Thank you for being a responsible pet guardian!

POST OPERATIVE CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Your pet has just undergone general anesthesia and surgical sterilization. For the safety and well-being of you and your pet, we recommend the following post-operative instructions be carefully followed:

FOR SPAY SURGERY: Please take note that our Veterinarians use one of two techniques for spay surgeries.
*Flank Spay, the incision will be on the side of the animal.
*Midline Spay, the incision will be on the abdomen.

The same reproductive organs are removed, regardless of the incision location.

  1. Stomach upset and vomiting can occur after anesthesia. To minimize this, DO NOT FEED YOUR PET UNTIL LATE the evening of surgery.  Offer only a small amount of food and water at first, understanding that he/she may not be interested in eating or drinking at this time.  You can resume his or her regular diet the next morning, provided there is no vomiting or diarrhea.
  2. Your pet may be groggy and walk unsteadily for several hours.Keep him/her confined in a small space – such as a bathroom or pet carrier – overnight.
  3. Anesthesia interferes with the body’s ability to maintain its normal temperature.KEEP YOUR PET OUT OF EXTREME HEAT OR COLD – inside with a clean, dry place to rest – for the next 7-10 days. Do not use heating pads, space heaters or other devices.  Blankets and pillows are fine.
  4. RESTRICT YOUR PET’S ACTIVITY for the next 7 to 10 days.Do not allow excessive running, jumping or rough play.  Ideally, he/she should only be allowed outdoors for short walks on a leash for 7-10 days.
  5. DO NOT BATHE YOUR PET for at least 10 days after surgery.
  1. INSPECT YOUR PET’S INCISION at least twice daily until healed.  A small amount of blood seepage and swelling are normal immediately after surgery.  YOUR PET MUST NOT LICK OR CHEW THE INCISION.   If you cannot discourage this you will need to purchase an ‘E’ collar, available at your full- service veterinarian, PetSmart, Petco or Tractor Supply.  If the incision should become dirty, gently clean with a cotton ball moistened with tap water.
  2. The incision is held together with absorbable sutures under the skin that do not need to be removed. On top of that is dissolvable skin glue which must be kept dry.
  3. Your pet has been administered a dose of medication to ease any pain or discomfort associated with his or her surgery.  DO NOT GIVE ASPIRIN, TYLENOL OR IBUPROFEN to your pet for additional pain relief as these can be harmful. Only give medications as prescribed by your veterinarian.
  4. Females in heat or pregnant when spayed should be KEPT AWAY FROM MALES FOR 2 WEEKS!
  5. Your pet may have a green tattoo to indicate that he/she has been sterilized.

Thank you so much for helping us solve the pet over-population crisis.

It is your responsibility to monitor your pet’s condition for a safe recovery.  Call Dixie Day Spay at 423-476-7122 if you should observe the following:     If not reached at this number call or text (text preferred) 423-618-2101!

IF IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO REACH US CALL Animal Emergency & Specialty Center of Chattanooga (423) 822-8304

 

* Your pet does not resume normal appetite within 24 to 48 hours.

* Your pet becomes very listless/lethargic.

* Excessive bleeding, swelling, discharge or an opening at the incision line.

* Your pet exhibits signs of pain such as excessive whining or reluctance to lie down.

* Constant licking/chewing at the incision.

* Continued vomiting and or diarrhea.