Post-neuter care

A.The healing process takes upto 7-10 days. Any strenuous activity could disrupt the healing process. It is very important that the activity is limited during the healing process. The animal must be kept indoors, clean, dry, and warm. No running, jumping, playing, swimming, or other strenuous activity during the 7-10 day recovery period. They are not to be bathed or groomed during the recovery period. When outdoors dogs should be on a leash and taken for short walks only for next 10 days. Make sure your cat has a comfortable spot to sleep in a confined, secure, quiet place. Once she's settled, she's likely to sleep it off and will be fine upon awakening.

Your pet may have poor balance. This will make climbing stairs or getting in and out of the car more difficult than usual, so be ready to assist. Help your dog in and out of the car as sudden movements can damage his stitches. Lift the dog by wrapping your arms around the dog's chest/front legs and rear/back legs. The veterinary surgeon must cut through the dog's abdominal wall muscles during the procedure, making the entire torso very sensitive and tender so pick up in a way that you do not stretch her skin and abdominal muscles.

Your pet may be groggy when you get home, experiencing a "hang-over" from the anesthesia. Your pet may sleep much more than normal for 18-24 hours following surgery.

He may be a little agitated or aggressive due to the after-effects of anesthesia. Avoid handling the animal too much as he/she may try to bite or scratch you.

Food and water: Start with a very small (1/8 cup) meal of your pet's regular food. Offer a small (1/4 cup) amount of water or ice cubes. If this stays down for an hour, then offer another small meal and drink. Do not allow your pet to "guzzle" unlimited water or food – this often leads to stomach upset. If your pet has no interest in food or water the first night after surgery, this is not a cause for concern. If he or she does not eat the day following surgery, get back to the vet immediately.

It is important to monitor your pet's incision closely – check it at least once a day for the next 2 weeks. Mild swelling, bruising, and even a little pinkish discharge can all be normal for the first 24 hours. After that, the incision should look nothing but better from there. Any redness, discharge, or discomfort is cause for concern.

Do not let your pet lick the incision. It it is VITAL that you purchase a collar and put it on your pet immediately.

Dogs should be leash walked only (no running loose) for one week after surgery. Female cats should be kept indoors for one week. Excess activity can lead to swelling at the incision or tearing of the sutures and opening of the incision.

No baths or swimming for one week after surgery. There is no need to clean the incision with anything, and do not apply any ointments, bandages, or medications.

Vomiting is the most common post-anesthesia complication. Vomiting once or twice the night after surgery is very normal. Shaking or trembling for the first night home can be a normal side effect of the anesthesia wearing off. It should resolve completely within 24 hours. If pain medication is sent home, it is to be started the next day. All animals receive pain medication during surgery that will last the first 24 hours. Neither Metacam nor Carpofen have any sedative effects Tramadol can cause mild sedation. If your pet is vomiting, no pain medications should be given.

A small, firm, knuckle-sized swelling at the incision can be a normal reaction as the suture knot under the skin dissolves. It should be completely gone within a month of surgery. Check the incision twice daily. It may be slightly red and there may be minor swelling in the day or two following surgery. A small amount of blood-tinged discharge is normal, particularly during the first few days.

Remove dried discharge with a warm, damp washcloth. Hold the washcloth against the incision for a few seconds, and then gently wipe away the discharge.

A small dab of antibiotic cream can be applied to the incision during the first couple of days post-spay. Clean the incision by applying Betadine to a cotton ball or cotton pad. Dab the Betadine onto dog's incision. This is only necessary after removing discharge or if your dog contaminates the wound by licking it, etc. (This is another reason why the dog's e-collar must stay on until healing is complete!)

Place a blanket or towel over the bed because dogs are very prone to vomiting after surgery due to the effects of the anesthesia. Also, many dogs will urinate in their sleep. Your pet will be sleeping very deeply due to the after-effects of anesthesia and she may experience sleep incontinence, particularly if she received IV fluids during the procedure.

The nausea and the dog's refusal to eat and drink should disappear within 24 hours after surgery. If your dog is vomiting and still refusing to eat and drink 24 hours later, consult your veterinarian. Signs of an infected incision or another problem include: A gap between the edges of the incision,Redness,Swelling,Pus discharge,A large amount of discharge

An odor ,Bleeding, especially after the first 36 hours post-surgery, pale gums,Torn stitches, dislodged staples, or an open incision, excessive panting or vocalizing due to pain (especially beyond the first 12-24 hours post-surgery)

Take a daily photograph of the incision; compare the photos. This will enable you to monitor healing without relying on memory. If the redness, swelling, discharge, or general appearance of the wound is looking worse with time, this signals an infection! Get your dog to the veterinary clinic immediately.