This information about post-operative care is designed to help you to prepare for your pet\u2019s discharge after a sedation or general anaesthetic, what to expect, and what to prepare at home. If you are unsure about anything or wish to discuss any aspect of the procedure with us, please contact us.<\/p>\n
The vet may request that your pet remains in care overnight as a precaution, if your pet is slow to recover or if the procedure is performed in the afternoon. Your pet can then be carefully monitored throughout their recovery. In some cases, we may ask you to take your pet to our out-of-hours provider\u2019s hospital for overnight care.<\/p>\n
Many of our smaller patients need to eat immediately after their anaesthetic. We recommend that birds, reptiles and small mammals are provided with a treat packet of their favourite foods, to stimulate them to eat as soon as possible. We may feed your pet by feeding tube, if they are reluctant to eat themselves.<\/p>\n
Of course, dogs, cats, parrots and reptiles will also be extremely grateful for their favourite foods after an anaesthetic! A small, tasty snack is often just the thing to make them feel better after waking up, so please do bring favoured delicacies with you.<\/p>\n
Your pet may receive an intravenous injection during their visit, for which a patch of hair may be clipped from one or more legs and \/ or over the neck. If your pet has a light-coloured hair coat, please note that the hair growing back over these areas may be very dark. The coat will return to its normal colour once your pet moults. If your pet gets very anxious about having blood taken or is needle-shy, please inform the nurse or vet.<\/p>\n
Your pet may feel a little drowsy for 12-24 hours after an anaesthetic, so may not been keen to eat. Bland food may be provided in small portions to help encourage them with their appetite. Examples include boiled chicken or white fish, boiled white rice, and boiled potatoes for cats and dogs, whilst small herbivorous mammals may appreciate their pelleted or cereal diet in small quantities. Some pets will be very hungry and will want to eat lots \u2013 this is also normal! Please do not feed large volumes of food at once \u2013 little and often is much better. Please offer an additional meal a few hours later, if required.<\/p>\n
If your pet has had an anaesthetic, it is likely that a tube will have been passed into the windpipe to allow us to regulate breathing during the procedure. This can cause some irritation in the following days, so your pet may cough that could last for up to 10 days.<\/p>\n
Sedatives and anaesthetics react with different patients in different ways. Your pet may be fine following the procedure, or may experience 24-48 hours of vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation. Ensuring constant hydration will help these side-effects to resolve as swiftly as possible.<\/p>\n
Following some procedures, your pet may need to wear a buster collar or body suit, and may have exercise restricted. Please be vigilant in following directions from your vet \u2013 we know this can be difficult, but we are trying to limit the damage to your pet! It is essential that your pet does not lick or chew at any operation site or stitches.<\/p>\n
Your pet may be sent home with medications, and we will demonstrate how and when to use these. If you are having difficulty administering them or are concerned your pet is in pain, please contact us as soon as possible.<\/p>\n
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