Your pet has had general anaesthesia and major surgery today. Please read the following instructions carefully to ensure a healthy recovery.
Pets must be confined indoors the night after surgery because the animal is still sleepy. Dogs/cats must be kept confined in a kennel or small room for duration of recovery. The animal should be kept quiet until the vet says otherwise: no running, jumping, rowdy play, swimming or other strenuous activity, no bathing during this period. Children must not play with your pet while in recovery from surgery.
If it is not covered please check the incision site twice daily. There should not be any drainage. Redness and swelling should be minimal.
Do NOT allow your pet to lick or chew at the incision site, if this occurs, an Elizabethan collar must be used to prevent any further licking or chewing (please seek advice from the vet/nurse if this occurs).
Appetite should return gradually within 24 hours of surgery. No food should be given on the night of the surgery, only water. Slight vomiting may occur on the day after the surgery. This is normal but if it persists for more than 12 hours please contact us immediately. Dogs may have a slight cough for a few days after surgery.
Unless you have been specifically told otherwise REST is most important to help bone injuries to heal. Exercise should be kept to an absolute minimum - taken out on a LEAD to go to the toilet and NOTHING else.
All dressings and/or plaster casts should remain in their original position, if they do not please contact the clinic. All bandages and plaster casts should be checked by the vet/nurse no longer than 3-7 days according to the vet's instructions.
Stitches are to be removed at least 7 days after surgery by appointment but some wounds are left longer. If you have any questions or concerns related to the surgery, please do not hesitate to contact the hospital at 042 9339648.
If there is an emergency after hours, please contact 087 9522222.