HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Select an Area: General Anesthesia || Incisions || Drains || Foot Bandages || Restraint Cones

HOME CARE AFTER GENERAL ANESTHESIA

If your pet has a general anesthetic he/she may be depressed and unsteady on its feet, especially for the first 12 hours. Full recovery from anesthesia however, may take up to 36 hours. Keep the pet warm and quiet during this time, and let us know if there is not a steady improvement. Some animals may vomit once or twice soon after an anesthetic, but persistent vomiting or diarrhea should be reported. Water should be offered soon after your pet has settled in at home, initially in small quantities. Drinking should be encouraged provided there is no vomiting. Do not encourage him/her to eat for 6 to 12 hours after anesthesia. A small meal can be given if the animal seems hungry.

HOME CARE INCISIONS

Your pet must not be allowed to scratch, chew or lick excessively at their incision. We can provide a skin cream to deter licking. We can supply a wide plastic collar to prevent it licking or chewing the body and limbs, or prevent scratching at the face. Old socks can be applied to the hind feet to prevent scratching, provided they are not secured too tightly. We would like to see your pet if the incision shows progressive redness, swelling, discharge, or if the wound edges are separating. Exercise should generally be controlled during the first week because movement causes wound breakdown.

HOME CARE FOR DRAINS

Drains are placed to allow tissue fluid to escape. To keep them functioning they must be bathed and cleaned twice daily. For tube drains, pull the scabs away from the ends of the tube. For setons (cloth Loops), bathe them liberally with warm water to soften the cloth, and rotate them through the incisions. Then cleanse the skin below the drainage area with warm water to remove scabs, and dry the skin well. Finally, apply a little peroxide to the wounds around the drainage openings.

HOME CARE OF FOOT BANDAGES

Keep the bandage dry, and prevent excessive wear or chewing. In wet weather temporarily cover the foot with a plastic bag when your pet goes outdoors. If your pet chews at the bandage, put a sock over it or pick up a restraint cone. Bring the pet in right away if the bandage seems uncomfortable, smells excessively or if the foot is exposed by chewing.

PRECAUTIONS WITH RESTRAINT CONES

The cone must be applied tightly enough to the neck that the pet cannot get the jaw or paw trapped in it. The neck must be checked regularly for sores. Do not allow pets outdoors without close supervision while wearing a cone. Pets usually object to the cone initially, but accept it after a few hours. Make sure that your pet can reach its food and water. Some cats refuse to eat while they are wearing a cone, in these cases it may be necessary to remove the cone at meal times.

Please leave the Cone on for days. When you remove it, monitor the pet’s behavior closely and be prepared to reapply it if necessary.