Post Procedure Advice
When your pet has a procedure they will need to be rested while recovering and have lots of TLC!
In this post we are looking at how to care for your pet once you collect them for some of the most common procedures.
With any procedure involving a general anaesthetic or a sedation, it is typical for your pet to be drowsy and quieter than usual for 24 hours after you collect them. Cats and dogs can be offered bland food once home, or a small portion of their usual diet and generally feeding can return to normal the following day. (This may vary for surgeries involving the teeth (e.g. dental) or gut (e.g. removal of a foreign body from the intestines, biopsies of the intestine).
Signs of wound infection
If a wound is very red and inflamed, swollen, has discharge or is hot to touch this may indicate an infection. Please contact us if you have noticed these symptoms.
Please see below for information on how to care for your pet after you have collected them from us
DOGS (neutering and most procedures involving a sutured wound)
Dogs should be rested as much as possible after these procedures. We recommend taking them for regular toilet breaks in the garden or an outdoor space that they prefer for toileting on a lead. Any spaces that are not your own garden should be within a very short walk of a minute or two.
Stairs should be avoided, as should jumping up and down onto furniture. Use of baby gates to block stairs and stopping furniture from being accessible to them while recovering is ideal. The act of jumping up can put strain on wounds (especially after neutering or other surgeries involving the abdomen) and can cause bruising, bleeding and potentially breakdown of their wound.
Similarly they should not be encouraged to play by running around, chasing etc as this can cause issues with healing.
Make sure wounds are kept clean and dry. Use of a “buster collar” or bodysuit if appropriate is recommended. Their natural instinct is to lick their wounds, but unfortunately their saliva contains a lot of bacteria and this can lead to an infected wound and even the possibility of the wound opening!
Dogs can become bored during recovery from surgery as they are not going out for their normal walks or playing as they usually would. There are lots of things we can do to help keep their brains stimulated. Use of items like snuffle mats, puzzle toys and lickimats can help provide them with some mental stimulation. Some low intensity training to learn new commands may also help to keep them engaged (as long as the commands are for low intensity behaviours for example, teaching them to touch a target or lie down on command). Extra grooming sessions and lots of attention and TLC will also help them to cope better with their period of recovery.
With most routine surgeries the rested recovery period is approximately 10-14 days.
Your pet may come home with some medication after their procedure. Pain relief is common and sometimes antibiotics are given in specific situations. Ensure your pet has their medication according to the schedule given. If they are experiencing any side effects, or you are having difficulty giving the medication please contact us for advice.
Although we usually send pets home with pain relief, some may need additional help while recovering. Keep an eye on your pet and if you notice signs of pain please let us know so we can see if they need any additional pain relief medications to help them feel better.
Signs of pain in dogs may include hiding away, unusual aggression, panting, a hunched posture, trembling or vocalising (whimpering or crying due to pain). If your dog is trying to access their wound obsessively this could also indicate that they are painful (although attempting to lick the wound from time to time is normal).
We usually see patients for a couple of check ups after surgery to ensure they are recovering as they should be. These appointments are usually with a nurse. We will ask you how they are at home, whether they are eating, drinking and toileting as normal. We will also check any wounds for signs of infection. If you notice anything of concern or have any questions please call us at any point, you do not need to wait until the check up, we are always happy to help.
CATS (neutering and most procedures involving a sutured wound)
Cats should be encouraged to rest as much as possible after these procedures. It is important they are kept indoors while recovering to prevent them from over exerting themselves and their wound becoming contaminated. While kept indoors cats should have access to a clean litter tray in an appropriate place to allow them to toilet as normal.
Keep an eye on wounds to make sure they are clean and dry. Use of a “buster collar” or a bodysuit where appropriate is recommended to prevent your pet from interfering with their wound. Licking of their wound can result in an infection and potentially the wound opening. If they are trying to lick or chew a wound obsessively this may indicate pain.
It is not possible to completely stop cats from jumping up on furniture etc, but the behaviour should not be encouraged and playing games with cats that involve running, jumping and leaping should be avoided.
Cats can become bored during recovery as their normal routine has been interrupted. Use of puzzle feeders and snuffle mats can help to keep them mentally stimulated. Having something suitable to scratch like a scratching mat or pole if they are used to going outside is advised (otherwise they may be using your furniture!) Lots of extra attention and TLC will help them. It is also advisable to groom them as use of a buster collar and/or bodysuit prevents this, and give their faces a gentle clean a couple of times a day (if they will allow it).
With most routine surgeries the rested recovery period is approximately 10-14 days. For routine cat castrations where both testicles were descended, the recovery period is approximately 5 days.
