Withhold food from the surgery patient after 8 pm the night before surgery and water after midnight the night before surgery. Do not give any food the morning of surgery. Water is fine.
On Day of Surgery:
Drop your pet off at the vet clinic between 8 am and 8.30 am on the morning of surgery. Upon admittance, you will be asked to provide your contact information so that you can be called once your pet is ready for collection later that day. Normally between 3 pm and 5 pm.
Please, if you need to cancel or reschedule your pet’s appointment, call as soon as possible. This will allow us to schedule appointments for pets of other responsible owners just like you.
Restraining Your Animal:
Upon arrival, all dogs and puppies must be restrained by a leash and all cats and kittens must be in a carrier.
Your pet has been under general anesthesia. After surgery, offer your pet a warm, confined, quiet place to rest overnight. This allows the animal to recover fully from the anesthesia. You may find that your pet wishes to rest up to two to three days after surgery.
Ointment was applied to your pet’s eyes prior to surgery to keep them from drying out. This may cause the fur around the eyes to look oily. There is no need to clean around your pet’s eyes; your pet will clean his/her eyes on his/her own.
Minor swelling near the surgical incision is normal and may continue for five to seven days after surgery. Check the incision site daily for excessive swelling or drainage. Swelling larger than a finger’s width, or any drainage should be reported to the Vet Clinic. The incision may take two or three weeks to completely heal. To decrease the risk of complications (swelling, etc.) prevent rough play between pets and with family members for two to three weeks after surgery.
Licking the incision area is rarely a concern, however, some animals may require the use of a “cone collar” if this behaviour is observed.
It is not necessary and we advise against using any ointments or lotions at the surgical site.
If your pet is fully awake and acting as normal on the evening after surgery, small amounts of water and food may be given. Vomiting and choking are possible, so please watch your pet closely. Your pet may be offered regular amounts of food and water the morning after surgery.
Specifically for dogs:
Do not bathe your dog or allow your dog to swim for two weeks after surgery. Limit activity to leash walks. No off-leash running or rough play.
Female dogs that were recently in heat should not be allowed near male dogs until the incision is completely healed, usually within two to three weeks. This prevents accidental mating that would have dire consequences in a recently spayed dog.
Specifically for cats:
On the evening of surgery, your cat is recovering from anesthesia which may cause dizziness and/or impaired vision. Please do not allow your cat access to high places where he/she could fall and become injured.
