Pre-Operation
Instruction Sheet
If your pet is booked in for a
surgical procedure, please follow the instructions below.
Please bring your pet to the
surgery between 8.00am and 9.00am.
In order that your pet is
prepared for the surgical procedure, please follow the
instructions below:-
- Food needs to be withheld from
8.00pm the night before the procedure.
- Water can be removed at 8.00am
on the day of the procedure.
- Cats need to be kept indoors
the night before and provided with a litter tray.
- Dogs need to be given the
opportunity to urinate / defaecate prior to being brought into
the surgery.
- Please bring your dog on a
secure collar and leash.
- Please bring your cat or small
pet in a cage / basket.
If applicable, please bring your
pet's insurance claim form and policy details.
In case of an emergency, please
bring your contact details for that day.
You will be asked to contact the
surgery after 2.00pm for an update on your pet's progress and to
arrange a time to collect your pet.
Caring for your Pet after
Surgery
Anaesthesia
In many cases, a small area of hair on the foreleg will be
clipped. The hair will normally grow back within 6-8 weeks. Your
pet may also have had a tube passed down its trachea (windpipe)
whilst asleep so that they can breathe a gaseous anaesthetic.
Following removal of this tube some pets may cough for a few days.
Care at home
When you get your pet home, you should keep them warm, quiet and
comfortable. Do not allow children or other pets to excite them.
Some animals may be drowsy during the evening or even next day.
Cats should be kept inside overnight and provided with a litter
tray as they may be disorientated or have temporarily lost their
road sense.
Dogs should not be allowed outside unsupervised or off the lead as
they may still be wobbly.
The area around the operation site can be painful so avoid
handling your pet unless instructed to do so.
Surgical Wounds
The wound should require no special care, unless otherwise
advised. Do check the wound daily for any signs of swelling,
persistent discharge, bleeding or loss of stitches. Try to
discourage your pet from licking excessively at any wounds or
stitches as this could cause the wound to break down.
Your pet's stitches should be removed by the vet in 10 days unless
other advised. Dissolvable stitches do not need to be removed
Dental Treatment
If your pet has had a dental, soft foods should be given for 3-4
days. Occasionally drooling of blood stained saliva is witnessed.
This is nothing to worry about.
An additional sheet is available on caring for your pets teeth
following dental treatment below.
Splints, Plaster Casts and
Dressings
All dressings must be kept dry. Cover dressings with a plastic bag
for walks outside, but do not leave the plastic bag on for long
periods. Do not allow your pet to chew the dressing or pull it
off. Please contact us if the dressing comes off.
Exercise
Strict confinement is recommended for 24 hours following treatment
unless otherwise advised. If stitches are present, exercise on the
lead is recommended for 7 - 10 days
Feeding
A light meal such as chicken, boiled rice or white fish is
recommended on the first day. Alternatively, you may be given a
tin of recovery food at the surgery. Water should be available.
Any Worries or Questions
Please do not hesitate to contact us at the surgery if you have
any worries or questions or if your pet is behaving in an unusual
manner.
|
