Discharge Instructions for Surgical & Anesthesia Patients
We thank you for the trust you have placed in us to carry out the anesthesia and surgery that has just been performed on your pet. Our goal with any medical or surgical treatment is to provide your pet with a healthier, happier, and longer life.
Your pet's activity must be restricted for the first 10 days postoperatively: no jumping up and down or vigorous running. Exercise outside on a leash only. These restrictions help decrease stress on incisions and sutures. Check the incision(s) twice daily for swelling, redness or discharge. Minimal amounts of redness and swelling are normal, but no discharge should be present. If you see excessive swelling, redness, or notice any discharge, please call/email our office. Your pet's appetite may be decreased for the first few days, but feedings should be given just as you usually do unless you are advised otherwise.
If your pet was treated as an outpatient and is discharged on the same day that anesthesia was administered, small amounts (1/2 Cup) of water should be given at 15-minute intervals for 45 minutes. If no vomiting occurs feed small amounts at 30-minute intervals for two hours. If still no vomiting occurs, your pet can eat and drink on his or her normal schedule. If vomiting does occur, your pet should be fasted for 3 hours. Then repeat the above watering and feeding procedure.
Diarrhea can also be encountered as a post-operative problem. If diarrhea persist for more than 24 hours after your pet is discharged, please call/email our office.
Coughing can occur as a result of irritation from the endotracheal tube that was placed in your pet's trachea to facilitate respiration and anesthesia. If coughing persists for more that 48 hours, please call/email our office.
Our desire is for this procedure to cause you and your pet as little anxiety and discomfort as possible, so please don't hesitate to call/email if you have any questions or concerns.