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Activity after surgery
Restrict your animal’s activity for 7 to 14 days after surgery. Do NOT allow running, jumping and/or any off-leash play.
Incision care
Animals will have a blue glue-like material over the incision site; this is the surgical adhesive that helps hold the incision closed. It will come off on its own after a few days.
Keep the incision dry for at least 10 days after surgery. Do not clean the incision site. The stitches will dissolve over time, unless you are told your animal needs to have stitches removed. Getting the stitches wet will cause them to dissolve too quickly and may cause the incision to come apart. You may feel the stitches under the skin for up to 4 months. Bathing and swimming are not allowed for at least 14 days after surgery.
Check your pet’s incision daily until it has healed. Expect to see a small amount of blood seeping the day of surgery. Some redness and swelling of the incision is expected and normal.
Keep your pet from licking or bothering the incision. We recommend that you have your animal wear an E-Collar at all times for at least 10-14 days after surgery.
Your pet will not require suture removal (unless specifically noted on paperwork or by staff). The sutures will dissolve on their own over time. Male cats and young male puppies do not require sutures and the incision is closed with glue only.
Sedation effects
Your pet may still be under the effects of anesthesia and/or pain management medication. You may see dilated pupils, unsteadiness or lethargy, lack of appetite, moodiness or appearance of drunkenness. These are usual reactions when the pet is coming out of anesthesia. It is best to allow your pet to recover in a quiet, safe place in your home. It is also advised that the pet not be over-handled. Allow cats to exit carriers as they wish as they might bite if you try to pull them out of the carrier.
Your pet had a protective eye ointment placed in the eyes during surgery. This may make your pet’s eyes look glazed for a short period of time.
Please take measures to rehydrate your pet when you get them home. Your animal has been sedated for much of the day and likely hasn’t had any water since the morning. Houston Spay Neuter does offer food and water for your pet when they wake from surgery, but it is recommended that you offer them plenty of water and a small amount of food when they get home as often they will not eat at the clinic.
Preventing sexual behaviors
Males can be fertile for up to one month after surgery.
Females that were in-heat when they had surgery may try to breed for up to 10 days post-op. Do not allow a female to mate after surgery; it can be life threatening to her.
Females that were in-heat or pregnant may continue to have some bloody vaginal discharge for a few days to a few weeks; this is caused by their hormone levels/uterus involuting and is normal.
Post-operative issues
If you feel you need EMERGENCY help, please go to the nearest animal emergency clinic. We recommend:
Please note:
If you seek medical care, please note that Houston Spay Neuter is not financially responsible for your bills.
It is important to prevent post-operative issues; it is inherently risky to re-sedate animals to fix their incision should they chew on it or open it.
USE AN ECOLLAR!!
Do not give over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin or Tylenol, to your pet for pain as they can be fatal in dogs and cats. Use only medications, if any, provided by Houston Spay Neuter unless otherwise directed.
If you have questions please call us at 1-888-410-SPAY or email us at [email protected].