Pre-Surgery Instructions

                          

• No food after 8:00 pm, no water after midnight.

• Put dog’s name on collar using wristband (in baggie in adoption bag)

• Bring dog in crate, label crate with dog’s name (masking tape, etc)

• Put something disposable in bottom of crate, a puppy pad is best.

• Do not send blankets, dog bed, toys, etc

• Send a copy of their Rabies Certificate, they will not do surgery without this!

 

Post-Surgery Instructions 

         

First Evening after surgery:

• Expect your dog to be sleepy and lethargic, this can last 18-24 hours.

• Anesthesia can cause nausea.  If your dog wants to eat, feel them a small amount initially. If they can keep it down, feed them a light meal. If not, wait until the following morning.

 

Pain Meds:

Alley Cat:  Discharge includes pain meds, follow instructions given by vet. 

Armstrong Vet: Dogs will have received a long-lasting (72 hr.) injection for pain so no pain meds are given.

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Incision Site

What you see on the day of surgery is what we consider normal. There should be no drainage. A very small amount of redness/swelling at the incision may occur.

Check the incision site once daily for one week. Check for excessive redness, swelling, discharge, blood or if incision site is open.

Do not clean or apply any topical ointment to the incision site.

 

Sutures:

Alley Cat & Steel Vet: All sutures are absorbable on the inside. The outer layer of skin is held together with surgical glue

Armstrong Vet:  Sutures need to be removed after 10 days. This is easy to do, message your mentor if you need help or are not comfortable doing it yourself.

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Activity

Restrict activity for 10- 14 days

Avoid any strenuous activity; no running, jumping, wrestling with other dogs, etc

No swimming or baths for 7 days