by Native Gemini

Created on: August 09, 2009   Last Updated: August 10, 2009

The care your pet receives after surgery is important as it helps to ensure the success of and the healing from a surgery. Most types of surgeries that pets undergo require similar basic aftercare. A typical after surgery care instruction is to keep the pet as quiet and inactive as possible. After a surgery the pet needs to rest as much as possible to allow for the healing process to begin. The activity level of the pet must be restricted by the owner and others in the household. A crate is sometimes a good thing to have and comes in quite handy when a pet needs a quiet place to rest. The pet should have already been made comfortable with a crate and resting in one before needing to use one for something like post-op care. Some cases of surgery will result in the pet having sutures. It is imperative to the pet's well being that they be kept as inactive as possible to avoid any tearing or pulling on or near the suture site. Veterinarians performing surgeries on pets often instruct owners to keep the pet as calm as possible and use a leash when taking pets outside.

Cleanliness is also of up-most importance where sutures are concerned, as well as, any surgical procedures where there are still open wound areas or where drains are placed. Any pet that has sutures must be kept in a clean environment (i.e. indoors) until they have completely healed and the sutures have been removed. The suture site should not be allowed to have dirt or other debris on or near it. If dirt were to get on the sutures you can gently pat the area clean with peroxide. Most pets are required to have their sutures between seven and ten days. Bathing a pet with sutures is highly unadvisable. If the wound gets wet an infection may set in. Another trip to vet would be necessary to clear up such infections and the pet would be directly negatively affected. Open wounds and drains must be kept pristine. It is less common that an owner would have to deal with this situation as compared to sutures. If the situation ever did occur, rest assured that many veterinarians will provide some tools and simple instruction on how to flush a drain or clean a specific wound. Never let any pet with sutures, open wounds or drains stay outside, or lay/sleep on the ground.

It is quite common that medications are sent home with a post-op pet. It is extremely important to follow any advice or instruction the veterinarian offers in regards to medications and care. The most likely type of medication prescribed to a pet after a surgery is antibiotics. There are many different kinds but most are given to clear up infections. The dosage instructions will greatly vary based on the size and type of the pet. More often, owners must follow a twice or three time per day schedule for an average of ten days. The prescribing veterinarian will provide all information for dosage on a specialized level for any medications a pet made need after surgery.

Therapy or rehabilitation is most important following certain types of surgery such as an amputation, hip surgery or similar surgeries that focus on mobility. Some pets are required to begin a light walking exercise program not long after surgery, while others with a major knee or hip surgery may be required to rest more than exercise. On the less technical side, pets have been known to be quite spoiled by their owners, receiving the best treats and extra attention after a surgery.

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