Post-Surgery Details -

When will my pet be able to go home after surgery?

Pets undergoing outpatient procedures will be ready to go by close of business the same day unless noted otherwise during the post-operative phone update.

What can I expect with regards to my pet’s appetite after surgery?

There are several things you can try to help your pet regain their appetite after surgery – offer favorite foods, warm food slightly above room temperature to increase the odor and taste, offer low fat cooked chicken, turkey or ground beef with rice.

If your pet’s appetite has not returned to normal the day after surgery, or if your pet is not drinking water, is vomiting, or seems lethargic, please call our office for further instructions.

What should I do if my pet’s bandage, cast or splint has become wet, soiled or fallen off?

If the bandage becomes soiled, damp, or gets chewed off, please do not re-bandage at home. Duct tape and other items can trap moisture within the cast or bandage causing inflammation of the skin and tissues. In some cases, bandages inappropriately applied at home can even cut off the circulation to a limb!

If you have concerns about your pet’s bandage, confine the animal to a single room or small area, then call us so that we can advise you further. Please also call us if you notice swelling of the exposed toes on the bandaged limb, which can be seen by spreading apart the toenails.

NOTE: After a cast or splint is first removed, it may take 1-2 weeks for your pet to become accustomed to using the leg without the splint.

Why do I have to use an E-collar?

While your pet may not enjoy the E-collar initially, he or she will enjoy even less having to come back to our office for a recheck visit to repair an incision that has been chewed open or to be treated for an infection at the surgical site. If this happens, your pet will need to wear the collar for an even longer period of time. Rest assured, most pets become accustomed to the collar within one or two days and they can eat, sleep, and drink with it on. We are counting on you, so please keep the E-collar on your pet.

Why is my pet panting after surgery?

This is commonly seen after surgery. Panting may indicate soreness but may also be due to anxiety or in reaction to the prescribed pain medication. Please call our office so that we can help determine whether additional pain medication is advised or if the dose needs to be adjusted.

Should I bring my pet back to the office if there is vomiting after the procedure?

An episode or two of vomiting is occasionally seen after surgery or anesthesia. If the vomiting continues, blood is noted in the vomitus, or if your pet is not holding down any food or water, call to schedule a recheck of your pet by a veterinarian.

What should I do if my pet does not urinate after surgery?

Some pets may urinate less after surgery or may seem to be unable to control urination. This is usually temporary and may be a side effect of medication, anesthesia, or difficulty assuming “the position” to urinate. Please call if your pet has not produced urine for more than 12 hours. Many pets initially drink less after returning home, so expect less urination at first.

Why does my pet have diarrhea?

Diarrhea may be seen after hospitalization. This can be caused by a change in diet but is more commonly caused by the stress of being away from home. Certain medications prescribed to your pet may also cause diarrhea. If the diarrhea is bloody, lasts longer than 12-24 hours or if your pet becomes lethargic or vomits, please contact us immediately. You can purchase a nutritionally complete bland food from us available in cans or kibble or we can guide you in preparing a home cooked bland diet. We do NOT recommend using any over-the-counter medication to treat the diarrhea. Please call us if there are any questions or problems.

What should I do if I think my pet’s surgical site is injured?

If for any reason, you suspect that your pet has re-injured the surgical site, confine your pet and call us immediately.

What should I do if there seems to be some fluid forming under the skin around my pet’s surgical area?

In any healing surgical area, fluid produced during the healing process may accumulate and form a seroma (fluid pocket). Fortunately, this is not painful and does not impair the healing process. Eventually, the body will reabsorb the fluid. If the seroma is small, we typically will leave it alone. If, however it is large, we may remove the fluid with a needle and syringe or even place a drain. If you notice a seroma developing, please call. We may wish to recheck the area to ensure there is no infection beginning.

Why is my pet having difficulty with bowel movements since surgery?

Difficulty with bowel movements can be expected after illness, anesthesia, or surgery in animals. It may take a few days for the gastrointestinal system to return to normal function. Fortunately, it is not vital for your pet to pass a stool on a daily basis. Please call if your pet has not passed a stool within 48 hours of discharge from the hospital or appears to be straining to defecate.

Why is my pet crying and whining after surgery?

Although vocalizing can indicate discomfort, it can also be associated with other feelings following surgery. Often, pets vocalize due to the excitement or agitation that they feel on leaving the hospital and returning to their familiar home environment. Some pets will also vocalize or whine as the last remaining sedative or anesthetic medications are removed from their systems, or in response to the prescribed pain medication. If crying or whining is mild and intermittent, you may simply monitor the situation. If vocalization persists, please call us for advice. In some cases, a sedative may be prescribed or pain medication may be adjusted.

Who should I call if I think my pet needs more pain medication?

Despite the medications we have prescribed, some pets will still show signs of pain at home, such as restlessness or an inability to sleep, poor appetite, lameness or tenderness at the site of surgery. Please confine your pet to limit their activity, then call us immediately so we can dispense or prescribe additional medication or therapies as necessary to keep your pet comfortable.

What is the best thing to do if my pet is shaking and trembling after surgery?

This is a very common response to physiological stress after surgery, injury, or any other health abnormality. The amount of shaking or trembling may be dramatic, but it does not always imply severe pain, cold, or distress. It may involve the entire body, or just the area of surgery. If there are signs of pain such as restlessness, lack of appetite, or crying out, or you are concerned about what your pet is exhibiting, please do not hesitate to call.