2. Keep your pet indoors in a QUIET, climate-controlled place for at least 3 days. Your pet will be groggy for the first night. Keep your pet away from children, other pets, stairs, and other hazards. Strict exercise restriction is required for 7 – 10 days.

3. If your pet was in heat, she must be kept away from intact males for two weeks to prevent serious internal injury.

4. Your pet’s sutures (stitches) are not visible and do not need to be removed. Monitor the incision over the next 14 days.

• A moderate amount of swelling is normal as long as your pet has a normal appetite and activity level.
  Male dogs should not be allowed to lick the surgery site – use an E-collar or put on men’s jockey underwear (backwards, with the tail through the fly) to prohibit licking.
• Male cats will have an open incision and may spot blood for 24 hours. Keep them off of good furniture.
• Most female pets will not bother the incision, but if they do, prohibit licking of the surgery site (put on a long, snug t-shirt).

5. Post-surgical concerns: You may reach the POP-NC doctor on call for surgical emergencies only. You should call immediately if you notice:

• Discharge or bleeding or excessive swelling or redness at the surgical site
• Removal of internal stitches or opening of the incision
• Depression, lethargy, vomiting, or lack of appetite after the first day home

To schedule appointments or for general questions, please call our office at 1-919-942-2250.