When your pet is recovering from major surgery, continued nursing care at home is important to ensure a successful outcome. Your job during the recovery period at home is just as important as the surgical procedure just completed.

Home care mainly involves restriction of activity because your pet does not understand the significance of the recovery period. Most pets can become very active in a short period of time, and confinement indoors by you is of the utmost importance! This means:

• No jumping or running

• No Swimming or bathing

• No playing with other pets

• No "rough-housing"

When your pet goes outside to eliminate, it must be on a short leash and returned indoors immediately. If your pet must be left alone, it should be confined to a cage or other small area. This strict confinement and restriction of activity is necessary during the entire convalescent period. Excessive activity often leads to injury or serious complications. This means additional expense to you and added discomfort for your pet.

Observe the incision daily for signs of redness, swelling, discharge or excessive licking. The incision should look better each day. Please do not hesitate to call or email us photos if you observe any abnormalities.

We have various sizes of protective collars to keep your pet from licking the incision. Licking usually leads to chewing and removal of sutures, which can occur in a matter of minutes. Call us as soon as possible if this occurs because this can result in an infection that is difficult to treat and may require hospitalization. 

In general, your pet should gradually improve each day. If your pet’s condition changes or suddenly worsens, please call us as soon as possible. Our goal is to help your pet return to a normal and pain free life. Please call if you have any concerns.