Spay and Neuter Aftercare
What to Expect Post-Operatively
Dysphoria, or confusion caused by anesthesia, is extremely common after surgery and is often mistaken for pain. If your pet is restless, whining/vocalizing, or disinterested in food the night after a procedure, this is fairly common and not something to be worried about unless it continues into the following day (~24hrs later).
Be on the lookout for:
Pain: if whining, restlessness, or inappetence continue into the following day, this could be a sign of pain. We always send home pain medication after painful procedures, but if you are still seeing these signs the day after your pet's surgery, call us!
Gastrointestinal upset: this is an uncommon, but possible, side effect of anesthesia and the medications used for surgery. We use medications that minimize the likelihood of this happening, but if vomiting or diarrhea is seen after your pet's surgery, let us know.
Any persistent or worsening inappetence, lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea is a concern and should be addressed.
Incision Instructions
In most cases, post-operative care of the incision is fairly low maintenance. No topical creams or ointments are needed, we don't recommend covering the incision, and no baths or cleaning necessary! Avoid getting the area wet for 2 weeks.
Some bruising and mild redness can be normal after surgery, but significant or worsening redness, swelling, discharge (especially green or yellow) is cause for concern. Contact us if you see it.
Don't be too worried about touching the area. Many owners are scared to lift their pet post-surgery for fear of pressing on the incision, but the pain medications used should prevent most discomfort. As long as you are being gentle, you don't need to be afraid of touching or applying pressure to the surgical incision.
Feeding
When you take your pet home, wait at least 1-2 hours to offer any food or water.
Feed 1/3 to 1/4 of their normal dinner.
Don't worry if they don't want to eat that night (see above).
We highly recommend a 25% reduction in the amount of food you feed your pet after being spayed/neutered, as their calorie requirements drop after the procedure.
Activity
For 10-14 days post-op (until cleared by a veterinarian), we recommend strict rest. This means no running, jumping, playing, day care, or dog parks and short leashed walks outside to use the bathroom and back inside right away.
Excessive activity during the healing period puts pets at risk for surgical complications such as opening of the incision, seroma formation (fluid filled pockets under the skin), or hematoma formation in neutered males (blood filling the empty scrotum). Sometimes these complications can be managed medically, but sometimes corrective surgery is needed.
If keeping your pet calm seems like an impossibility, ask us for medication options to aid in keeping them rested.
The Cone
We recommend an elizabethan collar (a protective cone) after all spays and neuters. Pets need to wear this at all times (especially overnight when you are asleep) until they are healed and cleared by a veterinarian. Healing incisions are very itchy and e-collars help avoid repeat surgeries to close the incision a pet ripped open with their teeth!
Don't Hesitate to Call
If you have any concerns after surgery, don't hesitate to contact us for our guidance and advice. We would so much rather calm your nerves, answer your questions, and guide your uncertainties than be left with a complication or a painful pet!
Lastly, avoid scheduling surgery before a trip out of town. We'd rather you stay nearby so if complications arise, we are able to see your pet and address any issues.