The Procedure

Your pet has had a general anaesthetic today to enable us to perform the surgery. We shave and scrub the surgical site to ensure it remains as sterile as possible and therefore reducing the risk of infection. Intradermal sutures are in place meaning that they will gradually dissolve and therefore will not require removal. You may notice a shaved patch on the  ear, this is just where the cannula has been placed to give medications.

Recovery

Studies suggest that it can take up to 48 hours for the effects of the anaesthetic to fully wear off so expect your pet 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 24 hours. Please keep your pet indoors tonight, ideally on an old towel as opposed to usual substrate. If your pet is elderly or it is colder outside then it would be recommended to keep them indoors for a longer period of time whilst they are recovering. It is important to check the wound for any redness, swelling or oozing. 

After waking up from general anaesthetic, your pet has been syringe fed to encourage eating. It is important that your pet is eating well and it may be necessary for you to syringe feed at home with a recovery diet.  If your pet has not eaten anything within 12 hours of his procedure then please contact the surgery IMMEDIATELY. It is important that you are monitoring the faecal output of your rabbit. If little to no faeces are passed this could indicate that your pet is suffering with gut stasis and this is classed as an EMERGENCY. 

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 has been given today which will last for 24 hours. So please do not start any oral medications until tomorrow unless advised otherwise. Please follow the directions of 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 would like to see your pet in 3-5 and 10-14 days  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.