Before surgery

• No food after midnight (unless very young kitten or puppy).

• No food in the morning before surgery, water is fine.

• Pets must be in carriers large enough to turn around.

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After Surgery

• Please leave your pet in the carrier or trap until the effects of anesthesia have completely worn off.

• It is important to KEEP THEM WARM when transporting them home and until they are fully awake and alert. 

• You may offer your pet about 1/4 to 1/2 of their normal diet the evening of their surgery if they are awake and alert.

• Non-feral male cats should be kept quiet and confined for 36 hours.

• Non-feral female cats should be kept quiet and confined for at least 10 days. This means restricting running, jumping, and playing. A dog crate or small room should be used.

• Dissolvable sutures are used so you don’t have to bring your cat back for suture removal.

• The incision is closed with stitches under the skin and then skin glue is applied. Female cats have a small, green line placed near the incision to show that they have been spayed.

• Inspect incision area daily for swelling, redness or drainage. A small amount of redness is normal and sometimes an animal will have a small reaction to the suture material. This will result in a small raised area, or bump, usually at the end of the incision site. This may not occur until weeks after the surgery.

• If your pet keeps trying to lick or chew the incision, an E-collar should be used and left on until the incision is completely healed.

• Some pets will develop a firm, non-painful lump under the incision. This is an inflammatory reaction and should resolve within two to three weeks.

• Generally, your pet does not need more than pain medication than has already been given. If you feel that your cat is in pain, please consult with your regular veterinarian to determine if they need more pain medication.

• For non-emergency post-op questions or concerns please call Orphans of the Storm. For emergency questions, contact your veterinarian.

• We will provide a follow-up examination free of charge for any incision or surgery related concern.