What do I need to know about the spay procedure my pet went through?
Your pet received general anesthesia today for a surgical procedure to remove her ovaries and potentially part of her uterus — which will result in numerous health benefits including prevention of ovarian and mammary cancer, uterine infections, and the elimination of heat cycles.
Exercise Restriction
- Most pets will naturally become very active shortly after surgery and confinement. Close supervision indoors is of the utmost importance. This means NO running, NO jumping, NO climbing, and NO rough-housing.
- Pets must also be on a leash when going outside. This will help speed healing, as well prevent stress on the incision.
- These restrictions should stay in place for 7-10 days post-surgery, or as otherwise directed by your veterinarian.
What can I expect when I bring my pet home tonight?
- Since your pet had general anesthesia today she may be groggy and slightly unstable. Allow your pet to recover in a quiet room at home away from other pets.
- Some pets are not quite themselves for up to 24-48 hours following anesthesia. Signs such as pacing, panting, whimpering, mild lethargy, and/or restlessness may be noticed.
- A small tube was placed down her throat, which can, at times, cause irritation for a day or two. If there is persistent coughing for more than two days, please let us know.
- If your pet was in heat during her procedure, vaginal bleeding can be normal for up to 3-5 days post-surgery.
Special Feeding instructions
- Tonight, gradually feed your pet only 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 the normal amount as pets may feel nauseous after anesthesia and vomit if given large amounts of water or food.
- Your pet may not want to eat at all tonight. If your pet is still not eating the day after the procedure, please let us know.
- Tomorrow, you may continue food and water amounts as usual as long as your pet is eating and drinking well with no vomiting or diarrhea.
How do I care for my pet’s incision?
- A small amount of blood seepage is normal immediately after surgery. Some redness and swelling of the incision is expected and also normal.
- Please check the incision at least once daily for any changes such as redness, swelling, discharge, odors, or opening of the incision. If any of the above is noticed, please call the clinic at (720) 740-8129.
- Please prevent your pet from licking or chewing at their incision. If allowed to do so it can cause delayed healing time, infection, or cause the sutures to come out. You can use t-shirts, boxer short, and an e-collar (cone) to prevent unwanted licking and chewing on the incision site.
- Never put anything on the incision unless directed by a veterinarian.
- Keep the incision dry and clean (NO bathing, NO swimming, NO water activities, etc)
Recheck
In case a recheck appointment wasn’t already scheduled when you picked up your pet, please schedule one in 10-14 days. Reach out to us through the Sploot Vets app — or by texting or calling our clinic at (720) 740-8129.
Should there be an emergency when our hospital is closed (our hours are from 8 am - 8 pm), please bring your pet to one of the following emergency hospitals to be evaluated:
Thank you for trusting us with your pet’s health, and for being the BEST pet parent to your furry baby!