SURGICAL DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

Your cat is recovering from major surgery which requires continued nursing care at home in order to ensure a successful outcome.  Your job in the recovery period at home is just as important as the procedure we just completed.

What restrictions are to be imposed?

Care at home mainly entails restriction of activity because your cat does not understand the significance of the recovery period.  He or she will become very active in a short period of time, and confinement indoors by you is of the utmost importance!  This entails:

No jumping or running

No stair climbing

No playing with other pets

No “rough-housing”

If your cat is to be left alone, it must be confined to a cage or other small area such as a child’s play pen or a shower stall.  This strict confinement must be continued during the entire convalescent period.  Excessive activity often leads to re-injury or serious complications that result in failure of surgical implant(s) or necessitate re-operation.  This means additional expense to you and added discomfort to your cat.

What are the signs that healing is not progressing properly?

Observe the incision daily for signs of redness, swelling, discharge or excessive licking.  The incision should look better each day.  Please do not hesitate to call if any of the above occur.  We have available various sizes of protective collars to keep your cat from licking the incision.  Licking usually leads to chewing out sutures, which can occur in a matter of minutes.  Call us as soon as possible if this occurs because this can result in an infection that is difficult to treat and may require hospitalization.

In general, your cat should improve gradually each day.  If it suddenly worsens please call us as soon as possible.  Our goal is to help your cat return to a normal and pain-free life.  Please call if you have any concerns.