Taking Care of Your Pet After Sedation Or Anaesthesia

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Thank you for choosing South Brisbane Vet for your pet's procedure.

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We understand that having your pet undergo sedation/anaesthetic or surgery can feel stressful. Our veterinary team is committed to providing the highest standard of care before, during and after every procedure.

These general care instructions are provided in addition to any specific recommendations discussed by your veterinarian during today's visit.

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If you have any questions or concerns regarding your pet's recovery, please contact South Brisbane Vet on 07 3846 0043..

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FEEDING & DRINKING

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Following sedation or anaesthesia, it is common for pets to be sleepy, quieter than usual, or have a reduced appetite for the remainder of the day.

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• Once home, allow your pet to rest quietly for approximately 30 minutes before offering food or water.
• Offer a small amount of fresh water initially.
• If tolerated, offer a light meal consisting of approximately half of [patient_name]'s normal dinner.
• Some pets may choose not to eat tonight. This is usually normal and not a cause for concern.
• Avoid offering rich treats, table scraps, or any new foods.
• Normal feeding may resume tomorrow unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian.

 

Please administer all medications exactly as prescribed. Contact the clinic if you notice vomiting, diarrhoea, facial swelling, severe lethargy, refusal to eat, or any other suspected medication reaction.

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ACTIVITY & RECOVERY

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Residual effects of sedation or anaesthesia may persist for up to 24 hours.

• Provide a quiet, comfortable, and sheltered area indoors for recovery.
• Limit activity for the remainder of today and overnight.
• Your pet may appear unsteady on their feet. Prevent access to stairs, furniture, balconies, or swimming pools until fully recovered.
• Do not leave your pet unattended outdoors during the first 24–48 hours following their procedure.

 

If a surgical procedure was performed:

• Follow your veterinarian's specific exercise restrictions.
• In most cases, running, jumping, rough play, and off-lead exercise should be avoided for at least 7–14 days.
• Short, controlled leash walks for toileting are generally acceptable unless advised otherwise.

 

BATHING & GROOMING

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If surgery was performed:

• Do not bathe your pet or allow swimming until the surgical wound has completely healed and any sutures have been removed.
• If cleaning is necessary, use a damp cloth or pet-safe wipes around the affected area.

 

SURGICAL SITE MONITORING

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If your pet has undergone surgery, please inspect the surgical site daily.

Contact us promptly if you notice:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Heat
• Excessive bruising
• Bleeding
• Discharge or fluid leakage
• Missing sutures
• Opening of the wound

 

Prevent licking, chewing, or scratching at the surgical site at all times.

 

If an Elizabethan collar (cone) has been supplied, it must remain on continuously unless instructed otherwise by your veterinarian. Recovery suits or protective clothing may be suitable alternatives in some cases.

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RECHECK APPOINTMENTS

 

If skin sutures have been placed, please contact the clinic to arrange a recheck and suture removal appointment approximately 10 days after surgery.

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BANDAGE REMOVAL

 

If a bandage has been placed on either the left or right front leg following today's procedure, please remove it approximately two hours after arriving home.

 

WHEN TO CONTACT US

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Please contact the clinic immediately if your pet develops:

• Persistent vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Difficulty breathing
• Collapse or extreme weakness
• Pale gums
• Refusal to eat beyond 24 hours
• Excessive bleeding or swelling
• Any other concerns regarding recovery

 

Thank you for entrusting us with your pet's care.

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If you have any further questions, please contact our team on 07 3846 0043. Our veterinary team is happy to help.

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Located in the heart of West End, South Brisbane Vet is a trusted veterinary clinic serving pets and families throughout South Brisbane, Southbank, Woolloongabba, West End, Highgate Hill, Dutton Park, Kangaroo Point, Paddington and surrounding inner-city Brisbane suburbs. We provide comprehensive veterinary services including pet vaccinations, dental treatments, surgery, diagnostics and wellness care at affordable prices.

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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 Advocate