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Caring for your dog before and after Surgery

Most dogs will have a surgical procedure at some time in their life, for example, neutering (spaying or castration or to treat a disease.) Most procedures are very safe but the success of treatment and recovery depends to some extent on the quality of care that the owner gives before and after surgery.

What do I do before surgery?

If the procedure is not an emergency, it may be useful for you to arrange some time off work so that you are around to take care of your dog during the recovery period. The risks of any complications during or after surgery have been greatly reduced by improvements in surgical techniques and in the safety of the anesthetics used. Since the stress of an operation can lower your dog's resistance to infectious disease, check that your dog's vaccinations are up-to-date before it has surgery. Vomiting is dangerous when your dog is under an anesthetic and to reduce the risk of this you will have been asked not to give your dog any food or water after about 8:00 PM the previous evening.

What happens on the day of surgery?

Most veterinary clinics do their routine operations in the early morning. Your veterinarian will ask you to drop your dog off at a particular time. It is important not to be late so that there is time to prepare your dog for its anesthetia. A small patch of fur may be shaved from your dog's leg so that your veterinarian can give intravenous injections or fit instruments to monitor your dog during the procedure. When you leave your dog, you will be asked to sign a consent form stating that you know the purpose of the operation and agree to have it done.

When will my dog be able to come home?

When your dog is admitted for surgery, you will be asked to leave a telephone number where you can be contacted in case of an emergency and to be notifed once the procedure is completed. You will be given an approximate time that you will be contacted regarding the status of your pet and when you will be able to bring your pet home. After routine operations, most dogs should be ready to come home within a few hours of waking up from the anesthesia. Some animals take longer to recover and your veterinarian will not allow the release of your dog until they are fully recovered. The veterinarian or veterinary technician will tell you when your dog can eat and drink again, whether they will need any medications, and when they will need to be brought back to have their sutures/staples removed.

What should I do when I get my dog home?

Keep your dog warm on its journey home. At home your dog should be left in a warm, quiet room until it is fully recovered. Do not take your dog for a walk for at least 24 hours - just let him out to relieve himself. Try to keep your dog quiet because any sudden movements may put a strain on the sutures/staples. Walk your dog on a lead until his sutures/staples have been removed. Your veterinarian may prescribe pain killers, antibiotics or some other medications to keep your dog comfortable and prevent infections.

Will my dog be ill after the anesthetic?

It is quite common for a dog to appear "groggy" for a few hours after a general anesthetic and he may sleep longer and more deeply than normal. Your dog may be a little unsteady on its feet. If your dog is hungry, it may be given a small meal when you get home. Warming the food and feeding by hand may help if your dog has a poor appetite. (Occasionally, your dog may feel sick and may vomit. If this happens, do not feed it for 8 hours.) A tube is put down your dog's throat during the anesthetic to help it breathe, and occasionally this irritates the windpipe and may cause your pet to cough for a few days.

What are the signs of more serious problems?

If your dog is still lethargic or moving unsteadily when he has been home for 24 hours, you should call your veterinarian for advice. If the sutures/staples have come out or the incision is open, if there are any convulsions (fits), prolonged retching or vomiting or signs of swelling, discharges or bleeding from the incision, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How do I stop my dog from licking or scratching at its incision?

Most dogs try to lick their incision, but they should eventually get used to having sutures or staples. Incisions heal faster if they are kept clean and dry and left open to the air. Try to avoid bandaging and always stop your dog if you see him licking his sutures or staples. If your dog continues to lick or scratch the incision site, please contact your veterinarian. You may be given an Elizabethan collar to fit around your dog's neck to prevent him from getting at the incision. (Some pet stores also sell these collars.)

How do I minimize the likelihood of complications?

All surgeries have risks of potential complications, like excessive swelling or infection, for example. You can reduce these risks by checking your pet's surgery site every day, administering her medication as directed by your veterinarian, keeping her as quiet as possible, and following all other post-op instructions given to you by your veterinarian. Some pets will require follow-up examinations during their recovery period. Don't hesitate to call your veterinarian if you suspect a problem.

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