Post-Surgery Instructions
PLEASE FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. We can not be held responsible for complications resulting from failure to follow post-operative instructions.
FOOD AND WATER
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Tonight, give your pet half of their normal amount of food and water upon returning home. So long as no problems occur, they can return to normal-sized meals tomorrow morning. Any lethargy, refusal to eat, diarrhea, or vomiting beyond 24 hours is not normal. Contact us should you notice any of these symptoms. During this time it is important to not change your pet’s diet. Avoid feeding them any table scraps or food not intended for pets, as these can mask post-surgical complications.
PAIN MEDICATION​
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All dogs will go home with pain medication. Be sure to follow all instructions outlined on the container. Be careful not to over-administer medication.
Cats receive injection which is a 24-hour pain injection, and we do recommend purchasing additional meds.
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We provide you with these recommendations to avoid an expensive and painful post-op veterinary visit. Spay Illinois will treat at our clinic, at minimal cost, any post-operative complications resulting directly from the surgery, if the above post-operative instructions have been followed in full. We cannot be held responsible for complications resulting from failure to follow post-operative instructions.
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Please call us at 630-961-8000 if you have questions or concerns related to surgery during the recovery period.
ENVIRONMENT​
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Your pet has received a major surgery. Be sure to keep him/her quiet in an indoor area for the next 12 hours. Keep your pet calm, warm, and comfortable.
INCISION​
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Be sure to check your pet’s area of incision twice daily to ensure that it is healing. Redness and swelling near the incision should be minimal. We recommend that every pet wear an E-Collar to prevent licking and chewing. We carry E-Collars for purchase for $10.
You'll notice that your pet received a small green tattoo near their incision. The tattoo lets other veterinarians know that they have been fixed, should your pet get lost or end up in a shelter. Also, the sutures your pet received are absorbable, unless otherwise stated by your technician at pick-up. Do NOT administer any human products, herbs, or supplements by mouth, or apply ointments/sprays of any kind to the incision.
KEEP MALES AND FEMALES APART​
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If your pet was in heat when we spayed her, keep all male pets away from her for the 10-14 day period. If the male was to try and mate with the female it could be life-threatening to the female. If you had a male pet neutered they can still get an un-spayed female pregnant for up to 45 days after their surgery, so keep all intact females in heat away from the male.
ACTIVITY​
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Do not allow your pet to run, jump, play, swim, or bathe for the next 10 to 14 days. Dogs should receive short, leashed walks only. All pets should be kept warm, clean, and dry. Avoid any strenuous activities.