Animal Surgery
The healthcare providers at High Desert Veterinary are experienced in many surgical procedures. In addition to spay and neuter surgeries, we do orthopedic surgeries, mass removals, abdominal surgeries and surgically repairing lacerations and abscesses. Our doctors also have an exceptional depth of experience in dealing with medical crisis, trauma and critical care situations. Our hospital is well equipped for rapid diagnostics and monitoring, and we can also provide appropriate follow-up care, whether it be medical or surgical.
While under anesthesia for any surgical procedure your pet will be hooked up to a pulse oximeter unit and monitored by a technician, at all times. Appropriate pain medication will be administered post-op and if needed, prescribed to go home. One of our technicians will go over care for your pet at home and how to properly medicate.
Post Surgical Home Care Instructions
Special attention to your pet is needed in the first few days after surgery. Below is an example of the instructions that we send home after surgery.
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To RICKY's caregivers,
Dr. Barkhurst wanted to share this important information with you concerning RICKY’s surgery today.
Anesthesia
RICKY did well under anesthesia.
- Since anesthesia can decrease tear production, an ointment was placed in her eyes to protect them while she was asleep. This oily residue will dissipate over the next few days.
- Because of the anesthesia, she may be sleepy and wobbly for the next 1-2 hours. However, some pets have the opposite reaction and seem more agitated or whiny.
An IV catheter was placed to administer IV fluids, anesthesia, and other medications.
- The fur was shaved. Please call us if you notice she is licking the area or if the area becomes red or irritated.
Food and Water
Feeding Instructions:
- To avoid nausea, do not offer food immediately upon arriving home. Feed about half the usual amount after arriving home if she seems hungry.
- Some pets have a decreased appetite for 1-2 days following surgery.
Water Restrictions:
- To avoid nausea, offer water in small amounts, every 1-2 hours until RICKY is no longer thirsty. Then you can leave the bowl full as usual. This will help to prevent engorgement.
Activity
- RICKY must have limited exercise while she recovers.
- No unsupervised, outdoor activity.
- RICKY's incision can not get wet. No swimming or bathes until the staples are removed.
- Prevent RICKY from jumping.
- Walk RICKY on a leash outside only to urinate and defecate.
- RICKY can return to her normal activity once the staples are removed in 10-14 days.
Medication
Dr. Barkhurst prescribed the following for RICKY:
Home Care
- Do not allow excessive activity for 10-14 days after the procedure.
- RICKY can not lick at his incision. Licking can cause the incision to open and become infected. Prevent licking by having patient wear an E-collar at all time, especially when unsupervised.
- If RICKY has licked the incision and it appears that the skin red, puffy, or appears open - call the clinic immediately and prevent any further trauma to the incision.
Seek immediate veterinary care if RICKY...
- The incision has signs of redness, swelling, or discharge, or if any sutures are missing.
- Seems agitated or uncomfortable for more than 2 hours.
- Has difficulty breathing.
- Begins squinting her eyes for more than 1 hour at a time.
- Refuses to eat or drink for more than 12 hours.
- Does not defecate for more than 48 hours.
- Starts vomiting.
- Has diarrhea for multiple bowel movements.
Recheck:
- Please schedule an appointment to have RICKY’s staples removed in 10-14 days.
Thank you
We appreciate your dedication to RICKY and we’re honored to be with you on this journey.
RICKY is a lovely patient. RICKY has many fans here at the hospital! Thank you for trusting us with her care.
Please call our hospital at 541-382-9262 with any questions or concerns.
