HOME CARE AFTER SPEYING

The Operation
Speying or desexing involves the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus through a small incision into the abdomen. This operation is called an ovariohysterectomy and prevents your pet from coming onto heat and becoming pregnant.

On Arrival Home
Please keep your pet inside on the first night after surgery to keep the wound clean and to monitor her after her general anaesthetic. A clean towel, sheet or blanket makes a good bed. Anaesthesia interferes with the body's ability to regulate temperature, so ensure her environment is warm. Let her rest as much as she wants.

Feeding
Offer her a light meal later in the evening, but she may n ot be hungry after her anaesthetic, in which case feed him as normal the next day.

Exercise
Restrict exercise for at least 5 days after surgery to minimise movement at the wound site. Leash walks for dogs are fine, but please discourage jumping and running. Cats and dogs can be lifted by supporting them under the chest and under the hindquarters. If other pets in the household want to play with the patient, it may be necessary to separate them for a few days.

The Wound
Check the wound daily. A small amount of swelling and sicharge of pinkish fluid is normal. However, if there is excessive swelling or discharge, please contact us. If you are unsure whether the wound is healing normally or not, contact the hospital, or bring your pet in for a check. If your pet licks or bites at the wound, she will need an Elizabethan collar which prevents her from reaching the wound.

Suture removal
Please bring your pet in for an appointment to have the stitches removed 10 days after surgery.