Post-Operative Care Guide

For a fast and pain-free recovery for your companion

Your pet has just undergone surgery. The following days are crucial for their healing. Here is the essential information you need to support them as best as possible.

Medications are generally prescribed following a surgical procedure to manage any discomfort and, sometimes, to treat an infection.

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  Follow the prescription: Give all medications at the indicated times, until the very end of the treatment, even if your pet seems to be doing better. However, contact us if your pet shows any adverse side effects (vomiting, diarrhea, black stools, etc.).
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  No self-medication: Never give human medications without veterinary supervision (Aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, etc.). Some of them can be fatal to animals.
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  Pain management: Pain is easier to prevent than to stop. Signs of discomfort can be subtle, so do not wait for your pet to whimper before intervening. Monitor for restlessness, isolation, a drop in energy, and a decrease in appetite.
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  In case of a missed dose: Do not double the dose. Simply resume at the next scheduled time.

Even if your pet seems to be in great shape after 48 hours, the body needs to recover.

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  Strict rest: Avoid jumping, running, and rough play. A simple run can lead to severe complications. Limit daily walks to a maximum of 15 minutes, at a walking pace, unless instructed otherwise.
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  Controlled outings: For dogs, potty breaks must be done strictly on a short leash. Avoid retractable leashes.
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  Confinement: Use a transport crate or a small, quiet room if your pet is too active (e.g., a laundry room) to limit their movements.
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  Sedatives: The reduction in exercise and usual activities can sometimes lead to restlessness as well as unpleasant or destructive behaviors at home. If your pet has difficulty remaining calm during this period, sedatives may be prescribed.

The surgical wound may be closed using dissolving internal stitches or external stitches that will need to be removed once healing is complete. In both cases, it is important to monitor the appearance of the wound daily.

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  Keep the wound clean and dry: The wound must remain clean and dry at all times. Avoid baths, swimming, and playing in the water until fully healed. If the area becomes soiled, clean it gently with a saline solution or a chlorhexidine-based solution, according to the recommendations received.
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  Licking is forbidden: Saliva is NOT healing; instead, it introduces bacteria that can greatly complicate recovery. Licking can also cause the removal of stitches and the opening of the wound.
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  Elizabethan collar: The cone must be worn 24/7 if prescribed. If you remove it for meals, the pet must be under direct visual supervision.
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  Warning signs: Examine the incision twice a day and contact us if you notice continuous bleeding or pus discharge, a foul odor, redness, swelling or excessive heat, an opening of the wound, missing stitches, or significant pain when handled.
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  Cold compresses: Applying cold compresses (for example, ice wrapped in a towel) can help reduce swelling and discomfort, if recommended by your veterinarian. They can be applied 2 to 3 times a day for about 10 minutes at a time.

Following certain surgeries, a dressing, bandage, or splint may have been applied to promote healing.

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  Bandage monitoring: Contact us promptly if the bandage slips, emits a foul odor, becomes soiled, is chewed on, or if your pet appears more uncomfortable, constantly tries to remove it, or stops using their limb.
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  Keep dry: A wet dressing causes severe infections. In case of rain, cover it with a plastic bag for the outing, then remove the bag immediately upon return.
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  Toe check: If the toes stick out of the bandage, check that they are not swollen or cold. Pinch them to ensure the animal reacts.
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  Drains: If your pet has a drain, clean the discharge at the base several times a day according to the specific instructions received.

Pre-operative fasting and anesthetic drugs can cause changes in appetite and digestive transit.

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  Appetite: A lack of appetite is normal on the first day. If it lasts longer than 24 hours, contact us.
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  Transit: The absence of bowel movements for 1 to 2 days is common (due to pre-operative fasting and anesthetic drugs). Mild stress-related diarrhea is also possible. In case of vomiting or more severe diarrhea, please contact us.
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  Stomach and intestinal surgery: After surgery of the digestive system, small, frequent meals and an easily digestible diet (wet gastrointestinal food) are recommended. A gradual resumption of food helps reduce nausea and promotes healing of the digestive system.
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  Feeding tubes: If your pet has a nasogastric tube, always flush it with warm water after each meal to prevent it from clogging.

➤ Technical Details About Medications

•  Many liquid medications must be kept in the refrigerator. If they are left at room temperature by mistake, you must call the clinic to find out if they are still effective.
• Mixing: Liquid medications often need to be shaken gently or rolled in your hand before administration. Check the instructions provided by your veterinarian.
• Measuring tools: Exclusively use the syringe or spoon provided by the clinic. Do not replace them with your own kitchen utensils.
• Do not alter tablets: Never cut or crush a tablet without the veterinarian’s approval. This can make the medication bitter or ineffective.

➤ Tips for Administration

• Children: Children should never be responsible for providing care or administering medication.
• Treats and contraindications: Hiding a pill in a fatty food (like a hot dog) can be dangerous for an animal recovering from pancreatitis. Always check the compatibility of the treat with the medical condition.

➤ Pet Psychology and Comfort

• Routine and isolation: Animals prefer to be with their family. If you use a crate to restrict their movement, move the crate into the room where you are located so they don’t get restless trying to follow you.
• Mental stimulation: Since the animal cannot move physically, you must occupy their mind (Kong-type toys, food puzzles, xylitol-free peanut butter on a lick pad) to prevent them from getting bored and chewing on their bandages.

➤ Dental Surgery

• Swelling and bleeding: Facial swelling and pink-tinged saliva (stained with blood) are normal for 3 to 5 days. If the animal tolerates it, you can apply cold compresses to their cheeks for relief. However, avoid touching the mouth.
• Tongue movements: Cats and dogs sometimes make strange movements with their tongue because of the sutures. This is normal. However, if your pet rubs their face aggressively, please contact us.
• Emergency: A foul odor in the mouth after 3 days often indicates that an infection has set in. Schedule an appointment quickly for a re-evaluation of your pet’s mouth.
• Post-operative diet: Please give only softened food (canned food or kibble soaked in water) for 14 days.