700 EAST IRVING PARK RD • ROSELLE, IL 60172
PHONE (630)307-9115 • FAX (630)307-9114
PARKROSEVET.COM
Caring for your Pet
after Surgery
What to expect at home?
When you pick up your pet at the hospital, your pet
may either be groggy or may act completely normal.
Each pet reacts to anesthesia differently. It is not
abnormal for your pet to want to rest for the
remainder of the day.
Please monitor your pet at home for the following
tonight:
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Incision care
The following are measures we recommend you
take to insure your pet heals well after surgery.
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Constant vomiting or diarrhea
Inappetance
Extreme lethargy
Pale gum color
Labored breathing
Unusual behavior
If you observe any of these, please do not hesitate
to call us back at 630-307-9115. If something occurs
after our normal business hours, please contact an
emergency hospital immediately.
Feeding Instructions
You will want to wait a couple of hours upon
returning home to feed your pet as they may still be
nauseous after anesthesia. Eating or drinking too
much or too fast may cause your pet to vomit. Only
feed ¼ to ½ the normal amount of food that night.
You may offer your pet small amounts of water
when they arrive home. You should be able to
resume feeding the normal amount the following
day.
Medications
We may have sent your pet home with pain
medication and/or antibiotics. Your nurse or doctor
will explain how to administer and how often to
give these medications. Please follow directions as
indicated. Do not hesitate to ask us questions
regarding medication or any other inquiries you
may have after your visit with us today.
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Check your pet’s incision daily for any
excessive swelling, bleeding, or drainage as
this may be a sign of an infection. Contact
us immediately if you notice any of this.
Absolutely no licking of the incision area is
allowed. Depending on the location of the
incision, we may recommend that your pet
wears an E-collar (cone) to prevent licking,
allowing proper healing to occur. Licking the
incision area can lead to an infection and/or
premature removal of the stitches. Your pet
will need to wear the E-collar until your
recheck appointment (about 7-10 days).
Restrict activity – no running, jumping or
playing for 7-10 days. Older pets may
require a longer recovery.
Keep incision area clean and dry. No
bathing, swimming or grooming until we
see your pet back for its recheck.