POST-OPERATIVE CARE AND DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

The following instructions are designed to help ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery following surgery. These recommendations are in addition to any specific advice provided by your veterinarian.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact our team at 07 3216 0045  during your pet's recovery.

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Feeding

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Once home, allow your pet to rest quietly for approximately 30 minutes before offering food or water.

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Start by offering a small amount of fresh water, followed by approximately half of your pet's normal meal later in the evening.

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Some pets may be slightly nauseous or sleepy after an anaesthetic and may not feel like eating tonight. This is generally normal and not usually a cause for concern.

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Please avoid feeding any unfamiliar foods, treats, bones, or table scraps during the recovery period.

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Normal feeding can usually resume the following day.

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Administer all prescribed medications exactly as directed. If you notice vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, facial swelling, or any other unexpected reaction, please contact us promptly.

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Rest and Recovery

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A quiet, comfortable indoor environment is ideal during the healing process.

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For the next 7–10 days, please restrict your pet's activity. Running, jumping, chasing toys, rough play, and off-lead exercise should be avoided.

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Short lead walks for toileting purposes are acceptable unless otherwise instructed by your veterinarian.

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Please do not leave your pet outside unattended during recovery.

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Keeping the surgical area clean and dry is one of the most important factors in successful healing.

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Bathing and Swimming

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Please avoid bathing, swimming, beach visits, or any activity that may wet the surgical site until healing is complete and your veterinarian has advised it is safe to do so.

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If your pet becomes dirty, use a damp cloth or pet-safe wipes to clean surrounding areas while avoiding the wound itself.

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Surgical Site and Bandage Care

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Please check the surgical area at least once daily.

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A small amount of bruising, redness, or swelling can be normal during the first few days after surgery.

 

However, please contact Fortitude Valley Vet if you notice:

• Increasing redness or swelling
• Heat around the wound
• Bleeding or discharge
• An unpleasant odour
• Separation of the wound edges
• Excessive pain or discomfort

 

If your pet has been discharged with a bandage over the surgical wound, it is important that it remains clean and dry at all times.

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If needed, please return to Fortitude Valley Vet approximately 4 days after surgery for bandage removal and a wound assessment, unless your veterinarian has advised otherwise.

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If the bandage slips, becomes wet, develops an odour, or causes swelling of the toes or limb, please contact us immediately.

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Preventing Licking and Chewing

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One of the most common reasons wounds become infected is licking.

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Please do not allow your pet to lick, chew, or scratch at the surgical site.

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If an Elizabethan collar (cone) has been provided, it should remain on at all times unless directly supervised.

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Recovery suits or protective garments may be suitable in some cases—please speak with our team if you would like alternative options.

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After the Anaesthetic

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It is normal for pets to be quieter than usual for the first 24 hours following an anaesthetic.

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Occasionally, a mild cough, throat irritation, or increased swallowing may occur due to the breathing tube used during the procedure. These signs generally resolve within a few days.

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Please contact us immediately if you notice:

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea
• Severe lethargy or weakness
• Difficulty breathing
• Pale gums
• Refusal to eat for more than 24 hours
• Any other concerning changes

 

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.

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Surgical Check-Up

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To help us monitor healing, please email clear photos of the surgical site to Fortitude Valley Vet 5 days 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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Recheck Appointment

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Please contact Fortitude Valley Vet to arrange:

• Bandage removal and wound assessment approximately 4 days after surgery (if applicable)
• Suture removal or surgical recheck approximately 10 days after surgery, as directed by your veterinarian

 

We are always happy to answer any questions regarding your pet's recovery.

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Thank you for choosing Fortitude Valley Vet. We wish your pet a smooth and speedy 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