Surgery

For many surgeries, we are able to use absorbable sutures below the skin that dissolve on their own, but for others, such as tumor removals, skin stitches are required. 

Skin sutures will usually be removed 10 to 14 days after surgery. With both types, the incision will need close monitoring for swelling or discharge. Depending on the procedure, limit your pet's activity for 1 to 2 weeks.

It's extremely important to prevent your pet from licking excessively or chewing at the incision, and to avoid bathing them for the first 2 weeks after surgery.

Elizabethan collars, often referred to as "e-collars," are important tools designed to prevent pets from licking surgical sites, wounds, or hot spots. They also help to stop pets from chewing off bandages or splints, as well as scratching their ears or face. At times, these collars are important for protecting your pet from self-injury after surgery.

Additional Resources:
Teaching your pet to love the cone
Is your pet afraid of the cone? Other alternatives?

Animals experience pain like humans, although they may not show the same symptoms. Whether your pet needs pain medication depends on the surgery performed, as major procedures will likely require more pain relief.

Pain relief for cats is tricky as they cannot have standard pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or Tylenol. After surgery, we will assess your cat's condition and give pain medication as needed.

We may also use injectable pain medications after surgery for both dogs and cats, and any animal that appears to be in pain will receive additional pain medication. 

Additional Resources: 
Post-Operative Care for Pets

While your pet is under anesthesia, we can perform other minor procedures, such as dentistry, ear cleaning, or implanting an identification microchip.

Please ask before the day of surgery if you would like an estimate for any extra services, especially if the person dropping the pet off isn't the primary decision-maker for the pet's care.

On the day of surgery, please arrive 5-10 minutes early to complete paperwork and decide on blood testing and other options.

Plan to spend about 10 minutes going over your pet's home care needs when you pick your pet up. We will call you the night before your surgery appointment to confirm the drop-off time and answer any questions.

In the meantime, please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions about your pet's health or upcoming surgery.