Your pet may come home with some medication after their procedure. Pain relief is common and sometimes antibiotics are given in specific situations. Ensure your pet has their medication according to the schedule given. If they are experiencing any side effects, or you are having difficulty giving the medication please contact us for advice.
Although we usually send pets home with pain relief, some may need additional help while recovering. Keep an eye on your pet and if you notice signs of pain please let us know so we can see if they need any additional pain relief medications to help them feel better.
Signs of pain in cats may include hiding away, a lack of interest in normal activities or unusual aggression. You may notice your cat is sitting in a hunched position with their head lowered, have narrowed eyes or that their ears are flattened more towards their head. Sometimes cats may vocalise pain although generally they are good at hiding pain and discomfort so it is important to look for more subtle signs.
We usually see patients for a couple of check ups after surgery to ensure they are recovering as they should be. These appointments are usually with a nurse. We will ask you how they are at home, whether they are eating, drinking and toileting as normal. We will also check any wounds for signs of infection. If you notice anything of concern or have any questions please call us at any point, you do not need to wait until the check up, we are always happy to help.
RABBITS AND GUINEA PIGS (neutering and most procedures involving a sutured wound)
When you take your pet home, please ensure they are kept nice and warm in their carrier. We would recommend these patients recover indoors in a quiet/room area. Their usual enclosure can be moved indoors or a makeshift one can be made (just ensure it is safe and secure!). Remove any wood shavings or straw from their environment as this can cause wound irritation. Normal bedding and soft hay is fine.
We do not generally use buster collars for these patients as it prevents them from their normal behaviour of eating their caecotrophs (faeces that looks like blackberries) from their anus, therefore interrupting their normal gut balance. Adequate pain relief is usually enough to prevent wound interference. Monitor your rabbit or guinea pig’s wound daily and ensure it looks clean and dry and there are no signs of infection. It is also important to monitor their faecal output, it can take a day or two for their droppings to return to normal, however if you notice they are not passing any faeces please call us straight away as this can indicate GI stasis (This is an emergency in rabbits and guinea pigs).
If your pet has been with their companion and traveled with them to and from us, they should be fine to be housed together. If putting your pets back into the same area after a period of separation it is important to monitor them for any signs of aggression. If there is any chasing, harassing or showing signs of aggression towards one another they should be separated. Ideally they should still be able to see and smell each other while they get used to one another again.
Please note that male rabbits and guinea pigs can remain fertile for several weeks (up to six!) so take this into consideration if they are housed with entire females.
Feed your rabbit or guinea pig as normal, you can use special treats such as fresh herbs or small amounts of fresh grass (never use lawn mower clippings) to encourage them to eat. If your rabbit will not eat, or is eating less than normal after 24 hours, please call us for advice. In some cases rabbits may be sent home with food to syringe into their mouths to help with their recovery. If this is the case we will show you how to give the food. Information can also be found here: https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/syringe-feeding-guide/
Your pet may come home with some medication after their procedure. Pain relief is common and sometimes antibiotics are given in specific situations. Ensure your pet has their medication according to the schedule given. If they are experiencing any side effects, or you are having difficulty giving the medication please contact us for advice.
Although we usually send pets home with pain relief, some may need additional help while recovering. Keep an eye on your pet and if you notice signs of pain please let us know so we can see if they need any additional pain relief medications to help them feel better.
Signs of pain in rabbits may include grinding their teeth, struggling to settle and laying or sitting in a hunched position, hiding away, unusual aggression, narrowing of the eyes, or ears folded tightly and held more towards their back (or sides of their body in lop eared breeds). Signs of pain in guinea pigs are very similar, they are also more likely to vocalise when painful.
We usually see patients for a couple of check ups after surgery to ensure they are recovering as they should be. These appointments are usually with a nurse. We will ask you how they are at home, whether they are eating, drinking and toileting as normal. We will also check any wounds for signs of infection. If you notice anything of concern or have any questions please call us at any point, you do not need to wait until the check up, we are always happy to help.
RATS AND OTHER RODENTS (most surgical procedures)
Please ensure your pet is kept warm on their travel home, and once home that they are kept indoors in a warm environment while recovering.
Their usual enclosure should be OK for them to return to. If they are free-roaming then confinement to a smaller area while recovering may be needed. Ensure their bedding is clean and dry ready for their return home. Avoid use of straw and wood shavings as these can irritate their wounds. Please spot clean their enclosure daily and check for any evidence of blood, discharge or loose faeces that could indicate an issue.
