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POST SURGICAL CARE AND INSTRUCTIONS

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Thank you for trusting South Brisbane Vet with your pet's care today.

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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.

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If you have any questions or concerns regarding your pet’s recovery, please contact the clinic on 07 3846 0043.

 

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.

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 South Brisbane 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, it is important that it remains clean and dry at all times.

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If needed, please return to South Brisbane 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.

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.

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

 

Surgical Check-Up

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To help us monitor healing, please email clear photos of the surgical site to South Brisbane Vet 5 days after surgery.

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Our veterinary team will review the wound and advise if any further monitoring or treatment is required.

If dissolvable sutures have been used beneath the skin and no external stitches are visible, additional photographs may be requested at Day 10 before discontinuing the Elizabethan collar.

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Recheck Appointment

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Please contact South Brisbane Vet to arrange:

• Bandage removal and wound assessment approximately 4 days after surgery (if applicable)
• Suture removal or surgical recheck approximately 10–14 days after surgery, as directed by your veterinarian

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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.

 

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

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Thank you for choosing South Brisbane Vet. We wish your pet a smooth and speedy recovery.

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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.​

 

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