Vet Clinic > Cats > Post-Surgery After Care

Published by BAAH
November 12, 2022

Has your furry friend just been for a spaying or neutering? Or have they had a benign tumor removed? Most Pet Surgical and soft tissue surgeries have very similar aftercare. Here is a post-surgery aftercare cheat sheet for you.

When you pick your pet up from our hospital, he may be a little drowsy. This is quite normal following an anesthetic procedure. The drowsiness should subside over the next 12 – 24 hours. Please keep them inside and warm tonight.
There may be some bruising, just as in humans, so your pet should not be expected to be completely normal for a few days.
Keep your pet quiet and rested for the full two-week recovery period. This means no running, jumping, or vigorous activity.
The stitches will need to be kept dry, which means no swimming or bathing for the next two weeks. The suture material at our hospital is absorbable, and will NOT require any removal.
It is very important that your pet does not lick their stitches as this can introduce infection and also open the wound.
If you have another pet at home, it is advised that they are not left alone and unsupervised as their housemates have tendencies to lick or chew the incision site for the patient.
For dogs: daily walks are encouraged, 3 times a day, 10-15 minutes long.
Please monitor the incision daily for any signs of redness, swelling, or discharge; and if any of these are identified please contact us immediately.
The evening after surgery offer your pet only small amounts of food and water tonight. From tomorrow morning, he can receive food and water as normal.

Things to look out for

Generally, there are very few complications following this operation, however, there are some signs to watch out for that may indicate a problem. If you notice any of these signs please contact us:

Dull and listless (especially after the first 24 hours)
Excessive redness or irritation around the suture line
Swelling or lumps around the suture
Discharge from the wound or reproductive organs
Vomiting, diarrhea, inappetence or blood in the stool
Chewing at sutures
Broken sutures or odour from the wound
Urinary incontinence (leaking of urine)
No bowel movement for more than 2 days after coming home

Wound care

An Elizabethan collar is supplied to stop licking and chewing the wound area. Leave this on for the full two weeks, even if your pet protests. This collar will prevent the site from reopening and any infection.

Medication

Make sure you READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY and ensure that all medication is administered as instructed. If you are experiencing any difficulty in dosing your pet please contact your clinic for advice.

Please give the prescribed medication as directed and feed you pet normally throughout this time.

We hope this post-surgery after care cheat sheet has been helpful to you! If you are unsure about anything, please contact your vet clinic.

Beach Avenue Animal Hospital

At BAAH, we’re not just a veterinary clinic; we’re your local, friendly pet care partner right next door.

View Services

We are HERE!

Gum disease is a common but serious issue in dogs. If left untreated, it can lead to pain, tooth loss, and infections that affect overall health. The good news? It’s preventable with the right care. Here’s how you can protect your dog’s gums and keep them healthy. Daily & Weekly

Your dog’s dental health is just as important as yours. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to serious issues like bad breath, gum disease, and tooth loss. Understanding the difference between plaque and tartar and knowing how to prevent and treat them will help keep your dog’s teeth clean and

Have you noticed your dog’s ears feeling warm and looking red? This can be a common issue, but it’s important to understand why it happens. Sometimes, it’s a minor irritation, while other times, it could be a sign of a more serious problem. Knowing the cause will help you take

A tooth abscess in dogs is a painful infection that affects the root of a tooth. If left untreated, it can lead to severe health problems, including infections spreading to other parts of the body. As a pet owner, recognizing the signs early and seeking prompt veterinary care can prevent

Taking care of your dog’s dental health isn’t just about keeping their breath fresh—it’s about preventing pain, discomfort, and more serious health issues. You might be surprised to learn that dental problems in dogs are more common than you think. Recognizing the symptoms early can help you get your dog

You’ve probably heard of anal glands in dogs. Maybe your vet has even mentioned them during a routine check-up. But do you know what happens when these glands get blocked? Understanding the signs and symptoms of blocked anal glands can help you keep your dog comfortable and avoid unnecessary vet

Did you know that 80% of dogs show signs of dental disease by the age of 3? Dental health is one of the most overlooked aspects of pet care, but it’s essential to your dog’s overall well-being. Poor dental hygiene can lead to bad breath, painful infections, and even serious

Is xylitol dangerous for dogs? Yes, even in small amounts, xylitol can cause severe health problems like seizures and liver failure in dogs. Found in sugar-free products like gum and candy, it’s important to act quickly if your dog consumes it. Learn how to keep your dog safe, especially during

Your pet’s happiness is our priority! If your furry friend needs anything, don’t hesitate to call. We’re here to guide and ensure their well-being with a warm touch and friendly advice.

Post-Surgery After Care

Things to look out for

Wound care

Medication

How To Prevent Dog Gum Disease?

Plaque & Tartar in Dogs

Why Are My Dog’s Ears Hot and Red?

Tooth Abscess in Dogs

Symptoms Dog Teeth Problems

Anal Glands in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments Explained

How Often Should You Brush Your Dog’s Teeth?

Xylitol and Dogs: The Hidden Danger in Halloween Treats