Post-Operative Instructions

NEWSN Alliance will treat any post-operative complications resulting directly from the surgery whenever possible, if the below post-operative instructions have been followed in full. Your regular veterinarian should address illnesses or injuries that are not a direct result of surgery. Please call for an appointment as soon as you see cause for concern. We cannot be held responsible for complications resulting from failure to follow post-operative instructions, or from contagious diseases for which the animal was not previously properly vaccinated.

1. Limit Activity – Keep them indoors for 24 hours (except to go potty on leash) 

Some animals are active after surgery, while others remain quiet for a while. Either way, it is very important that you limit your pet's movements during the 7–10 day recovery period. Activity, such as running, jumping, or playing, will disrupt the healing process. They cannot regulate their body temperature for 24 hours, make sure they are kept indoors in a climate controlled environment during this critical time.  

2. Keep Them to a Regular Diet

Your pet can have a small snack on the night of surgery, and their appetite should return gradually within 24 hours. Do not change your pet's diet at this time, and do not give them junk food, table scraps, milk, or any other "people food" for seven days. Changes in their diet could hide post-surgical complications. Although patients' reactions to surgery can vary, lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting are NOT normal (lasting for more than 24 hours after surgery) and you should contact us immediately if these occur. We can then assess if your pet needs to be examined by a medical professional. If we are closed and your animal needs to be seen, you will need to take them to the emergency clinic in Spokane valley (509) 535-8743 or your local full service veterinarian.

3. Keep Their Incision Dry

Dogs and female cats have internal sutures that provide strength to the tissue as they heal; these will dissolve after approximately four months (sometimes you will notice a lump as the sutures begin to dissolve, this is caused as the sutures are absorbing into the skin. This bump will go down over time). Surgical glue has also been applied to the skin to seal the incision against bacteria and contamination.  Male cats do not have any sutures, and, unless you are told otherwise, your pet does not have external sutures.

Do not bathe your pet during the recovery period, or apply topical ointment to the incision site—the surgical glue on the incision will dissolve too quickly if it becomes wet. Pets must be kept indoors where they can stay clean, dry, and warm, although dogs can be walked on a leash to go to the toilet.

4. Check Their Incision Twice Daily

Female dogs and cats have an incision on their abdomen below their belly button. Male dogs and male cats have a surgical incision in the middle of the scrotum.  Check these incision sites twice daily. What you see when we release your pet is what we consider normal. There should not be any drainage. Mild bruising, redness and or swelling might occur post-surgery. This should be minimal. Any mild bruising or swelling in the first 24-48 hours can be reduced with a cool compress.  Male dogs and cats may appear as if they still have testicles; this is normal, and the swelling should subside gradually through the recovery period.

                                                                                                                                                                 @ 2024

Do not allow your pet to lick or chew at the incision. If this occurs, we recommend you purchase Bitter Apple, Bitter Orange spray OR deodorant to deter licking and chewing (place your finger over the incision and spray/apply around the area – do not place directly onto the incision—it will sting!). If this does not deter them from licking, an E-collar or Buster Collar must be applied to prevent them from being able to reach the area.

5. Monitor Their Post-Op Pain Levels

Our veterinarian employs a multi-modal pain management protocol—this means that different pain medications are administered before, during, and after surgery. Dogs go home with Gabapentin (administer as directed) and cats are given an injection during surgery that will last 24 hours.  If your pet appears to be in pain after getting home, please text or call (253) 242-3031, so we can assess whether or not your pet needs to be examined.

6. Keep In-Heat Females Away From Males

If your female dog or cat was in heat at the time of surgery, you must keep her away from un-neutered males for at least two weeks. While she is now unable to become pregnant, she will still attract intact males for a short period of time. If a male dog attempts to breed a female at this point, it can cause her serious trauma.

7. Look Out for Complications

Spaying and neutering are both very safe surgeries; however, as with all surgery, complications can occur. Minimal bruising, redness and swelling should resolve within several days, but if they persist longer or gets worse, please contact us. You should also contact us immediately if you notice any of the following:

Pale gums

Depression

Vomiting or Diarrhea

Discharge or bleeding from the incision

Difficulty urinating

Labored breathing

Not eating normally after 24-48 hours

8. Text if You Have Concerns

If you have any questions or concerns please text or call NEWSNA's office at (253) 242-3031.  We will contact you as soon as we are able and back in the office. 

If you have an emergency, contact your full service veterinarian, Emergency Pet Care in Post Falls  (208) 777-2707, or the Animal Emergency Clinic in Spokane Valley at (509) 535-8743. 

EVERY ANIMAL RECEIVED A GREEN TATTOO NEXT TO THEIR INCISION SITE =-)

HOURS OF OPERATION

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9-5