Your pet will receive a post-operative check over with one of our vets or nurses. This is usually 5-7 days after your pet’s procedure but you will be advised of the timing on collection of your pet from their procedure.

The cost of this is included in the cost of the procedure so the consultation will be free of charge.

If you have any concerns about your pet before the booked appointment, please do not hesitate to contact us.

When you get your pet home you should keep them quiet, comfortable and warm as your pet has had a pre medication and he/she may be drowsy this evening.

Feeding

Your pet will have been offered food on recovery from their procedure but you can feed them a bland meal that evening. Our nurses can advise you on what to feed. Don’t worry if your pet isn’t hungry that night.

In small animals, for example rabbits and guinea pigs, it is essential that they eat quickly following their operation. Call us should you have any concerns.

Wounds

Please check any surgical wounds on a daily basis. There may be some swelling present, this is quite normal and should settle within a few days. If there is bleeding or discharge coming from the wound and you have not been advised that this will happen, please contact the surgery.

It is important that your pet DOES NOT lick the wound. Please make sure your pet is wearing the buster collar or pet t-shirt they have been provided with.  If there are any sutures (stitches) to be removed, you will be advised when this is necessary.

Medication

All animals undergoing surgery will have been given pain relief while they are with us. A nurse will advise you on any further medication required when you collect your pet.

Exercise

Dogs should be kept on a lead until you come back for their post op check unless otherwise instructed. Cats should be kept indoors until you come back for their post op check unless otherwise instructed.

Your pet will have had a general anaesthetic. When you get your pet home you should keep them quiet, comfortable and warm as your pet may be drowsy this evening.

Feeding

Your pet will have been offered food on recovery from their dental. You will need to feed them soft food for the next few days. A nurse will advise you on what to feed when you collect your pet.

Dentistry

We have assessed your pet’s dental health and scaled and polished their teeth. It may have been necessary for us to extract diseased or damaged teeth and small stitches may have been used to close where the tooth has been extracted.

It is quite normal to see some bleeding and salivation post dental. However, if you see any excessive bleeding, please contact us.

Medication

All animals will have been given pain relief whilst they are with us and this should keep them comfortable for 24 hours. Any additional medication will be prescribed by the vet if necessary and explained when you collect your pet.

Dental Care

Now that your pet’s teeth are clean it is the perfect time to start instigating dental care at home. There are a variety of options available. Tooth brushing, enzymatic toothpastes, chews and dental diets are all available. Please ask at your post dental check and we can discuss which is most appropriate for you and your pet.

Your pet has had a dressing applied to their leg. This may be to support/protect a surgery site or to stabilise an injury while it heals

If your pet starts to pay sudden attention to the dressing, suddenly stops using the leg or seems agitated and unsettled please contact the practice for advice.

Check the dressing daily for signs of:

• Odour
• Discharge
• Movement
• Skin irritation
• Swelling of the limb
• Fluid build up around the limb

Care of the dressing

Prevent the dressing from getting wet or soiled by covering it with a plastic bag whilst outside or a clean sock whilst indoors. Do not leave the plastic bag on for long periods.

Interference by the pet should be discouraged by applying a buster collar.

Please do not try and redress your pet’s leg if the dressing becomes loose or falls off. Please contact the practice immediately for advice.