These pets can generally return to their companions after a procedure, however we would always recommend monitoring closely for any signs of aggression or harassment once re introduced, and monitor for any excessive grooming from their companion(s).
Your pet should be responsive and going about their daily activities. If you notice they are lethargic beyond 24 hours post surgery, or are not engaging in normal behaviours please call us. They should be eating frequently and drinking as normal, passing normal urine and faeces once settled at home, if they are not please call us.
Your pet may come home with some medication after their procedure. Pain relief is common and sometimes antibiotics are given in specific situations. Ensure your pet has their medication according to the schedule given. If they are experiencing any side effects, or you are having difficulty giving the medication please contact us for advice.
Although we usually send pets home with pain relief, some may need additional help while recovering. Keep an eye on your pet and if you notice signs of pain please let us know so we can see if they need any additional pain relief medications to help them feel better.
Signs of pain in rodents may include narrowing of the eyes, a hunched/tense posture, hiding away more than normal, a reduction in their normal activities, decrease in appetite and unusual aggression. They may also have an un-groomed appearance.
Check their wound daily for any signs of infection and/or inflammation. We usually see patients for a couple of check ups after surgery to ensure they are recovering as they should be. These appointments are usually with a nurse. We will ask you how they are at home, whether they are eating, drinking and toileting as normal. We will also check any wounds for signs of infection. If you notice anything of concern or have any questions please call us at any point, you do not need to wait until the check up, we are always happy to help.
Surgical recovery time will depend on the nature of their surgery and other factors such as their age and general condition.
DOGS AND CATS (dental surgery)
Your pet may be quieter than usual for approximately 24 hours after their procedure. Soft food should be offered, and drinking water should be tepid and not ice cold due to sensitivity.
If your pet has had extractions, soft food should be continued for 7-10 days. Some pets may have sutures in their gum if a large tooth has been extracted, it is important to feed soft food only to ensure these sutures remain in place while the gums heal.
Some pets may dribble more for a day or two after the procedure, this dribble may have a slight bloody tinge from any extractions, however if any frank blood, foul smelling dribble or pus is seen please contact us straight away for advice.
Pets do not usually need to wear a buster collar after these procedures. We would advice that dogs are just toileted on the lead the evening they come home, and just stick to short lead walks for a few days while they are recovering. Be careful that they do not pick up stones, sticks or other objects which may affect gum healing. Cats should be kept indoors for at least 48 hours after their procedure, potentially longer if they have had large extractions. A litter tray should be provided at all times to allow them to toilet normally.
Generally if your pet has had extractions they will go home with oral pain relief, and also possibly antibiotics if any infection was present. These medications should be given according to the schedule given to you. If you notice your pet has any side effects, or you are having difficulty giving the medications please contact us for advice. Your pet is likely to have a sensitive mouth after the procedure so mixing medication with food is usually the best way to give it in these cases.
Some pets may need additional pain relief while recovering. Keep an eye on your pet and if you notice signs of pain please let us know so we can see if they need any additional pain relief medications to help them feel better.
Signs of pain in cats may include hiding away, a lack of interest in normal activities or unusual aggression. You may notice your cat is sitting in a hunched position with their head lowered, have narrowed eyes or that their ears are flattened more towards their head. Sometimes cats may vocalise pain although generally they are good at hiding pain and discomfort so it is important to look for more subtle signs.
Signs of pain in dogs may include hiding away, unusual aggression, panting, a hunched posture, trembling or vocalising (whimpering or crying due to pain).
In addition if you notice your pet is drooling excessively (past the first 24 hours) or pawing at their mouths repeatedly and/or refusing food this may also indicate they are in pain or discomfort.
We usually see pets about 7 days after their procedure to check how they are. These appointments are usually with a nurse, who will ask how you pet is at home, whether they are eating, drinking and going to the toilet normally and will examine the extraction sites where possible. If your pet has had a descale and polish we do not generally see these patients back for a check unless you have any concerns.
Recovery time varies depending on the amount and nature of extractions and any complicating factors for your pet. Generally speaking gums are quite quick to heal and often when patients have dental pain prior to the procedure due to root exposures, resorptive lesions or similar they will be much more comfortable after the procedure despite having extractions.
Once your pet’s gums have fully healed we do recommend brushing to maintain dental health where possible. Please book in with one of our veterinary nurses who can advise you on ways to maintain your pets oral health.
RABBITS AND GUINEA PIGS (dental surgery)
When you take your pet home, please ensure they are kept nice and warm in their carrier. We would recommend these patients recover indoors in a quiet/room area. Their usual enclosure can be moved indoors or a makeshift one can be made (just ensure it is safe and secure!). Ensure their bedding is clean and dry ready for them.
