When your pet is scheduled for surgery, it’s natural to feel a bit anxious. However, careful preparation and understanding what happens before, during, and after surgery can ensure your pet’s experience is as smooth as possible. This guide walks you through key steps for pre-operative care, what to expect during the procedure, and how to support your pet during the post-op recovery period.
Pre-Surgical Checklist
- 72-Hour Cancellation Notice
- If you need to cancel or reschedule your pet’s surgery, please provide at least 72 hours’ notice. Failure to do so will result in the surgical deposit being kept.
- Who Can Admit Your Pet?
- The person bringing your pet to the clinic must be 18 years or older and listed on your pet’s file. If this is not possible, ensure you are available by phone the morning of the surgery so our team can contact you for any necessary information.
- No Food After Midnight
- To ensure your pet’s safety, no food should be given after midnight the night before surgery. Water can be offered as usual, and be sure to administer any pre-surgery medications provided by your vet.
Surgery Day: What to Expect
On the day of surgery, your pet may be given a medication to help them relax. This helps ensure a stress-free experience for your pet throughout the day. Once they arrive, our veterinary team will ensure they are comfortable and prepared for their procedure.
The Importance of Post-Surgery Recovery
What happens after your pet’s surgery is just as important as the procedure itself. Ensuring a safe and comfortable recovery at home is key to your pet’s healing process. Here’s what you need to know:
- Recovery Period (10-14 Days)
- Your pet’s recovery will take about 10-14 days. During this time, they will need restricted exercise and should rest in a kennel or confined space to limit movement. If your pet is not used to kennel rest, please let us know. We can discuss options like calming medications to ensure they have a restful recovery.
- Preventing Licking at the Incision Site
- Your pet may need to wear an e-collar (cone) to prevent licking or biting at their incision. If you believe your pet will have issues with this, let us know ahead of time. We can provide alternatives such as body suits or bitter spray to discourage licking.
- Dealing with Pet Boredom
- Pets often get bored during recovery due to restricted movement. Puzzle feeders, treat dispensers like Kong toys, or even teaching them new tricks or basic commands can help keep their mind engaged while they recover.
- Supervision After Surgery
- After surgery, your pet may be disoriented or wobbly due to anesthesia. It’s essential to supervise them around stairs, furniture, or other potential hazards to prevent accidents. Keeping them warm and in a quiet space will help them recover comfortably.
Post-Op Care Instructions
Once your pet is home, here are the key things to keep in mind:
- Disorientation
- After anesthesia or sedation, your pet may seem restless or whiny, but this isn’t always a sign of pain. If the symptoms persist for more than 12 hours, please contact us at 403-272-3573.
- Reduced Activity & Appetite
- It’s normal for your pet to be less active and eat less in the first 1-2 days post-surgery. Offer small amounts of food on the first night, and normal feeding can resume the next day.
- Increased Urination & Leaking
- Due to the fluids received during surgery, your pet may urinate more frequently and may even leak slightly. This should subside within 24 hours.
- Mild Coughing or Sneezing
- If your pet was intubated during surgery, they may experience mild coughing or sneezing. This is a result of throat irritation from the endotracheal tube and usually resolves within a couple of days.
- Incision Care
- Check your pet’s incision daily for swelling, redness, or discharge. Prevent them from licking or chewing the area. Keep the incision dry—no swimming or bathing for 14 days. If you notice any signs of infection, contact us immediately.
Medications & Exercise
- Medications: Follow the instructions provided for any prescribed medications, starting them as directed.
- Exercise: Keep your pet indoors and only take them outside on a leash for bathroom breaks. Avoid running, jumping, and stairs for the first 10-14 days.
If your pet had dental extractions, offer soft or crushed food for easier chewing. Also, refrain from giving your pet hard toys or playing tug-of-war during the recovery period.
Follow-Up Appointments
- Sutures: If your pet had sutures, they’ll need to be removed in about 14 days. Please schedule an appointment for this.
- Microchip: If your pet was microchipped, we’ve registered your information. Make sure to update your contact details with EIDAP if you move.
When to Call the Vet
Monitor your pet closely, and call us if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Loss of appetite for more than two days
- Excessive drainage from the incision
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in breathing
- Difficulty standing or walking
- Swelling, or signs of infection at the incision site
For emergencies after hours, you can contact one of the following 24-hour clinics:
- Care Centre (403) 520-8387
- Western Veterinary Specialist and Emergency Centre (403) 770-1340
Conclusion
Surgery can be a stressful time for both you and your pet, but with careful preparation and proper post-op care, your pet can recover smoothly. Remember to reach out to your veterinary team with any concerns or questions—they’re here to help every step of the way!
