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. 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).

4. 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.