It is important to monitor their faecal output, it can take a day or two for their droppings to return to normal, however if you notice they are not passing any faeces please call us straight away as this can indicate GI stasis (This is an emergency in rabbits and guinea pigs).
If your pet has been with their companion and traveled with them to and from us, they should be fine to be housed together. If putting your pets back into the same area after a period of separation it is important to monitor them for any signs of aggression. If there is any chasing, harassing or showing signs of aggression towards one another they should be separated. Ideally they should still be able to see and smell each other while they get used to one another again.
Feed your rabbit or guinea pig as normal, you can use special treats such as fresh herbs or small amounts of fresh grass (never use lawn mower clippings) to encourage them to eat. If your rabbit will not eat, or is eating less than normal after 24 hours, please call us for advice. In some cases rabbits may be sent home with food to syringe into their mouths to help with their recovery. If this is the case we will show you how to give the food. Information can also be found here: https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/syringe-feeding-guide/
Your pet may come home with some medication after their procedure. Pain relief is common and sometimes antibiotics are given in specific situations. Ensure your pet has their medication according to the schedule given. If they are experiencing any side effects, or you are having difficulty giving the medication please contact us for advice.
Although we usually send pets home with pain relief, some may need additional help while recovering. Keep an eye on your pet and if you notice signs of pain please let us know so we can see if they need any additional pain relief medications to help them feel better.
Signs of pain in rabbits may include grinding their teeth, struggling to settle and laying or sitting in a hunched position, hiding away, unusual aggression, narrowing of the eyes, or ears folded tightly and held more towards their back (or sides of their body in lop eared breeds). Signs of pain in guinea pigs are very similar, they are also more likely to vocalise when painful.
Due to the nature of these pets teeth (constantly growing) it is possible they will need further dental work in the future. Once they have recovered from their procedure encouraging them to eat more hay can help with wearing down molar teeth, however some will have this as an ongoing problem. This is especially prevalent in brachycephalic (flat faced) rabbits due to the conformation of their jaw.
We would recommend regular dental checks with one of our vets to identify any dental spurs or issues before they cause an issue for your pet.
DOGS (TPLO - Tibial plateau levelling osteotomy)
This is one of the more common orthopaedic procedures for dogs. It is performed in dogs with a cruciate injury. This procedure involves cutting of the tibia (shin bone) and rotating the tibial plateau to a level which renders the CCL redundant. The bone is stabilized using a plate and screws during the period of bony healing. This takes a minimum of 8 weeks. No surgical repair can withstand the rigors of normal exercise, and we must be vigilant to protect the repair very carefully during the early healing phase.
These post operative instructions are a general guide and specific instructions will be given to you when you collect your pet. Other orthopaedic procedures have varying instructions and recovery times and we can give you more information on a case by case basis.
As a guide to what would be expected post surgery”
The only exercise permitted during the first 8 weeks of healing is very slow lead toilet walks (up to 10 minutes 2 times daily for weeks 1-3, increasing to 15
minutes2-3 times daily for weeks 4-8).
Trotting, running and jumping needs to be avoided. It is also important to avoid slippery surfaces. If you have tiled, wooden or laminate floors at home it may be advisable to consider the use of rugs which do not slip once on the floor to help your pet avoid slipping.
Use of a pen/crate or confinement to a small room with no furniture to jump up onto may be the best way to prevent any of the above occurring.
Comfort levels should be good straight away and the leg should be used consistently within 1-3 days of surgery. Most dogs will feel OK and will want to exercise as normal, it is extremely important that the owner prevents them from doing so.
A buster collar must be worn at all times. If your pet licks the wound this could cause an infection which could ultimately lead to the implant needing removal. Skin wounds should be monitored for signs of inflammation and/or infection.
All medications should be given as per the schedule given to you, if your pet experiences any side effects from the medication or you are having difficulty giving the medication, or have accidentally overdosed the patient please call us for advice.
Generally hydrotherapy can be started 4 weeks after surgery and physiotherapy can be started 2 weeks after surgery. This will speed recovery and improve limb use and range of motion after surgery.
Your pet should have passed urine within 24-48 hours of coming home, and passed faeces within 4-5 days. If this is not happening or your pet is straining unproductively please call us for advice.
We will see your pet for several appointments after their surgery to check on their progress and their surgical wound. Generally the first check up is 5 days after surgery and fortnightly thereafter for 8 weeks. At this point we will schedule your pet for radiographs under sedation to assess the healing of the bone.
Some lameness may still be present at this point but should generally resolve by 3 months after surgery.