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These general post-operative instructions are provided in addition to the specific recommendations discussed with you by your veterinarian. If you have any questions or concerns about your pet's recovery, please contact South Brisbane Vet on 07 3846 0043.

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FEEDING & MEDICATIONS

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After arriving 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. If tolerated, you may then offer a small meal (approximately half of your pet's usual dinner.

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It is common for pets to have a reduced appetite following an anaesthetic. If your pet chooses not to eat this evening, this is usually not a cause for concern.

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Please avoid feeding unfamiliar foods, treats, table scraps, or rich foods during recovery.

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Normal feeding can generally resume the following day unless otherwise advised.

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Please administer all medications exactly as directed. If you notice vomiting, diarrhoea, reduced appetite, facial swelling, or any other unusual reaction after medication administration, contact the clinic promptly.

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REST & RECOVERY

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For the next 7–10 days, your pet should be kept calm and rested.

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Running, jumping, rough play, chasing balls, and off-lead exercise should be avoided unless otherwise advised by your veterinarian.

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Short, controlled walks for toileting are acceptable.

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Where possible, keep your pet indoors or in a clean, sheltered environment while recovering.

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Please do not leave your pet outdoors unsupervised during the recovery period.

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Keep bedding clean and dry, and prevent the surgical area from becoming wet.

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BATHING & SWIMMING

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Do not bathe your pet or allow swimming until the surgical site has fully healed and your veterinarian has advised it is safe to do so.

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If cleaning is necessary, use a damp cloth or pet-safe wipes and avoid excessive cleaning around the incision.

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SURGICAL SITE MONITORING

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Please inspect the incision site at least once daily.

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A small amount of bruising, redness, or swelling may be normal initially. However, contact us immediately if you notice:

• Increasing redness or swelling
• Heat around the incision
• Bleeding or discharge
• A bad odour
• Opening of the wound
• Excessive discomfort

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

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If an Elizabethan collar (cone) or recovery suit has been provided, it should remain in place at all times unless otherwise directed.

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

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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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AFTER ANAESTHESIA

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Mild coughing, throat irritation, or occasional gurgling noises may occur for a few days following anaesthesia due to placement of a breathing tube.

Please contact the clinic if these signs persist beyond five days or if any breathing difficulties develop.

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WHEN TO CONTACT US

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Please contact South Brisbane Vet immediately if you observe:

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea
• Significant lethargy or weakness
• Pale gums
• Refusal to eat for more than 24 hours
• Difficulty breathing
• Concerns about the surgical site

 

POST-OPERATIVE CHECK

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Please email a clear photograph of the incision site approximately five days after surgery so our team can assess healing.

A post-operative examination and suture removal (if required) is generally recommended 10–14 days after surgery.

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DESEXING TATTOO

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If your pet has been desexed, Queensland legislation requires a tattoo to be placed in the left ear at the time of surgery.

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Please monitor the tattoo site for swelling, discharge, redness, or discomfort and contact us if you have concerns.

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BANDAGE REMOVAL

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If a bandage has been placed on your pet's front leg following the procedure, please remove it approximately two hours after arriving home.

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Mild irritation of clipped or shaved skin can occasionally occur. Please let us know if you notice any redness, rash, or excessive scratching.

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We wish your pet a smooth and speedy recovery.

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These general instructions are provided in addition to any specific recommendations discussed with you by your veterinarian. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your pet’s recovery, please contact the clinic on 07 3846 0043.

 

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