Sample aftercare instructions for general soft tissue surgery

The surgical incision should be inspected daily for any evidence of infection. Signs of infection include excessive redness, heat, swelling, pain, and/or any discharge (such as pus). Please contact VSA as soon as possible if any of these signs are observed.

Your pet should not be allowed to lick or chew at the incision, as this can interfere with appropriate healing and may introduce bacteria to the surgical site. Please contact us for advice if your pet exhibits this behavior. An Elizabethan collar or other deterrent may be required to stop this behavior until skin closure is removed.

Bathing should be avoided until skin closure has been removed and the incision determined to be adequately healed.

For the first 2 days after your pet is discharged from the hospital, please apply a cold compress to the surgical site (incision) 3-4 times a day for 5-10 minutes. For the next 5 days, please place a warm compress on the area 3-4 times a day for 5-10 minutes. This helps to decrease swelling and discomfort.

Please keep your pet strictly confined for the next 2 weeks. This means he/she is to be confined to a small room or crate with a nonskid floor surface when he/she is left unattended. Your pet is to be kept on a leash when walked outside. Walks should be limited to 1 block, 2 to 3 times daily. Under no circumstance should your pet be allowed to run free, inside the house or outside the yard. Stairs, jumping, and climbing are to be avoided.

Please make an appointment to have your pet’s skin staples removed in 10-14 days.