Postoperative Care at Pittwater Animal Hospital
If your furry companion has undergone a procedure at our facility today, we sincerely appreciate your confidence in our services. The recuperation phase at home plays a critical role in their recovery, and we are fully committed to assisting you throughout this process.
Should you ever find yourself uncertain about any aspect of your pet’s postoperative care, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at 9913 7979 or via email at reception@pittvets.au. In case our office is closed, you can seek assistance from NEVS (Northside Emergency Veterinary Service) at 9452 2933.
🐾 General Recommendations
- Fatigue is to be expected: Many pets experience drowsiness following anesthesia. Allow them to rest in a cozy, tranquil environment and minimize excessive handling.
- Offer a light meal: Some pets may feel a bit nauseous post-anesthesia. Initially, provide them with half of their regular meal; if they show interest, you can offer more later.
Bathroom breaks: Upon returning home, take your pet outside for a bathroom break promptly, especially if they have been at the hospital all day.
🩹 Care for Wounds & Surgical Areas
Rest is crucial:
Following major surgery, it is imperative for your pet to observe strict rest for a minimum of 5 days. Activities such as running, jumping, or strenuous play can result in
Safeguarding the wound:
Pets may inadvertently disrupt their surgical incision. As a precaution, we typically provide pets with an Elizabethan collar (e-collar) to prevent licking or chewing. These collars should be worn continuously, including overnight.
For dogs with elongated noses that can still access wounds, alternative solutions may be necessary:
- Protective doughnut collars (available at the reception)
- Postoperative bodysuits (available online, e.g., Medisuit Australia)
- Wounds tend to heal best when kept clean and dry.
- Most surgical wounds do not require bandages and are better left uncovered. If we have applied a bandage or adhesive dressing, it may detach within a few days, which is normal.
Monitoring the wound:
Conduct daily inspections for signs of:
- Redness or swelling
- Discharge or unusual odor
- Increased attention to or licking of the area
💡 If you have concerns, sending a photo to reception@pittvets.au is often the quickest way to receive guidance.
In the event of bleeding, apply gentle pressure for 15 minutes without peeking underneath. Typically, minor bleeding ceases with pressure alone.
💊 Pain Management, Medications & Anxiety
We employ adequate pain management protocols; however, certain pets, particularly those sensitive or anxious, may necessitate additional medication. Kindly inform us if your pet appears restless, uncomfortable, or unusually subdued.
Pain relief must always be administered with food and strictly as directed. Avoid altering the dosage unless instructed to do so.
On occasion, we may recommend short-term anti-anxiety medication to promote a calm recovery period for your pet.
🦷 Dental & Other Procedures
- Following dental procedures, a minor amount of oral bleeding is normal. Offer soft food for a few days while the mouth heals.
- In cases where a lump or growth was excised, it may have been forwarded for histopathological analysis. Results typically require 5–10 days. We will notify you upon their receipt or discuss them during the wound examination.
📅 Follow-Up Appointments
- A wound assessment is typically necessary 10 days post-surgery. You can schedule this before departure or utilize our online booking system.
- Most postoperative evaluations are complimentary when conducted by a nurse; however, a consultation fee may apply if a veterinarian’s expertise is required.
- Additional medications, dressings, or follow-up examinations may incur charges.
💻 Insurance Claims & Follow-Up Blood Tests
- For insured pets, kindly furnish your policy details to our reception team for online claim submissions.
- If your pet underwent a pre-anesthetic blood test that revealed any irregularities, we may recommend a follow-up assessment. You will receive a reminder via text when this is due.
🌙 After-Hours Assistance
If our office is closed, and you have concerns regarding your pet:
- Reach out to NEVS in Terrey Hills at 9452 2933
- If your pet visits NEVS within 24 hours of being treated at PAH, a discounted consultation is available.
- NEVS can also provide e-collars if your pet starts licking outside of regular business hours.
Final Remarks
The well-being of your pet is of utmost importance to us. Rest assured that any worries you may have, regardless of their size, are a priority for us as well.
📞 Call us: 9913 7979
📧 Email: reception@pittvets.au
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