Your pet  would have had a pre-anaesthetic blood test. Also intravenous fluids before, during and after surgery. You may notice a shaved patch on her leg, this is just where the cannula has been placed to give both intravenous medications and fluids.

The procedure

Your dog has had a general anaesthetic today to enable us to perform an ovariectomy or an ovariohysterectomy (the vet will have discussed which procedure was performed). We shave and scrub the surgical site to ensure it remains as sterile as possible and therefore reducing the risk of infection. We place an endotracheal tube into your pet’s throat. The reasons for this is to maintain the airway, prevent any obstructions and to provide oxygen and anaesthetic gases. This can sometimes irritate the throat and cause a cough. The cough may persist for a few days but please contact the surgery if you are worried.

The wound

Intradermal sutures are in place meaning that they will gradually dissolve and therefore will not require removal. To avoid any complications whilst your pet is recovering we would not advise any off lead walking but we appreciate that you may still want to exercise your pet once she is feeling more herself. You may take her for a short 5-10 minute lead walk until the wound is fully healed. Please also restrict your pet from jumping up on furniture and climbing stairs. Normal routines can be resumed after 14 days.

We strongly recommend the use of a buster collar or pet shirt to prevent any licking or biting at the surgical site as these behaviours can lead to infection and wound breakdown therefore prolonging the recovery time of your pet. This can incur further costs to you should we need to dispense medication or at worst repeat surgery in the event of wound breakdown. The buster collar/pet shirt should be left on at all times until your pet’s wound has fully healed. The wound should be kept clean and dry at all times. It is important to monitor the surgical wound daily for any redness, swelling or oozing. If you see any of these signs please contact the surgery. 

Recovery

Studies suggest that it can take up to 48 hours for the effects of the anaesthetic to fully wear off so expect your dog to be slightly sleepy. Rest must be encouraged when arriving home even if your pet is quite bright. Most return to their normal behaviour within 48 hours. You can offer a light bland meal when you get home, you may find she is not interested but do not worry, the anaesthetic can cause them to feel a little nauseated.

Please note that neutering often slows down your pet’s metabolism making it easier for your pet to gain weight. This should be monitored and diet should be adjusted where necessary to prevent your pet becoming overweight. If you require any dietary advice please contact the surgery.

Medications

A pain relief and anti-inflammatory injection will have been given at time of surgery which will last for 24 hours. So please do not start any oral medications until the following day unless advised otherwise. Please follow the directions from the vet or nurse who discharged your pet when giving medications. If you have any concerns or questions regarding the medication or how to give them please contact the surgery for some advice.

Check-ups

We like to see patients back on days 2-3 and 10-14 post anaesthetic to ensure the wound is healing as it should be, so please make an appointment with either the nurse or reception. These check ups are included in the price of the procedure so there will be nothing to pay on the day unless any extra medications are dispensed.