Many of we humans have had surgery and know how difficult it can be to recover. Imagine if you didn't understand what had happened? Your pet's recovery from surgery may be made smoother by following your vet's advice. Make sure you talk to your vet afterwards and understand what it is you need to do to care for them properly. If you are unsure about any of the directions always ask, your vet will only be too happy to clarify because they want the best recovery experience for you and your pet - no question is silly!
There are a few questions that often pop up:
Can I feed my pet tonight?
Your pet may not feel like eating that evening, and food may induce vomiting. If they appear hungry or looking for food you might try a little, unless your vet indicated otherwise.
Where can I put them?
Your pet may still be a bit groggy after the anaesthetic and will need a quiet place to rest it off. It is a good idea to keep your pet away from other pets and children, so it might be worthwhile confining them to the laundry or bathroom. In most cases confinement is recommended post-surgery so wounds are not aggravated by running about.
My pet appears drowsy, is this normal?
It may take the evening for your pet to recover from the anaesthetic, in some cases they may not be quite their normal self until later the following day. Your pet's behaviour should return to normal after a day or two; if this does not happen contact your vet for advice.
Will my pet need a bucket around its neck?
An Elizabethan collar might be recommended to keep your pet from aggravating and removing its stitches. Whether it is necessary will depend on your pet and the nature of their surgery/wound. If you do not go home with a collar but find your pet becomes interested in the stitches call your vet for advice. The cost of a collar is a fraction of the cost of having the stitches replaced by your vet!
My pet appears painful, is this normal?
Be rest assured, all pets receive pain relief before going home from surgery. The stoic nature of our pets makes them masters at hiding pain. If your pet exhibits any tell-tale signs contact your vet: hiding, aggression, pacing, whimpering, pacing, loss of appetite, or increased breathing rate. It is essential your pet's pain is managed for their welfare.
Hopefully your pet's surgery journey will be an uneventful one. Never be afraid to ask your vet questions; we truly want the best recovery possible for your pet.
Testimonials
"David and his team treat their client’s animals as if they were their own and have helped me and my horses in some very stressful situations over the years, thankfully, always with a excellent outcome!"
"Thank you so much for the extra good care you took of Lilly ... I’ve always been extremely happy with Dave as our vet, I think he truly does a wonderful job, and you can really see how much he cares.”
"The fact that Dave has been my vet for many years speaks volumes. Dave has a very nice manner and deals with the horses in a calm and kind way. He always takes time to explain options and procedures and to advise on what he considers to be the best course of treatment."
"Although we may have moved, we would not consider using any other veterinarian other than David to care for our horses."