Post-Operative Care

Your pet has had an anaesthetic and may be sleepy for up to 48 hours. Allow peace and quiet during this time. A mild cough may be present - this is due to a tube having been placed in his trachea during the anaesthesia.

What can you do?

• Keep your pet warm, dry and comfortable; avoid placing bed in extremes of temperature or in a draught
• Avoid activity such as climbing stairs and jumping onto furniture; your pet’s judgement may not be as accurate after an anaesthetic and he may stretch the stitches
• Allow only short walks on the lead until stitches are removed
• If accepted, give only light meals (e.g. prescription diets) for the first 24 to 48 hours unless otherwise specified
• Check dressings/casts/splints at least twice daily for abnormal smells, discolourations, discharges, discomfort, etc.

If your pet has undergone a surgical procedure, please check for abnormal events such as swelling of the wound, bleeding or other discharge, vomiting and interference of the stitches. Contact the surgery or come in for a check in such cases.

Stitches are to be removed after 10-14 days. The stitches placed in a cat spay wound may be dissolving. If they are still present in 3 to 4 weeks after surgery, then return for a check-up to have them removed.