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Foreign Body Obstruction “FBO” – Post Operative Instructions

Following a successful surgery, owner compliance is the most important factor in recovery. Please be careful and patient with your pet during this time. Following these instructions closely will ensure a speedy recovery.

  1. Feeding:
  • An incision has been made in your pets’ intestines or stomach to retrieve the foreign object that was swallowed. Food needs to be reintroduced very slowly and in small amounts over the coming days to protect the integrity of the incision and promote healing.
  • Feed small, frequent meals beginning at 6pm tonight.
  • For the first 48 hours, give no more than 1/8 of the usual amount every 4-6 hours.
  • For the next 48-96 hours give 1/4 of the usual amount every 4-6 hours.
  • Resume regular type of diet (if he is used to eating kibble, stick with same kibble etc).
  • Begin water at 6pm and give no more than a quarter of usual amount at a time.
  • IF VOMITING OCCURS/PERSISTS CONTACT THE CLINIC IMMEDIATELY FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTION.
  1. Medication: Post-operative medications for your pet will be sent home to prevent pain, inflammation and infection. In order to prevent post-operative complications it is essential that you give all medications as directed on the labels and until ALL doses of the medications are finished. Failure to administer these medications as prescribed can lead to pain, infection, the need for additional surgery and in some cases irreversible damage to the surgical site.
  2. Incision Site Care: An E-collar will be sent home with your pet. An E-collar should not meet the edge of your pets’ nose. The edge of the collar needs to be 1-2 inches past the end of their nose to prevent licking/chewing. DO NOT cut the E-collar, the veterinary staff will fit your pet for the appropriate size the day of surgery.

LICKING THE INCISION SITE IS NEVER OKAY!!!  The E-collar MUST BE ON AT ALL TIMES, until otherwise advised by the veterinary staff. Failure to keep an E-collar on can result in infection and the need for additional surgery; prolonging recovery time and increasing vet bills.

DO NOT apply topical ointments, salves, creams, sprays, Band-Aids or bandages to an incision site unless advised otherwise by the veterinary staff.

Check the incision site daily for signs of infection which may include but are not limited to: swelling, redness, discharge, foul odor. If you are concerned about the appearance of your pets’ incision contact the clinic immediately for further instruction.

  1. Activity Restrictions/Crate Rest: It is imperative that patients are confined to a kennel/ on strict crate rest for a minimum of 4 days following surgery. Failure to do so can result in the need for additional surgery and costly vet bills. Dogs may be brought outside ON A LEASH for bathroom breaks. DO NOT use a retractable lead or allow your pet to roam freely in the yard following surgery. A potty break should consist of a brief leashed walk to the front or back yard to potty, then back into the house. House confinement with short, leashed potty breaks are permitted after day 5 of surgery. Cats need to be confined to a large dog kennel containing a litter box and food/water bowls.
  2. After hours emergency line: During your pet’s discharge you were provided with our after-hours phone number should any questions/complications arise during recovery that need to be addressed immediately. If you call, you will be asked to leave a detailed message and member of our medical team will return your call. This line also accepts text messages. You can also reach the clinic after hours by phone or email.

When should I call after hours?

  • Appetite has not returned within 24-36 hours after surgery.
  • Report ALL vomiting. This could be a sign of medication interaction, sensitivity.
  • Diarrhea – a loose and/or bloody stool can also indicate a medication interaction, sensitivity.
  • If your pet gets the e-collar off and has licked and/or caused damage to the incision site.
  • Incision site is open and/or showing signs of infection: redness, discharge or swelling.

Should an immediate emergency, after hours occur contact your closest Emergency Clinic.