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2 Week Recovery Guide

Recovery guide for the first 2 weeks following surgery

Always keep in mind that your pet has had major surgery and that the first night home can be the most challenging.

Anesthesia – We can’t determine how a pet will behave as the anesthesia works its way out of their system in the first 24 hours.  Here are some common reactions that are to be expected:

  • Panting
  • Lack of appetite
  • Excessive thirst
  • Restlessness – Anxious – Standing up
  • Crying or whining

Medications – It is ESPECIALLY important that ALL medications be given as directed until they are gone. All medications provided by VSS can be given with each other. Refills are usually not necessary.

E-Collar – Your pet has been provided with the appropriate e-collar sized to your pet’s needs.

  • Any change, modification or removal can result in post operative complications & additional costs.
  • If your pet gets the e-collar off and the incision looks irritated and/or damaged in any other way
    • Put the e-collar back in place.
    • Email a clear picture of the incision, along with details, to surgery@vssaustin.com

Crate Confinement – If your pet requires crate confinement and activity restrictions, those have been explained during the discharge process. Do not modify these restrictions until notified by a team member at VSS.  Failure to comply can result in postoperative complications & additional costs.

Bruising and/or Swelling – This is not uncommon following your pet’s surgery.

  • Bruising can appear a deep red and/or purple.
  • Swelling can appear adjacent to the surgical area, bruising might not also be present.
    • Follow the instructions provided in your detailed discharge instructions & video.
    • Both bruising and swelling are NOT EMERGENT & will resolve in time.

Urination – Normal urination schedule will return within the first 72 hours.

  • Keep in mind that if water intake is decreased, urine production will be decreased.
  • DO NOT try to force elimination by taking your pet outside multiple times.

Constipation – No bowel movement for 5-7 days is common and not urgent.

  • Feed plain organic canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling). Pets under 40 lbs: 1 tablespoon. Pets over 40 lbs: 2 tablespoons. Give 3 times daily for 5 days.
  • Soften kibble with warm low-sodium broth or water
  • Contact clinic if constipation lasts over 7 days for possible stool softener

Appetite – Not eating the first night is common; appetite should improve in 24-72 hours.

If your pet does not want to eat the morning after surgery:

  • DO NOT introduce any medications that are directed to be given with food.
  • ALL PAIN MEDICATIONS must be given, as pain will result in a decreased appetite.
  • Try a bland diet: add low sodium chicken broth, boiled chicken & rice, or baby food that has protein in it.
  • Avoid treats, cheese, or table food to prevent stomach upset.
  • Optional: Pepcid (Famotidine) once daily: 5mg if patient is under 25 lbs, 10mg if over 25 lbs.

Vomiting – determine whether this is a one-time event.

  • Did your pet eat and/or drink too much or too fast and vomit as a result?
    • If so, then you can feed and provide water in a more controlled manner.
    • If not:
      • Withhold ALL food and water for 6-8 hours.
      • Discontinue ALL medications with the exception of Gabapentin (for dogs) and Buprenex (for cats).
      • Once your pet has eaten TWO meals, then you can begin to give ALL previous medications as prescribed.
    • If vomiting resolves, then slowly re-introduce a bland diet as described under appetite.
    • If vomiting does not resolve within 24 hrs, please contact VSS. If unable to reach us contact your primary veterinarian or an emergency clinic.

Bloody Stool – If your pet’s stool is solid but contains blood and there are no other symptoms:

  • Stop any anti-inflammatory medication immediately.
  • Feed plain organic canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling). Pets under 40 lbs: 1 tablespoon. Pets over 40 lbs: 2 tablespoons. Give 3 times daily for 5 days.
  • If no improvement in 72 hours, please update VSS or contact your veterinarian if we’re closed.
  • If your pet has bloody stool along with diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, or a decreased appetite: Contact your primary veterinarian or the nearest emergency clinic immediately.

Soft Stool– If the stool is “soft” and NO blood is present.

  • Discontinue ALL NSAID and Antibiotic. CONTINUE with ALL pain medication.
  • Recommend NO food for 24 hours – WATER ONLY.
  • If stool returns to “normal”, then begin bland diet along with antibiotic.
  • DO NOT GIVE NSAID UNLESS DIRECTED.

Diarrhea – a LOOSE or LIQUID stool which your pet may not be able to control.

  • Discontinue ALL medications.
  • Follow all other instructions for soft stool.
  • If diarrhea does not resolve within 24 hrs, please contact VSS. If unable to reach us contact your primary veterinarian or an emergency clinic.

If your pet has any combination of the following:

  • DIARRHEA, VOMITING, LETHARGY, APPETITE LOSS – your pet needs to be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
  • During normal business hours this can be VSS or your primary care veterinary clinic. After business hours contact the closest emergency veterinary clinic.
  • If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency and you are not able to reach us, please take your pet to the nearest emergency clinic.
  • If your pet saw another veterinarian, please always request that we get updated medical records sent to surgery@vssaustin.com