Post Operative Care

There are many reasons that you might find yourself in a "post-operative situation". This blog is to give you an overall understanding and "step-by-step" post-operative care instructions for your pet with minor surgeries that require sedation..

*Warning: There will be some photos posted below to demonstrate what a healing wound SHOULD NOT look like. (There is a trigger warning before the pictures.)*

Below are Basic Instructions for post-operative care*:

*If you have any concerns postoperatively, please contact your Veterinarian immediately.

What to expect on the day of surgery

First - You will drop off your pet early in the morning for surgery. (Your Veterinarian's office will tell you when to stop any food and water the night prior. Typically it's nothing by mouth after 12am)

Next - Someone from the Veterinary Office (usually the Vet Tech, Front Desk or Doctor) will call you once the procedure is completed and your pet is in recovery.

You will pick up your pet once they are awake and alert enough to be brought home. The first 24 hours, your pet will most likely be sleeping off the anesthesia and possibly not have much of an appetite (or a huge one!). That being said, make sure to introduce only a tiny amount of water first and then wait 30 minutes to make sure there is no vomiting. After that, try a small amount of their usual food and wait another 30 minutes. If your pet seems okay after that, you can proceed to give the rest of the feeding.

There are some exceptions to the above like tiny puppies/kittens or animals who easily have a drop in blood glucose. Your discharge technician will be able to confirm the timing of when to introduce food to your pet.

 

Any post operative medications should also be given with a small amount of food to prevent any GI upset.

 

Recovery

For the first day/night, keep pet in confined area away from other pets and children. (ex. bathroom, gated kitchen, etc.) Do not place them in a room with a high surfaces like couches or beds. Jumping onto or off of a high surface can rupture of the skin sutures/surgery site or in more severe cases, cause internal bleeding.

If pain medication has been prescribed, follow the written instructions on the bottle from your veterinarian carefully. This medication is typically given with food unless otherwise specified.

DO NOT GIVE HUMAN MEDICINE SUCH AS ADVIL, ASPIRIN OR TYLENOL. THESE MEDICATIONS CAN BE LIFE THREATENING TO YOUR PET.

Incision Care: Check your pet's incision DAILY. Your pet may or may not have sutures or staples to be removed 10-14 days from the day of surgery. Your Veterinarian should let you know this upon discharge. If not, ask if you need to return for post operative check-up. 

I would always keep an Elizabethan Collar (aka E-Collar) on my pet after any surgery where he or she can reach the surgery site with their face. When you are not with them, put it on. Even if you are only stepping away to use the bathroom - unfortunately I've seen a lot of damage happen in that short time frame. 

Once the surgery site starts to heal and the granulation tissue starts to form, the incision can sometimes get ITCHY. It's only natural for them to attempt to lick and/or scratch the site.

If your pet is using an e-collar, prepare for them to usually react negatively at first. It will be awkward for them, and hinder their movement. It usually takes pets 24 hours (without taking the cone off!) to get used to the collar. A proper fitting e-collar should allow the pet to do all activities like eating, sleeping, toileting and drinking without removing.)

TRIGGER WARNING - POST OPERATIVE PICTURES

Normal Incision Healing:

(example: cat spay; please note yellow color is the iodine used to sterilize the patient before surgery.)

Infected Incision:

(example: cat spay; you can see here the skin margins on either side in part are no longer touching, also known as "dehiscing". It is red, swollen, and it appears to have some discharge oozing out of the site)

Minor swelling/redness is normal for the first 24 hours. If there is still swelling/redness and/or oozing starts to occur, contact your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.

Keep your pet in a calm, clean environment for the next week and be sure to house your pet indoors.

Another important item to note is to restrict your pet's activity. Short leash walks for dogs for the next week, and discourage running/jumping or rough play for the next 7-10 days. Crate your pet for the first few days if necessary. Too much activity can cause trauma or injury to the surgery site which sometimes requires the pet to be sedated again to have it fixed.

There is no need to wash or clean the incision unless instructed by your Veterinarian. Do not put any antibiotic ointments on the incision unless specified by your Veterinarian. In addition, do not bathe or submerge the incision in water for the next 10-14 days. If the surgery is planned, your best bet is to have them groomed/bathed prior to the procedure.

Helpful Hint:

If your pet's incision is on their back or somewhere where an e-collar won't help (for example they can't lick the incision like on the back of their neck or head, BUT THEY CAN SCRATCH IT), I find using a child's t-shirt or pet t-shirt can be extremely helpful. It acts as a barrier from scratching. Just make sure that you continue to check the incision daily and that the incision can "breathe" and ensure that the clothing is not too tight.

🐾Jack & Lilo 🌈

If you have any further questions please feel free to ask. That's why I'm here!

Until Next Time!

Rachel, CVT

The Visiting Vet Tech

www.TheVisitingVetTech.co

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