Preparing your pet for an operation

It doesn't matter if it's a routine neutering or complicated knee surgery – knowing your pet needs an operation can be an upsetting and stressful time for anyone.

Understanding what to expect can make the whole process a bit easier for you and your companion. Here's our guide to helping your pet before and after their operation:

Before your pet's surgery

Your vet will want to check that your pet is healthy enough for their operation:

• They'll ask questions about your pet's current health and their history.
• They'll talk to you about any risks that might be involved in the operation.
• If your pet is carrying any extra weight, your vet might suggest putting them on a diet before their operation. This will help make surgery safer for your pet.
• Your vet will want to give your pet a full check-up shortly before their operation.

Your vet will use certain drugs to create a general anaesthetic to allow them to have medical procedures without pain of distress. Going under general anaesthetic always involves some degree of risk and your vet will speak to you about this beforehand. Advances in vet science and medicine mean that we are able to reduce the risks.

What to expect on the day of your pet's operation

It's normal to have some questions before your pet's surgery. Here are some answers to common questions:

Should I feed my pet before they go for their operation?

Dogs and cats shouldn’t be fed after midnight before their surgery. It’s fine for them to have water, but this should also be stopped after about 7 am. This helps to reduce the risks involved with anaesthesia so it is important to follow your vet’s instructions on when to take your pet’s food and water away.

Rabbits and other small animals need to eat regularly so shouldn’t be starved overnight. Withholding food would be very dangerous for them. Speak to your vet if you’re not sure what to do.

What will happen to my pet after I drop them off?

Your pet will be looked after and prepared for surgery. They may be given some medication to help reduce any pain or anxiety. Depending on the procedure, they might have to have some fur shaved off where they’re being operated on, and a little on their leg where medicine will be given to them through a drip. Before some operations your vet might do an x-ray or other checks like an ultrasound. Once everything’s ready, your pet will be taken through to the operating theatre.

What will happen after their operation?

After their operation, your pet will be moved to the recovery ward. They might be given additional pain relief as they start to wake up from their surgery.

At PDSA, there is always a trained member of staff on the recovery wards to monitor pets as they come round from the anaesthetic. As well as providing excellent care, they will often give your pet a cuddle and reassurance if they seem to want a bit of company!

Your vet will usually give you a call once the operation is over to let you know how they are doing and when you can pick them up. They might want to make sure your pet has had something to eat and drink before they can go home.

Will my pet need to stay overnight?

After most routine operations like neutering, your pet won’t need to stay in overnight. However, your vet will usually want to keep patients in for careful monitoring after more serious surgeries. Even if your pet needs to stay in overnight, your vet will phone you after their operation to let you know how it went and when you are likely to be able to collect them.

How to help your pet recover from an operation

Just like us, pets need lots of care and attention after any surgery. Even once home, it’s a good idea not to leave them on their own for a day or so. That way you can keep a close eye on them and check they are recovering well.

Here are some other things you can do to help your pet recover:

• Keep them calm. Make sure your pet has somewhere quiet, warm and safe to rest while they recover at home.
• Help them take it easy. Your vet might recommend that your pet takes it nice and easy until they’re fully recovered. This can mean limiting their walks or time outside, and encouraging them to rest rather than play. Take dogs outside on a lead to go to the toilet and make sure your cat has access to a litter tray of their own while they are kept inside. Your pet might quickly get bored, but giving them plenty of cuddles and attention will help them pass the time.
• Bring their appetite back. Some pets might go off their food for a few days after surgery. This is normal. Warming up their food so it has a stronger smell might help them to get their appetite back. Try not to force them, as sometimes this can put them off altogether. If you are worried and they aren’t eating at all, then you should ask your vet for advice.
• Take their mind off their stitches. It’s important that your pet doesn’t lick, bite or scratch at their stiches. This could open their wound or cause a nasty infection. A cone or surgical vest can help prevent licking or scratching. If you notice them worrying at their stitches then try to distract them.
• Set a reminder for their medication. Your vet will tell you if you’ll need to give your pet any medicine or painkillers. They’ll talk you through when to give these, and how many your pet will need. It’s a good idea to write this down or set reminders in your phone – it’s quite easy to forget, especially when your pet starts to perk up and look better.
• Do a daily check. It’s important to check around your pet’s stitches for any sign of infection like swelling, bleeding or pus. Other things to check for are redness, a strong smell or if the area starts to feel hot. Call your vet if your pet seems really unwell, throws up, or if you notice anything else unusual, call your vet.
• Take your pet to all their follow up appointments. Your vet and vet nurse will want to see your pet again to check they’re recovering well. Your pet might also need to have their stitches removed. It’s important to go to all of these appointments, even if your pet seems fine.

How long should your pet’s recovery take?

This depends on the type of operation your pet has, as well as their age and general health.

Your pet should recover quickly from a neutering operation, with male pets feeling better after a couple of days and female pets being back to normal after a week or so.

Complicated operations, like ones on your pet’s knees or hips, could take six weeks or more to recover from. Recovery from any emergency surgery can also take a little bit of extra time. Your vet will always let you know when your pet should be back to their normal selves.