aftercare - frequently asked questions 

What does normal incision healing look like after spay/neuter surgery?  

Incision healing can vary from patient to patient, but typically happens slowly over 10-14 days. Some bruising and a little bit of swelling is normal during the healing process.  All animals will have a green tattoo in or near the incision that may appear like a second incision.  Male cats are tattooed on their abdomens.

What if I see redness/oozing/swelling at the incision site?

A small amount of redness, bruising or swelling is normal during the healing process.  Too much activity or licking/chewing at the area can cause excessive redness and/or swelling or even infection at the area.  This is why it is important to keep your pet confined with short walks on a leash only and have an E-collar in place at all times.

There may be a small amount of clear fluid from the incision in the first 1-2 days.  Thick, sticky or green fluid oozing from the incision is abnormal and may be a sign of an infection.  Please call us or see your regular veterinarian if you see this.

Why is there swelling at the incision site?

Swellings at the incision site following surgery can occur for several reasons: 

1. Seroma: The majority of incision swellings are seromas.  A seroma is a collection of clear fluid under the incision but above the body wall.  Seromas often occur if a patient is too active during the recovery period.    Seromas can be large or small, feel firm or soft, but do not disappear when pressed on.  Seromas are benign and typically reabsorb on their own within a week without treatment other than strict rest and inactivity.
   
   
2. Hernia: A hernia is an uncommon complication following surgery.  This can occur from suture failure or from poor tissue healing at the site.  Hernias typically can be reduced (the contents will “disappear” back into the abdomen if pressed on).  A hernia needs to be surgically corrected.  Please call us or visit your regular veterinarian if you suspect a hernia.
   
   
   
3. Infection: A firm swelling of the skin itself with sticky or slimy discharge is likely to be an infection.  This is usually caused by the patient licking the skin.

What if I see an opening in the incision?

1. Males: A small amount of gapping or mis-alignment of the skin at the incision is normal and often purposeful to allow for drainage.  As long as the area stays clean and dry it should heal normally.
2. Females: The skin may appear slightly mis-aligned, but the incision should not appear open or have suture showing.  Please call us (and text a picture) or visit your regular veterinarian if you have concerns about a visible opening in the skin.

What can I do to help my pet’s incision site heal well?

The most important things you can do to help your pet heal without incident are:

1. PREVENT LICKING/CHEWING at the incision.  This is best accomplished with the use of an E-collar.  These can be purchased at pet supply stores or can be made at home.   We recommend all patients wear an E-collar for 7-10 days following surgery to prevent licking.   Below are some helpful hints for making and using E-collars.
   No Lick Information - English -
   No lamer información - Español -
2. Limit physical activity. Pets should be kept indoors with very limited activity.  No running, jumping or playing for 7-10 days following surgery.  Potty breaks can be accomplished with controlled leash walks.  If your animal normally lives outdoors, please keep them confined to a small, safe, dry, and warm area for 7-10 days after surgery.  E-collars should be worn at all times when your pet is not directly supervised.
3. Keep the incision clean and dry. Avoid getting the incision wet or muddy/dirty.  No bathing for 14 days after surgery.  Do not apply anything directly to the incision unless directed to by your veterinarian.

Why is there a green mark on my pet’s belly?

Your pet was given a permanent tattoo after surgery.  The tattoo is a thin green line and indicates that your pet has been sterilized.  The tattoos are placed in or next to the surgical incision in females, male cats on their mid-abdomens, and male dogs next to the scrotum. The tattoo is made by placing green ink into a shallow cut in the skin.  The area may take 5-7 days to heal completely.

To help keep your animal's incision site clean and free of infection, if your animal normally lives outdoors, please keep them confined to a small, safe, dry, and warm area when not directly supervised for 7-10 days after surgery.

What about Pain Management?

Your animal just had a major surgery and has been given an anti-inflammatory (Meloxicam) injectable pain med that lasts for ~24-36 hours. Areas around the incision site may be tender and sore to the touch, even with pain medications on board.

Keep in mind that some animals recovering from anesthesia can present as dysphoric (distressed or unhappy) or painful even after being given pain medication.   Vocalizing, panting, restlessness, difficulty settling down, or pacing is not uncommon for the first 24 hours after surgery.  These symptoms vary from individual to individual.

Why is my pet nauseated (vomiting) or not wanting to eat?

The most common cause of nausea after surgery is due to the effects of the drugs used for anesthesia.  Lack of appetite or vomiting/drooling is normal for the first 24 hours after surgery.  Do not force-feed your pet. If your pet is acting nauseated, continue to offer small meals of bland food (boiled hamburger or chicken and white rice) for a few days until his/her appetite returns.  If you feel the nausea is excessive or extreme, or lasts more than 48 hours, please call or visit your regular veterinarian.

Do I need to keep the medical records from surgery?

Yes, please be sure to keep the medical records you were given today in a safe place.  These records are your proof of sterilization and other services performed, which may include important legal vaccination information.

Rabies Certificate and Tag
Rabies vaccination is required by law.  The rabies tag you received today is not adequate proof of vaccination, but is an indicator that you have proof in your possession. The paper certificate is legal proof of your pet’s rabies vaccination.  It is important that you keep this in a safe place.

What are other possible side effects from anesthesia/surgery?

• • A state of discomfort, unease, or agitation that a patient may experience after coming out of anesthesia, characterized by restlessness, vocalization, and difficulty settling down, which can sometimes be distinct from pain and may be caused by the specific anesthetic drugs used
  • Due to the dysphoric effects from anesthesia, if your animal normally lives outdoors, please keep them confined to a small, safe, dry, and warm area when not directly supervised for 7-10 days after surgery.
  • Nausea/Vomiting/Drooling/Lack of appetite
  • These are normal side effects for the first 24-48 hours after receiving anesthesia.  This may be due to the anesthesia or pain medication.  
    

• • An endotracheal tube was placed during surgery to help your animal breathe under anesthesia. Some dogs may cough for a few days due to mild irritation in their trachea (windpipe) from the tube.
    

• • Some animals experience a higher-than-average level of discomfort following surgery.  If you feel that your pet’s discomfort goes beyond 24-36 hours or is excessive, please contact us or visit your regular veterinarian to discuss additional pain medication.

DO NOT GIVE YOUR PET ANY HUMAN PAIN MEDICATIONS WITHOUT TALKING TO YOUR VET, AS MANY ARE TOXIC TO ANIMALS AND CAN MAKE YOUR PET SICK OR CAUSE DEATH.

Videos on how to make your own e-collar

Learn how to make an e-collar for your cat: YouTube Video

Learn how to make an e-collar for your dog: YouTube Video

Post-Operation Care Video

ASPCA post op video (with Spanish)