Tips For Pets Owners

Before Surgery

You should call the Spay Neuter Clinic to make an appointment. Our pre-operative procedures will vary with the age of your pet and the type of surgery that will be done. Listen carefully when you make the appointment to help prevent complications.

The morning you bring your pet in expect a wait for the veterinarian to examine your pet. The exam often reveals other health concerns you should know about. You may also want to visit the vaccinations and health information page to learn about your pet’s needs.

If you would like to view a cat spay video on Youtube click here. It is not very bloody but not for the very squeemish. Please forgive the dog fussing in the background.

Post Spay/Neuter Aftercare Instructions

Your pet has undergone major surgery and anesthesia. Your pet has also been sedated to lessen pain following surgery; therefore, your pet’s behavior may be slightly altered for the next 24 hours.  For example, your pet may be glassy-eyed, wobbly, shivering, sleepy, nauseous, and irritable.  Listed below are a few helpful tips to make your pet’s recovery easier for both of you:

1.       Keep your pet isolated for 5 days following surgery.

2.       Discourage exercise for the next 5 days, especially with dogs.  Normal exercise should be encouraged following this time period.

3.       Allow your pet to drink only small amounts of water for the next 12 hours.  Offer a  small amount of food this evening.  Your pet will feel nauseous.  Do not be concerned if he/she does not eat during the next
24-48 hours.

4.       DO NOT allow your pet to lick, scratch, or chew it’s incision.  Use an Elizabethan Collar for 10-14 days as necessary.  Collars are available at most pet stores.

5.       We usually use absorbable suture so your pet won’t have to return to the clinic. We will inform you if a return visit is needed for suture removal.

6.       EXPECT SWELLING or a hard lump at the incision site.  This is a normal reaction to the absorbable suture material.  Swelling will disappear in 2 weeks.

If any bleeding or discharge from the incision occurs, please call the clinic for instructions.

7.       Keep the incision dry for 2 weeks after surgery.  NO BATHING OR  SWIMMING.   Do not use alcohol or peroxide to clean the incision.

8.       We use a skin adhesive which may cause a blue or green coloring at the incision site.

9.       DO NOT give your pet aspirin or Tylenol.  It can be toxic or fatal.  Pain medication is available, if needed, by prescription only.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call us during regular business hours Mon-Fri 7am-6pm. WE ARE NOT A 24-HOUR CARE FACILITY.  Staff is available only during regular business hours.  For after-hours emergencies, call an emergency veterinary clinic.  We will not be responsible for services obtained at another veterinary facility.

Declaw Aftercare Instructions

1.  Use only shredded paper or a paper litter called “Yesterday’s News” (available at most pet stores) for the next 14 days.  Crystal Litter may also be used.  Access to other litter or dirt from potted plants can result in infection.

2.  Offer small amounts of food and water this evening.  If your cat is not interested in food or becomes nauseous, don’t be concerned.  It may take 24-48 hours for your cat’s appetite to return to normal.

3.  Give the pain medicine prescribed to your cat as directed.  If your cat seems weak, lethargic, tired, or not interested in food, do not give more medication as it will make your cat more drowsy.  DO NOT give aspirin or Tylenol.  Both can be fatal to cats.

4.  The morning after surgery, give your cat its pain medication dose, then remove the bandages 20 minutes later.  To remove the bandages, loosen the white tape from the fur at the top of the bandage, and then pull the wrap off like a sock.  Do not try  to unravel the colored bandage, and do not use scissors.  It is easy to cut the cat’s skin.  If you have difficulty removing the bandages, please bring the cat to the clinic.

5.   Check the toes daily for swelling or discharge.  Keep the paws dry.  Call us if the cat  is limping more than 3 days after surgery.  You may notice a green or blue glue on the toes.  This is a skin adhesive used to close the incisions.

6.   The recovery time varies with each cat.  Most will be healed completely in 2-6 weeks.  If your cat is limping more than 3 days after surgery, call us.  Larger, older cats tend to take longer to heal than young, smaller cats.

7.   If the wraps come off early, don’t panic.  Just keep your cat quiet by putting it into a small box or carrier with a towel for padding.  Some bleeding or spotting may occur but will stop as the cat calms down.

Please don’t hesitate to call the clinic with any questions or problems during regular business hours Mon-Fri 7am-6pm.  We will examine your cat at no charge.  Some fees may apply if antibiotics or other treatment is needed.  We will not be responsible for services received at another facility.  WE ARE NOT A 24-HOUR FACILITY.