AFTER SURGERY INSTRUCTIONS

DIET: No food should be given for the first two hours after your pet has come home. After this period, small amounts of the regular diet may be given. If there is no vomiting, normal feeding may be resumed tomorrow.

WATER: Initially, start with small amounts of water or a few ice cubes when your pet first arrives home. Too much water may cause vomiting. EXERCISE: Please limit your pet to regular leash walks as much as possible. Do not ask your pet to do too much. Rest is very important!

WEAKNESS: Weakness from anesthesia and surgery lasts from a few to 24 hours.

ELIMINATIONS: Many patients may not have bowel movements for one to two days after surgery and anesthesia.

SUTURES/DRAINS: Undoubtedly, your pet will occasionally lick the incision. Discourage this behavior to prevent serious harm or further complications. Check the sutures/drain daily, and gently clean with a warm, wet washcloth. Your pet may have been sent home with an E-collar to prevent licking or chewing. It is your responsibility to keep your pet away from the suture site!

COUGH: Some pets will have a slight dry or raspy cough following surgery. This is most often caused by an endotracheal tube, which is used to administer the gas directly into the lungs

CALL IF: Your pet becomes extremely lethargic or stops eating. You notice increased swelling or redness around the incision or surgery site. You notice a foul smelling discharge leaking from the site. Your pet is vomiting. You have any questions or concerns. Your pet’s cough persists longer than three days or becomes severe.