POST-OPERATIVE CARE AND DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

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The following information supplements the instructions provided by your veterinarian. Recovery recommendations may vary depending on the procedure performed. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your pet's recovery, please contact the clinic at 07 3216 0045. We are always happy to help.

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NUTRITION & MEDICATION

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Following discharge, allow your pet to rest quietly before offering food or water.

Begin with a small quantity of water. If this is tolerated, offer a light meal consisting of approximately half of your pet's normal ration.

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Temporary reductions in appetite are common following sedation or general anaesthesia. Normal feeding can usually resume the following day.

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Avoid introducing new foods or treats during the recovery period.

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Administer all prescribed medications according to the label directions.

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Should vomiting, diarrhoea, inappetence, facial swelling, or other adverse reactions occur, please contact the clinic for advice.

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ACTIVITY RESTRICTION

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Restricted activity is essential for optimal healing.

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For a minimum of 7–10 days following surgery, your pet should avoid:

• Running
• Jumping
• Climbing stairs where possible
• Rough play
• Off-lead exercise

 

Leash-controlled toileting and quiet movement around the home are acceptable unless otherwise instructed.

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A clean, dry, indoor environment is recommended during recovery.

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INCISION CARE

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The surgical site should be inspected daily.

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Contact Fortitude Valley Vet if you observe:

• Progressive swelling
• Excessive redness
• Heat
• Bruising that worsens
• Bleeding
• Discharge
• Separation of the incision

 

Prevent your pet from licking or chewing the wound at all times.

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An Elizabethan collar, inflatable collar, or recovery garment should remain in place until the incision has fully healed or sutures have been removed.

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To help us monitor healing, please email clear photos of the surgical site on Day 5 after surgery.

If no external skin sutures are present (dissolvable sutures have been placed beneath the skin), please send updated photos again on Day 10 before removing the Elizabethan collar (cone). Our veterinary team will review the incision and advise whether the cone can be safely removed.

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BATHING & WATER EXPOSURE

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Do not bathe your pet or permit swimming until advised by your veterinarian.

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The incision should remain clean and dry throughout the healing period.

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If the area becomes wet, gently pat dry and monitor closely.

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POST-ANAESTHETIC EFFECTS

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Some patients may develop mild throat irritation following endotracheal intubation.

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This may present as occasional coughing, throat clearing, or increased swallowing for several days after surgery.

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Please contact us if these signs persist beyond five days or if respiratory difficulty develops.

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POST-OPERATIVE MONITORING

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Seek veterinary attention if your develops:

• Ongoing vomiting or diarrhoea
• Marked lethargy
• Weakness or collapse
• Pale gums
• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent pain
• Reduced appetite lasting longer than 24 hours

 

FOLLOW-UP CARE

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Please email a photograph of the surgical site approximately five days after surgery for assessment by our veterinary team.

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A post-operative examination and suture removal (where applicable) should be scheduled 10–14 days following surgery.

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DESEXING IDENTIFICATION TATTOO

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Queensland legislation requires desexed animals to receive an identification tattoo in the left ear at the time of surgery.

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Monitor the tattoo site for swelling, discharge, or discomfort and contact the clinic if abnormalities are noted.

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BANDAGE REMOVAL

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If a bandage has been applied to a forelimb following catheter placement, remove it approximately two hours after arriving home.

Mild skin irritation may occasionally occur in clipped areas. Please notify the clinic if significant redness or irritation develops.

Thank you for entrusting Fortitude Valley Vet with your pet's care. We wish them a comfortable and uncomplicated recovery.

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Fortitude Valley Vet is an independently owned Brisbane veterinary clinic providing affordable, high-quality veterinary care to pets from Fortitude Valley, Newstead, Teneriffe, New Farm, Paddington, Kelvin Grove, Hamilton, Bowen Hills, Spring Hill and nearby suburbs. Whether you are searching for a vet near Fortitude Valley, a cat vet in Paddington, or a dog vet near Newstead, our experienced team is here to help.

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Written by:

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Dr Nic Cher, BVMS - Australia's Trusted Veterinarian

Pet Longevity, Preventative Health and Owner Preparedness Adovcate