While you might not want to think about your pet being injured and needing surgery, it's best to stay prepared and informed about pet surgical procedures beforehand. At Animal Urgent Care of South Orange County, we have a trusted emergency veterinarian in Mission Viejo that can help answer your questions about your pet's surgery, provide post-operative care, and help them thrive after their operation.
How Long Does Post-Operative Recovery Take?
The time it takes for your pet to recover from surgery will depend on the type of surgery they had. For example, a simple spay or neuter will have a shorter recovery time than something like an orthopedic procedure. In general, most pets take 7-10 days to recover from surgery. However, this can vary depending on the individual animal.
What Happens during Post-Operative Recovery?
During the first few days after surgery, your pet will likely feel sleepy and groggy from the anesthesia. They may not have much appetite and may not want to move around much. This is normal! It's important to let your pet rest and not force them to do anything they don't want. As your pet starts to feel better, they will likely begin to eat, drink, and move around more. They may still be a bit sore from the surgery, so it's important to let them take things at their own pace.
Medications for Post-Operative Recovery
After surgery, your pet will likely be prescribed pain medication to help them deal with any discomfort they may be feeling. It's important to follow the veterinarian's instructions on giving these medications and not to skip any doses.
You may also be given antibiotics to give your pet after surgery. These are important in preventing infection at the surgical site. Again, follow the veterinarian's instructions on giving these medications, and don't skip any doses.
When to Call our Emergency Veterinarian after Surgery
Even though most pets recover from surgery without complications, it's still important to be on the lookout for signs of something wrong. If your pet is not eating or drinking, seems to be in a lot of pain, has a fever, or is vomiting or having diarrhea, give Animal Urgent Care of South Orange County a call right away.
Contact Animal Urgent Care of South Orange County in Mission Viejo
If your pet needs surgery, you want to ensure they're in good hands. At Animal Urgent Care of South Orange County, we have a team of experienced and compassionate veterinarians who can provide the care your pet needs. Contact us today at (949) 364-6228 to learn more!