Surgical Discharge Instructions ~ Pawprints and Purrs, Inc.

Pawprints and Purrs, Inc.
Cat Health Care
Information by Condition or Disease

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Any health care links located here are NOT to replace a veterinarian visit; please take your cat to a vet immediately at any sign of odd behavior or any symptoms of illness or injury. Call your vet and describe your cat's symptoms with any of your concerns about the cat's well-being. Your veterinarian may discover changes in your cat's health that you have overlooked. It is always better to err on the side of caution.

Surgical Discharge Instructions

If your cat is recovering from major surgery, he requires continued nursing care at home in order to ensure a successful outcome. Your job in the recovery period at home is just as important as the procedure your vet just completed.

What restrictions are to be imposed?

Care at home mainly entails restriction of activity because your cat does not understand the significance of the recovery period. He or she will become very active in a short period of time, and confinement indoors by you is of the utmost importance. This entails:

No jumping or running

No stair climbing

No playing with other pets

No rough-housing

If your cat is to be left alone, he must be confined to a cage or other small area such as a child’s play pen or a shower stall. This strict confinement must be continued during the entire convalescent period. Excessive activity often leads to re-injury or serious complications that result in failure of surgical implant(s) or necessitate re-operation. This means additional expense to you and added discomfort and pain to your cat.

What are the signs that healing is not progressing properly?

Observe the incision daily for signs of redness, swelling, discharge or excessive licking. The incision should look better each day. Please do not hesitate to call your vet if any of the above occur. There are various sizes of protective collars to keep your cat from licking the incision. Licking usually leads to chewing out sutures, which can occur in a matter of minutes. Call your vet as soon as possible if this occurs because this can result in an infection that is difficult to treat and may require hospitalization.

In general, your cat should improve gradually each day. If he suddenly worsens please call your vet as soon as possible. Your vet will help your cat return to a normal and pain-free life. Please call him if you have any concerns.

Page URL: http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/surg-discharge.html

Resource References:
Much, much appreciation to Dr. Raymond Van Lienden, DVM of Clifton, VA USA for his extensive research in locating the material found on this page. Thank you, dear Doctor!