A small area of hair may have been clipped from one or more of your pets leg sand /or neck, don’t worry this will soon grow back. This is to allow for the administration of the anaesthetic, and for the collection of blood samples. Anaesthesia usually involves placing a breathing tube in the trachea (windpipe) and occasionally this may cause a little irritation afterwards.  You may also notice slight coughing, but this should not persist for more than a day or so. 

Please keep an eye on wounds or dressings. If you notice any problems such as swelling, discharge or redness of the wound, or the dressing has slipped or appears to be uncomfortable please contact the surgery for further advice. Dressings should be kept clean and dry at all times. It is important that your pet does not interfere with any wounds or dressings.  Excessive licking will slow down wound healing and introduce serious infection. If necessary contact the surgery and we will provide you with a special collar to prevent this happening.

If medication has been dispensed it should be given as directed and started the morning following surgery, unless otherwise stated.

Feeding

Later this evening your pet may want food and water.  For your convenience a ready prepared recovery pack is available from the surgery. This food is easily digestible, and should not induce nausea or vomiting post operatively, unlike a normal diet.

Aftercare

Please make an appointment for your pet to have a re-examination in 3 and 10 days time.   Dogs should be restricted to the garden until re-examination unless instructed otherwise.  Sutures will need to be removed 10 days after the operation (unless they are dissolvable). Your vet/nurse can clarify this for you