If you have your pet booked in for surgery at our centre, we recommend the following before and after care procedures:
Before and After Surgery
Before and After Surgery
If your pet is a dog, wash them the day before surgery, as they are unable to be washed until after stitches are removed.
Do not give your pet food after 8 pm the night before the operation and do not give them any water after 8 am on the day of surgery.
After surgery care
Keep your pet restrained and quiet, as the effects of anaesthetic can take some time to wear off completely. It’s essential to also allow the wound to heal.
Food and water should be limited to small portions only on the night you take your pet home after surgery.
Follow any dietary instructions that your vet has provided.
Ensure all post-surgical medications (if any) are given as per the label instructions and your vet’s advice.
Ensure your pet’s rest area is clean to avoid infection.
Check the incision at least twice daily for any signs of infection or bleeding, swelling, redness or discharge. Contact the vet immediately if these symptoms appear. Do not wait to see if they will resolve on their own.
Prevent your pet from licking or chewing the wound. Special cone-shaped collars assist with this problem. A single chew can remove careful stitching with disastrous effects.
Ensure you return to us as scheduled for routine post-operative check-ups and removal of your pet’s stitches.
We will always discuss your pet’s surgery at your pet’s discharge appointment and provide you with detailed take-home notes.
If you have any concerns before or after your pet has had surgery, please call us on 9275 9283 and we will be happy to discuss them.
