Spaying your pet requires an incision in the abdomen and then internal surgery to remove the ovaries and uterus. After the uterus and ovaries are removed, the abdominal incision is closed in three layers – the muscle layer, the subcutaneous layer (under the skin) and the final skin closure. After the event, postoperative care must be followed to ensure optimal surgical site healing.
Pets do not always understand that they must rest, so we need you to assist us with their recovery – this is your most important task. Firstly, when you come home with your pet, put her into a small, warm, quiet area, especially in the first 12-24 hours. This is important as there will still be anaesthetic agents circulating through her system, making her drowsy and unsteady and affecting her ability to regulate her body temperature. These changes are quite normal following an anaesthetic and surgery. In addition, there will be some soreness, the same as humans, so she should not be expected to be entirely normal for a few days. For the first 24-48 hours, she may be quieter than usual or off-colour; she has had major surgery, after all. However, by 48 hours post-surgery, she should be happier and brighter with a normal appetite. If this is not the case, please get in touch with us, as she may need to return for a check-up.
Careful postoperative care on her first night is essential. On her first night at home, she is likely to be a little nauseous so give only small drinks at first, and if she manages these without any vomiting, offer her a SMALL meal. Do not be surprised if she is not interested in eating on the first night. If so, remove the food (leave her with water) and let her rest. However, if she is not interested in food the next day, you must contact us. Also, if any persistent vomiting occurs, please call us immediately.
Avoid off-leash exercise until we remove her stitches 10 days after the surgery. So, no chasing balls or jumping on beds or couches! This will help the wounds to heal without undue tension or trauma. Moreover, if your pet does not keep quiet, you can risk the stitches coming apart and the wound breaking down – this can lead to significant complications.
You must keep her stitches clean and dry. So please do not allow her to go swimming or wash her until we remove the stitches in 10 days. Note that bacteria can travel along the stitches in the skin, especially if they are wet, which could lead to an infection of the wound.
We encourage the use of an Elizabethan collar (or similar) to prevent her licking or chewing at the stitches. If you do not have a collar fitted please ensure that you monitor her for excessive licking or any chewing at the wound. If you notice this happening, she will require an Elizabethan collar (or a bucket) to be fitted immediately to ensure the wounds do not break down or become infected.
Generally there are few complications after the operation. However, there are some signs to watch for that may indicate a problem:
Dull and listless (especially if after the first 24-48 hours)
Pale gums
Excessive redness or irritation around the suture line
Swelling or lumpiness around or along the suture line
Discharge from the wound – pink-tinged, bloody or yellow.
If any of these occur, please contact us immediately.
Please arrange an appointment to remove the sutures 10 days after the operation.
