Information after spaying and neutering
Instructions for after surgery:
LIMIT THEIR ACTIVITY FOR THE FIRST 7-10 DAYS: Your pet should not jump, play, run or do any use of a collar and leash on short walks. If your pet is very active, please keep her in a small area, such as a bathroom. If you find it very difficult to keep her calm, please contact us for anxiety medication. Keep separate from other animals in the home during recovery.
INCISION: Keep the incision dry at all times. You should not bathe your pet or let him/her get wet for the first 10 days after surgery.
ELIZABETHAN COLLAR: all pets should wear an Elizabethan collar for 7-10 days after surgery to prevent them from licking or chewing the incision area, which commonly causes post-operative complications.
FOOD: After surgery, your pet may be calmer and have less appetite than normal for 24-48 hours. If after this period your pet still has no appetite please contact your veterinarian as this may be a complication.
PAIN MEDICATIONS: please give medications as indicated. Your pet was injected with pain medication after surgery which lasts 24 hours. Medication by mouth should be given the day after surgery.
There are two complications we want to prevent after your pet recovers from surgery:
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- Sutures may be torn out or come out
- Incisional infections
Incisions after spaying and neutering are usually closed with skin adhesive which dissolves over time. If you notice clear or white crusts in the incision area this is skin adhesive. The internal sutures will dissolve on their own in a few months; during this time you may feel small raised areas or knots under the skin in the area of the surgery. This is normal.
You should look at the incision at least twice a day until healed. If you notice any redness, swelling, discharge or any open areas, please contact your veterinarian.
For more information: aspca.org/aspca-spay-neuter-alliance/after-surgery-instructions
