Basic Information Regarding Your Pet’s Operation
When your pet has to go in for surgery, it can be really stressful for them but also for you. Here are some useful tips you can follow to help make the pet surgery experience less of a drama for both of you:
Instructions before Surgery
- A detailed examination will be conducted by the veterinarian to check for any pre-existing conditions that may interfere with the surgical procedure.
- Make sure your pet is up to date with its annual vaccinations.
- A blood test may be suggested by the veterinarian to screen for disease not evident by physical examination.
- To increase the pet’s ability to combat infections, antibiotics may be prescribed a few days prior to a major operation.
- Consult your veterinarian to find out what food and drink instructions must be followed prior to the surgery.
Instructions to Follow After Surgery
- After a surgery it is most likely that your pet may feel weak and dazed, so try to keep him confined and not too excited.
- To protect them from further injuries, put your pet in a carrier or on a leash before leaving the clinic.
- Give small quantity of food and water initially, until full recovery. Too much eating and drinking can cause an upset stomach, diarrhoea or vomiting.
- Follow all post-surgical instructions prescribed.
- To avoid damage to the sutures, limit your pet’s exercise like climbing stairs, jumping or running.
- The area where pet sleeps should be clean, tidy and not open to draughts.
- Use medications only as directed during the recovery period.
- Sutures shall be removed after 10 days of the surgery. Inspect the sutured area daily for any signs of swelling, redness and discharge. If irritation is observed, immediately contact your vet.
- You might want to provide a physical barrier to avoid your pet from licking or chewing on the wound. The “Elizabethan collar” is ideal for this.