Post Surgical Recommendations

  Food/Water -- Feed animal half of its normal amount of food the night after surgery.  Do not give animal treats or table scraps that may be difficult to digest.  Animal can be given water in small amounts.  Animals may be nauseous after surgery and vomit.                                                Rest -- After surgery some animals will remain sedated for about 24 hours.  Keep them warm or inside until they have fully recovered.  Give them a quiet place to rest where they will not be bothered by children or other pets. 

Surgical area -- Check area daily and clean with gentle antiseptic or hydrogen peroxide.  Expect some redness and swelling, but call office immediately if you notice extreme redness, swelling, heat or abnormal bleeding/discharge.  Bring animal back in 10-14 days to remove skin sutures (if needed per veterinarian).  There is no appointment needed and no charge for this.

 

Declawed cats -- Use shredded paper or Yesterday’s News brand litter instead of clay litter for 10 days.  Avoid rough activity for a week so that the paws and incisions are allowed to heal.  Post surgical complications can arise with declawing so please contact us if you notice any abnormal redness or swelling.

           

Baths -- Do not bathe the animal for 14 days after surgery or until the sutures have been removed (if needed).

 

Pain relief – Animals are given long lasting pain relief with their sedation.  If needed, extra pain medication is administered before discharging the animal.  We do not recommend aspirin or Tylenol as they can cause side effects after surgery, such as reduced blood clotting.  Please consult Dr. Flanders regarding any post surgical pain relief.

 

If any problems arise, please do not hesitate to contact us.  If it is after normal business hours, please contact an emergency clinic.