Pet Recovery & At Home Instructions Following Neutering.

by Young Veterinary Partnership.

 

Pet Recovery & At Home Instructions Following A Neutering Procedure.

These notes have been prepared to help you care for your pet during their recovery. Please read them carefully and contact our team if you have any concerns.

After an Anaesthetic

If your pet has had a general anaesthetic, hair may have been clipped from one or more of their legs. If a blood test was performed, a small area of hair may also have been clipped on the neck.

The surgical area will have been clipped to allow our staff to prepare the surgical site with maximum cleanliness before surgery. You may notice some temporary colouring on the skin. This is the surgical scrub used to prepare and sterilise the area and will gradually fade. There is no need to remove it.

It is important to keep the surgical site clean and dry.

 

What to watch out for during the healing process :

Redness,

Surgical site swelling,

Wound discharge or unusual odour,

Ensure your pet cannot lick, scratch or irritate the surgical site.

 

 

 

Modern anaesthetics generally wear off within a few hours. However, your pet may remain slightly drowsy, unsteady or quieter than usual, and these effects can occasionally last for up to 48 hours. Their eyes may appear slightly red or they may seem sensitive to light.

Your pet may also have a mild cough for approximately 24 hours. This can occur because a breathing tube is placed in their throat to maintain the anaesthetic during the procedure.

Pain Relief

During surgery, your pet will receive pain relief by injection and may also have been prescribed additional pain medication to maintain a comfortable recovery. Please read the instructions carefully on any medicines provided at collection of your pet.

Your pet should gradually become more comfortable as they recover. However, if you feel that your pet is experiencing pain or discomfort, please contact our team so that we can best support your pet.

 

Food, Water & Rest

For the first night, keep your pet somewhere warm, quiet and comfortable, preferably away from other animals.

Unless your veterinary surgeon has advised otherwise, offer a small amount of water and a light meal later in the evening. This could be:

Boiled chicken or fish.

A specially formulated recovery diet, available from reception (please ask our reception team).

Approximately half of your pet's usual evening meal.

Your pet may have a reduced appetite following an anaesthetic, so do not be concerned if they do not want to eat the same evening.

Bandages & Dressings

If your pet has a bandage or dressing, it is essential that it remains clean and dry. Most bandages can be removed once your pet is home and comfortable. They are self sticking so simply un-wind them from around your pets leg – there is no need for scissors.

Your pet must not be allowed to lick or chew their bandage.

If we have provided your pet with an Elizabethan Collar or Body Suit, please click here for cleaning instructions, usage and removal questions.

Exercise & Activity

For dog neutering recovery, both male and females should be kept on a lead, at least until their stitches are removed, this is usually around 7 - 10 days after surgery. 

When you visit the practice to collect your pet, please speak to our reception team to arrange an appointment date

and time for removal of your pets stitches.

These time-scales will lessen with Keyhole surgery – Our team will advise you further at pick up time.

For Cat Castrations ideally your cat should stay indoors for around 7 days, following surgery. There are no stitches so we do not need to see your male cat again unless you have concerns.

For Cat Speys, your female cat will have stitches that require removal by a veterinary nurse, 7 – 10 days after surgery. She should remain inside your home until the stitches have been removed.

If your pet is wearing a buster collar or body suit, this should remain on your pet (apart from if it is soiled) until the stitches are removed. If you have a question about the buster collar or body suit provided, please click here.

If You Have Any Concerns,

We understand that every pet recovers differently. If you are worried about your pet at any stage of their recovery, please contact our veterinary team for advice. We are always happy to help and will work with you to ensure your pet has a comfortable recovery following their procedure. If you phone when our surgery is closed, please listen carefully to the recorded message for the contact information for Medivet, Richmond the local 24 hour clinic.