Post-Surgery Care Instructions
Emergency Hotline: 254-292-3213
Available 24/7 for concerns during your pet's recovery
If you are concerned, we are concerned. Call our Emergency Surgical Care Hotline at 254-292-3213. This line is available 24 hours a day for questions during your pet's recovery. If needed, we welcome you to bring your pet in to us for a free post-surgery exam Monday through Friday between 9 am and 2 pm - no appointment needed. ​Also available, Waco Animal Emergency Clinic - 254-752-6100.
Emergencies
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Let staff know if you need help loading your pet into your car. Avoid pressure on the incision when lifting your dog. Keep your dog from running and jumping for seven days while incision tissues heal. Jumping and romping can tear internal sutures. Active dogs should be leash-walked. Outdoor cats should be released the morning after surgery.
Lifting and Activity
Ideal Recovery Environment
Your pet had major surgery. Keep your pet comfortable, clean, and calm indoors while the anesthesia wears off (12-18 hours). Care during the next seven days is key to a smooth recovery. No baths or swims during this time.
Incision Care
A firm, pea-sized suture-related bump near the incision is common. The veterinarian recommends the head cone to be worn for seven days post-surgery to prevent licking and chewing. A small green half-inch tattoo line near the incision shows your pet has been spayed/neutered. Check the incision carefully each day. Call us if you see swelling, redness, or drainage. or concerning behavior.
Serve only small amounts of food and water at a time. Avoid gorging and new foods. Offer your pet 1/4 of a normal meal around 6:00 pm the first night and a half-cup of water. Additional water is encouraged, a half-cup at a time. Your pet's appetite will return to normal during the first 24 hours after surgery. After 24 hours, resume your pet's normal food amount.
Food and Water
Cats: Cats get an extended-release medication (over three days).
Dogs: Dogs should begin post-op pain medication the morning after surgery with breakfast. It is important to continue and finish the medication as directed to prevent pain near the incision site. Failure to give pain medication invites incision licking and delays healing. Do not give any human pain medications as they are toxic (Ibuprofen, NSAIDS, aspirin, Midol, Tylenol, Aleve, etc.)
Pain Medication
Your dog received a pain injection during surgery that will last until the next morning. Your dog may whine the night after surgery while they feel fuzzy-headed or out-of-sorts. Everyday sights, sounds, or people can be difficult to understand during this time. Talking and petting could encourage more whining. Allow your dog to rest in a dark, calm, comfortable place. Pain medication should be given the next morning.
Vocal Dogs
Females in-heat or pregnant at the time of surgery may continue with a scent attracting males for up to 10 days. During this time, attempted breeding may cause internal bleeding. Female may also have a small amount of blood in their urine for three-four days after surgery.
Females In-Heat or Pregnant
We provide you with recommendations to avoid a preventable, expensive veterinary visit. We are happy to examine your pet's incision at no-charge. However, costs of re-suturing or antibiotics (while low-cost) are your responsibility. We cannot be held responsible for complications resulting from failure to follow these post-operative instructions.