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Old 10-28-2010, 01:25 AM
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Default Re: Spaying & Neutering Your Cats

Spay Procedure Aftercare

The Procedure:

Your pet has just received major abdominal surgery. Remember, a “spay” is an ovariohysterectomy. Both ovaries and the uterus have been removed.A ventral midline incision was used and your pet will have a faint scar along its tummy. Every effort will be made to make sure she looks good for bikini season!

Keeping your pet’s activity restricted and preventing self trauma from licking are key factors in ensuring a successful surgery. All pets will be given pain medication to ensure a comfortable recovery.

Considerations:

Some people think that their pets won’t be “the same” after becoming spayed. In actuality, your female dog or cat will likely be better behaved and will DEFINITELY be healthier. Spaying eliminates messy and annoying heat cycles and can prevent dangerous health problems such as ovarian cancer and pyometra (a life-threatening infection of the uterus). Altered pets are cleaner, somewhat calmer, and most importantly, healthier!

Food & Water:

Feed 1/2 the normal diet after 8:00 pm, on the evening of the surgery
May resume normal diet by the next morning
Limit excessive water intake

Post-operative Care:
  1. Take care while carrying your pet home, trying not to move or touch the operated area.
  2. Your pet may take anywhere from 1 – 3 hours before it starts to wake up from the anaesthetic. During this time, it is important to place your pet in a safe, sheltered and quiet area for recovery, where it could not fall down and hurt itself (as your pet may not be able to balance itself yet).
  3. Place your pet on some bedding such as cloth or newspapers to keep them warm. Your pet may urinate/defecate while still anaesthetized, so be sure to keep them clean and dry.
  4. Offer your pet food and water only when your pet is up and able to walk properly (your pet may drown in the water bowl if it is still sleepy). Sometimes, your pet will only gain its appetite the day after the operation (it takes overnight for your pet to fully recover from the anaesthetic). During this recovery, some pets may vomit. Do not be alarmed, it is common for this occur.
  5. Confine your pet for 10-14 days after the day of surgery (if possible in a cage), to limit their activity and movement. This ensures proper healing of the wound.
  6. Check on the operated area at least once a day for the next 2 weeks. Make sure the area is always clean and dry, and the wound is not opened. If you notice any problems such as bloody discharge, pus, sudden swelling, foul smell, or opening of the wound, please contact a vet right away!
  7. Some pets may have a bandage over the operated area. You may leave it on for 3-4 days, as long as it is clean and dry. If the pet removes the bandage by itself sooner than 3-4 days, it is OK. Your pet may lick the area a little, but do check that they do not lick and bite excessively.
  8. Do not bathe your pet for at least 7 days. If your pet is dirty, wipe it with a damp towel. Please keep the incision site dry, as water may go in and infection will occur.

Early Age Neutering - Post-Operative Care
  1. Please wait for at least 1 hour in the clinic after the surgery to ensure that your pet fully recovers from the anaesthetics.
  2. Offer some food about 1 hour after surgery, or when they are fully awake.
  3. Bring your pet home in a towel/cloth to keep them warm.
  4. Place your pet in a safe, quiet and dark place when arrive home.
  5. A few hours after the surgery, there may be some vomiting or the animal may urinate/defecate while sleeping. This is OK. Just remember to clean it up.
  6. Ensure they are kept clean, warm and dry, and has access to clean drinking water at all times.
  7. Confine your pet for 10-14 days after the day of surgery (if possible in a cage), to limit their activity and movement. This ensures proper healing of the wound.
  8. Offer food several times a day. If your pet is not eating or has no appetite after the surgery, try to hand feed/coax feed some of its favourite food. If they are still not eating, take them back to the vet IMMEDIATELY!!
  9. Check on the incision site several times a day. The wound should be clean and dry. If the wound has opened up, or if you notice any pus or blood coming out from the wound, take them back to the vet AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

Signs to Monitor:

Loss of appetite for over 2 days
Refusal to drink water for 24 hours
Weakness
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Depression

Eliminations:

Your pet may NOT have a normal bowel movement for 24-36 hours after surgery. This is normal and not cause for alarm. Remember that your pet has been fasting and has been under anesthesia.

If any problem arises, please contact a vet as soon as possible!!

Last edited by blackie007; 10-28-2010 at 11:46 AM.
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