Desexing - Discharge Instructions

Your dog is recovering from a major surgery and anaesthetic, which requires continued support and nursing care at home to ensure a successful outcome. During the recovery period of approximately 10 - 14 days, home care is extremely important. 

Activity

We strongly recommend strict confinement for the 10 -14 days following surgery. Keeping your pet indoors will help you manage the exercise restrictions. If you need to leave the pet alone, always keep confined to a crate, small room or an area in the home.

Strict confinement means:

• No jumping
• No running
• No stairs
• No rough playing

It's important to note that excessive activity can lead to injury or serious complications that could result in failure of the surgical incision to heal and may lead to further surgery. 

Incision

Please check the incision 1-2 times a day.

If you notice any of the following signs, call us immediately:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Discharge
• Smell

Some bruising and inflammation are expected just around the incision. 

Some pets can lick the surgical area excessively, therefore we have provided a protective collar (Elizabethan collar) to stop this behaviour. Licking can lead to the removal of sutures and the opening of the incision. 

It's important to avoid bathing until after 10 -14 days. 

Pain relief has been provided for you to continue giving, starting tomorrow morning.

Diet

A general anaesthetic can make patients drowsy and nauseous. You may find your pet doesn't want to eat or vomits the night of surgery. This is acceptable for the first 24 hours of surgery.

Long term, your pet will require fewer calories as it adapts to its lowered metabolism. A good rule of thumb is to reduce the food by 30%. For a tailored nutritional plan, contact our friendly team.

When to call us:

• Licking at the incision site
• Cannot be confined
• Difficulty toileting
• Pale gums
• Off food after 24 hours of surgery
• Vomiting after 24 hours of surgery