The Life Span Cycle Of Vet Care For Dogs

Pet Desexing: Three Post-Operation Guidelines for Safe Recovery

7 September 2022 by Leonard Wallace

If you have acquired a new pet, you should think about the benefits of desexing. Desexing is a procedure designed to sterilise animals and prevent reproduction. This measure is advantageous for reducing unplanned offspring after maturity. Keep in mind that indiscriminate pet reproduction often leads to abandoned or roaming animals. Moreover, spaying and neutering minimise the risk of diseases and disorders of reproductive organs. Unfortunately, desexing is a major surgery conducted under general anaesthesia. Therefore, there are significant dangers if proper caution is not exercised during the recovery period. Here are crucial guidelines to keep in mind for post-operation after pet desexing.

Promote Pet Comfort

Rest is essential for quick recovery after the surgical procedure. Your pet will most likely experience drowsiness or grogginess due to the anaesthesia administered. Therefore, prepare a clean and comfortable space for sleep. If you have an active pet, consider confinement in a pen or other enclosure to prevent accidents. In many cases, confinement is unnecessary because the pet will rest naturally. Make sure the sleeping area is clean and dry to prevent the infection of the wound. In addition, provide adequate food and water to your pet.

Prevent Suture Damage

The surgical wound sustained during the desexing process will be sutured by the veterinarian. The stitches must remain for the recommended period to ensure adequate healing. Unfortunately, the incision site can become itchy and irritated during the recovery period. Pets often attempt to soothe the irritation by licking, gnawing and scratching the sutures. These behaviours will cause the wound to open up, prolonging the recovery window. You should prevent suture damage by investing in an Elizabethan collar for your pet.

Monitor the Condition

Desexing is a straightforward surgery with minimal risk of complications. However, numerous factors involving your pet, such as environmental, genetic and behavioural aspects, can present obstacles to smooth recovery. Therefore, you should monitor the state of the animal to ensure early detection of anomalies. The most common complication after this type of procedure is infection. Watch out for symptoms such as swelling and the presence of discharge from the surgical wound. Also, if the pet exhibits distress due to pain after a few days, it could indicate slow or poor healing. Additionally, monitor for general indicators of poor health such as lethargy and difficulty walking. Note down the specific problems and consult the vet for guidance and treatment. Finally, make sure to keep the follow-up appointment with your veterinarian for suture removal, examination and professional guidance on pet care. 

For more info about pet desexing, contact a local professional. 

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