What is normal and expected after surgery:
The following are expected in some patients after surgery.  These conditions should be monitored closely but generally do not need to be evaluated by a veterinarian.
  1. Mild redness, bruising, or swelling around the incision.  These should resolve in 5-7 days.  
  2. Mild redness or irritation of the shaved skin.  This can be caused by shaving and should resolve in 3-5 days.  
  3. A small, firm bump under the incision that is not red, painful, or warm to the touch.  This can be the result of a minor reaction to the stitches and should resolve in 7-14 days as the stitches dissolve.
  4. Your pet may not defecate for 24 hrs.  


For the safety and well-being of your pet, we recommend you follow these post-operative instructions:
  • Keep the animal in a confined area for a day.
  • Restrict your pet’s activity for 7 to 14 days after surgery.
  • Discourage running, jumping and rough play.
  • Do not wash, cover or clean the incision site.
  • Some animals may have a blue glue-like material over the incision; this is the surgical adhesive that holds the incision closed. It will slough off on its own.
  • Keep the incision dry for at least 7 days after surgery.
  • The stitches will dissolve over time (unless otherwise stated) and getting them wet will cause the stitches to dissolve too quickly.
  • Bathing and swimming are NOT advised.
  • Check your pet’s incision daily until it has healed.
  • A small amount of blood seepage is normal immediately after surgery.
  • Some redness and swelling of the incision is expected and normal.
  • If you have questions or concerns regarding the general health of your pet, please contact your primary veterinarian.
  • Keep your pet from licking the incision site - If you are not sure you can manage this, we recommend that you purchase an E-Collar.
  • If you have other pets in the home, keep them separated while healing so that they do not lick your pet's incision site.
  • Your pet will not require suture removal (unless specifically stated). The sutures will dissolve on their own over time.
  • Your pet may still be under the effects of anesthesia and/or pain management medication after you pick them up, and for a few days later. 
  • You may see dilated pupils, unsteadiness or lethargy, lack of appetite, moodiness or appearance of drunkenness. These are usual reactions when the pet is coming out of anesthesia.
  •  Your pet may not want to urinate and/or defecate for the first 24 hours after surgery. This is completely normal and is a side effect of the anesthesia.   
  • It is best to allow your pet to recover in a quiet, safe place in your home.
  • It is also advised that the pet not be over-handled.
  • If your pet is a cat, let the cat come out of the carrier on their own.
  • Your pet may have had a protective eye ointment placed in the eyes during surgery. This may make your pet's eyes look glazed for a short period of time.
  • Do not give aspirin or Tylenol to your pet for pain relief.  These medications along with others can be deadly.  Never prescribe medication for your pet on your own.
  • Males remain fertile for 3 to 4 weeks after surgery.
  • Females that were in heat when spayed may try to breed for up to 10 days after surgery. Females should be kept from males.
  • Do not allow a female to mate after surgery; it can be life threatening to the pet.
  • Females that were in heat may have some bloody vaginal discharge for a few days; this is caused by their hormone levels and is normal.
  • Please take measures to re-hydrate your pet when you get them back home, if they did not get fluids during surgery.
  • Your pet has been anesthetized for a good part of the day and will need water if they did not receive fluids during surgery.