What to Expect Following Surgery

After your pet undergoes surgery, it is important to expect a period of recovery that will include rest, monitoring, and attentive care. Your pet may feel groggy or disoriented due to anesthesia, and it could take a few hours to a few days for them to fully regain their energy. During recovery, we ask that you keep an eye on the surgical site for signs of infection or discomfort. Your pet will likely need to wear an e-collar to prevent them from licking or biting their incision site. This is very important as our pets’ mouths harbor bacteria. Many procedures entail very limited activity levels following surgery. Crating your pet or limiting them to small areas in the house is typically recommended for orthopedic procedures. It is very important to follow all discharge instructions closely to ensure an optimal recovery.

At the time of your discharge appointment, our staff will provide written post-operative care instructions from your surgeon for your pet. These will be reviewed with you by our discharge nurse prior to your pet going home. Medications, activity restrictions, and any questions you may have will all be discussed during this time. You will be sent home with a written copy of your pet’s discharge instructions. As always, we are available 24/7, 365 days a year should any questions or problems arise during your pet’s road to recovery.