Post-Surgery Instructions

Thank you for entrusting us with the care of your pet. The following discharge instructions will be provided at the time of your visit.

Help your pet heal: SAS Post-Op Instructions Tip Sheet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uXZzhWT9_Q

Post-Operative Care Instructions (Spay & Neuter)

Before your pet was sterilized, they received a combination analgesic as pain control and general anesthetic to induce sleep. For neuters, an incision was made just over the scrotum or on the scrotum and the testicles were removed. For spays, an incision was made on the abdomen and the uterus and both ovaries were removed. Your pet will not require removal of any suture as they are buried beneath the skin. Because this is a surgical procedure, your pet requires proper care and observation for the next 10-14 days.
When you bring your pet home on the day of surgery, they will be feeling the effects of the anesthetic. Keep them away from other animals and children when you first bring them home. They may feel a little wobbly, so it is important on this first day that you confine them indoors and keep them quiet.
For dogs and female cats, we have sent home three additional days of anti-inflammatory pain relievers to help them remain comfortable throughout recovery. These are to be started 24 hours following surgery. Follow the instructions on the prescription label.
Give your pet a small amount of food the evening after surgery. Some pets feel nauseated the first few days, so don’t be alarmed if they do not want to eat immediately. If your pet is not eating by the third day after surgery, please let us know. For rabbits, if they go more than 24 hours without eating please let us know immediately. Fresh, clean water should always be available.
Keep them as quiet as possible for one week. Too much activity too soon will disrupt the healing process and may result in a painfully swollen incision or fluid build-up (seroma). Short on-leash walks are okay for dogs. No running, off-leash yard play, or roughhousing with other pets.
Observe the incision daily. A small amount of redness and swelling is normal. Any drainage or discharge or very large swelling is not normal and should be reported to the Clinic. Keep the incision dry and clean – no swimming, baths, playing in the rain for 14 days.
Dogs and female cats may have a slight cough for a few days due to the breathing tube in their tracheas to give oxygen and gas anesthesia (intubation). Sometimes this tube causes a little irritation resulting in a cough. Male cats and rabbits are not intubated.
Do not let your pet lick their incision. See tips for help prevent harmful licking. Licking can irritate the skin, delay healing and lead to a secondary infection. You will be given an e-collar/cone to prevent them from doing so. The cone should remain on for 7-10 days, especially while they are unsupervised. Do not alter the e-collar that you are given by cutting the outer edge shorter. We check that it fits your pet’s muzzle and neck while they are at the clinic.
Keep your pet’s surgery report. If a Rabies vaccination was given, the report contains your Certificate of Rabies Vaccination. This document may be required for travel with your pet across state and national borders. Check the Rabies Certificate to see when the next Rabies vaccination is due. Check with your regular veterinarian to see when additional boosters of other vaccines are recommended.

Important note: If the incision needs surgical repair due to lack of compliance with the above instructions, there will be a $100-200 repair fee. We are unable to use grant funding to cover any repairs and you will be responsible for paying at time of service.

We anticipate that your pet will have a normal, uneventful recovery. If you have any questions regarding their progress or if a problem develops, please call us at (206) 386-4260, Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. We are closed on major holidays, city holidays, and weekends. If the Clinic is closed, contact your private veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic near you.