseases in the post-operative period.

Your regular veterinarian must address illnesses or injuries that are not a direct result of surgery.

INCISION SITE

  • What you see on the day of surgery is what we consider normal. There should be no drainage. A very small amount of redness/swelling at incision may occur.
  • If animal allows, check incision site once daily for one week. Check for excessive redness, swelling, discharge, blood or if incision site is open.
  • Do not clean or apply any topical ointment to the incision site. If concerned please call the 800 number provided at check out.

SUTURES

  • Sutures will dissolve and may create a swelling 7-10 days after surgery.
  • Unless you are told otherwise, your pet does not have external sutures.
  • Male cats do not have any sutures.
  • All sutures are absorbable on the inside. The very outer layer of skin is held together with surgical glue.
  • If you are told that your pet has skin sutures or skin staples, he/she will need to return in 14 days to have those removed. Please come in between 10am – 2pm to have staples removed, you do not need an appointment.

TATTOO

  • All female cats, female dogs, and male dogs receive a small green line tattoo near the incision line.
  • This is a universally recognized tattoo that identifies your pet has been spayed or neutered.
  • Tattoos are generally not placed on male cats.

FEEDING

  • Anesthesia tends to make animals experience nausea, so your pet may not want to eat when he/she gets home after surgery.
  • You need to re-introduce food slowly. Offer a small amount of water 2-3 hours after leaving. If successful offer small amount of food 1-2 hours later. Your pet should be back to a normal diet the day after surgery.
  • Do not change your pet’s diet at this time and do not give junk food, table scraps, milk or any other people food for a period of one week. This could mask post-surgical complications.
  • Your pet’s appetite should return gradually within 24 hours of surgery.

IF YOUR PET WAS IN HEAT

If your female dog or cat was in heat at the time of surgery, you must keep her away from un-neutered males for at least two weeks. While she is unable to become pregnant, she will still attract intact males for a short period of time.

ACTIVITY

  • The healing process takes 14 days.
  • Any strenuous activity could disrupt the healing process.
  • Some animals are active after surgery, while others are quiet. It is very important that you limit your pet’s activity during the healing process.
  • Pets must be kept indoors where they can stay clean, dry, and warm.
  • No running, jumping, playing, swimming, or other strenuous activity during the 14 day recovery period.
  • Do not bathe your pet or have it groomed during the recovery period.
  • When outdoors dogs should be on a leash and taken for short walks only for next 14 days.
  • Non-feral cats should be kept indoors for the next 14 days.
  • Keep animal away from all hazards (including stairs).