WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER THE SURGERY? 


 

Here are some common things to expect after a spay or neuter:

 

• Grogginess: It's common for pets to be a little tired the evening after their speuter surgery. But if your pet is super sleepy, not responsive to your touch or voice, or otherwise acting in a concerning manner, it's time to reach out to your mentor or GK Medical.



• Medications: Though often considered routine procedures, speuters are significant surgeries, and your pet may be prescribed medications to encourage healing and recovery. Your pet may be prescribed veterinary-specific pain medication to manage pain or discomfort after medications administered around surgery wear off.



• Monitor Eating & Drinking: Since your foster had anesthesia, their water and food should be limited immediately upon returning home and in the evening following their procedure. Follow the veterinarian's go-home instructions with regard to reintroducing food to cats after surgery as they can vary.


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Spay and Neuter Aftercare for Cats & Dogs


 

Limit activity

Strict activity restriction is necessary following spay and neuter surgeries. Activities like running, jumping, and playing can result in stitches failing, bleeding, pain, and other post-surgical problems. Restrict your foster pet's post-speuter activity for 10–14 days, according to the veterinarian’s instructions.




Prevent Licking and Chewing


Elizabethan collars ("cones" or E-collars) are important to prevent your foster pet from licking, chewing, or scratching their surgical area. If the surgery vet recommends a cone following surgery, be sure to use it as advised to avoid potentially serious problems.


 

Surgical Site Care


Monitor your foster pet's speuter incision area daily for signs of swelling, discharge, bleeding, or any other problems. If you're noticing any concerning symptoms, be sure to contact GK Medical. Most speuter skin incisions are fully healed within about 10–14 days, which coincides with the time that stitches or staples, if any, will need to be removed.


 

Bathing and Swimming


Don't bathe your foster pet or let them swim until their stitches or staples have been removed and your veterinarian has cleared you to do so. If no visible skin sutures/staples were placed, wait at least 10–14 days until the skin incision is fully healed before bathing or swimming.