SURGERY & AFTER-CARE
Tips
Your pet has undergone major surgery and anesthesia. Listed below are a few helpful tips to make your pet’s recovery easier for both of you:
- Limit your pet’s activity for 7 days following surgery
- Discourage strenuous exercise for the next 5 days, especially with dogs. Normal exercise should be encouraged following this time period.
- DO NOT allow your pet to lick, scratch, or chew its incision. Use an Elizabethan Collar for 10-14 days as necessary. Collars are available at most pet stores.
- We usually use absorbable suture so your pet won’t have to return to the clinic. We will inform you if a return visit is needed for suture removal.
- EXPECT SWELLING or a hard lump at the incision site. This is a normal reaction
to the absorbable suture material. Swelling will disappear in 2 weeks.
If any bleeding or discharge from the incision occurs, please call the clinic for instructions. - Keep the incision dry for 2 weeks after surgery. NO BATHING OR SWIMMING. Do not use alcohol or peroxide to clean the incision.
- We use a skin adhesive which may cause a blue or green coloring at the incision site.
- DO NOT give your pet aspirin or Tylenol. It can be toxic or fatal. Pain medication is available, if needed, by prescription only.
