Question 1

My pet hasn’t had a bowel movement (pooped) yet. Is that okay?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is very normal. Most pets do not have a bowel movement for 3 to 5 days after surgery. This happens because they had an empty stomach for surgery and the anesthesia medicine makes their insides move a bit slower for a few days. As long as your pet is eating and doesn't seem to be straining or hurting, you do not need to worry.

Question 2

My pet isn’t drinking much water. Is that a problem?

Accepted Answer

No, it is very common for pets to drink very little for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery. During surgery, your pet was given IV fluids (water through a tube). This keeps them very hydrated, so they simply aren't thirsty yet. Also, if you are adding water to their food or feeding wet food, they are getting their water from their meals. Just keep fresh water nearby. Don't try to force them to drink.

Question 3

My pet has swelling around the ankle. What is that?

Accepted Answer

It might look scary, but puffiness around the ankle is usually just gravity at work. Fluid from the surgery spot (like the knee) naturally slides down the leg and settles at the ankle. It usually feels soft and cool, like a little water balloon. This is normal and will go away on its own. If the area feels hot, looks very red, or seems to cause a lot of pain, please let us know.

Question 4

Can my dog be bathed or groomed after surgery?

Accepted Answer

No water should touch the incision site until the sutures or staples have been removed and the skin is fully healed (usually 10 to 14 days for dogs, 3 weeks for cats).

Do not give your dog a bath or let them go swimming until the stitches are out and the skin is fully closed, as moisture can introduce bacteria into the incision. If your pet gets dirty, you may use a damp cloth or "waterless shampoo" on other parts of their body, being careful to stay far away from the incision.

Grooming: We recommend waiting at least 4 weeks for professional grooming to ensure the surgical site is strong enough to handle the handling and drying equipment.

Question 5

My dog got away from me and ran around. Now they are limping!

Accepted Answer

While strict activity restriction is vital, "accidents" happen. Sudden activity can cause inflammation, strain healing tissues, or in rare cases, affect surgical implants.

Immediate Steps: 
1.  Immediately return your pet to "strict crate rest." 
2.  Monitor their comfort level. 
3.  If they are "toe-touching" or mildly limping, they may have just caused some temporary inflammation.

If your pet is completely non-weight bearing (holding the leg up entirely), seems to be in significant pain, or if the limp does not improve within 24 hours of rest, please call us to schedule a recheck or X-ray.

Question 6

How long does my pet need to stay on the prescribed medications, especially if they seem to be feeling better?

Accepted Answer

The answer depends on the type of medication:

• Pain medication is prescribed based on your pet’s specific surgery and individual needs. While the full course is intended to be completed, if your pet appears comfortable at home, we can discuss the option of tapering or discontinuing these medications early.

• Antibiotics and other systemic medications should be given for the entire prescribed course, even if your pet seems to be improving. Stopping early can contribute to relapse or resistance.

• Trazodone (or other calming/sedation medications) MUST be continued until your pet is fully healed. This typically means until stitch removal for soft tissue procedures, or for orthopedic patients, until bone healing is confirmed with follow-up X-rays.

Question 7

How long until the incision is fully healed?

Accepted Answer

We schedule your pet’s postoperative recheck for the time we expect the incision to be fully healed. This timeline may be adjusted based on how your pet is doing in the days following surgery.

• For dogs, incisions are generally healed within 10–14 days
 • For cats, we recommend a longer period of 14–21 days due to differences in skin blood supply

At the recheck appointment, we will examine the incision and remove any non-absorbable sutures or staples, if healing is satisfactory. Once this recheck is completed, and the incision is confirmed to be healed, your pet no longer needs to wear their Elizabethan collar (E-collar, “cone of shame,” etc.).

We do recommend monitoring your pet closely for a few days after the recheck, in case they start licking or scratching at the incision. If that occurs, the E-collar should be used for a few additional days.

Dr. Christopher James Wood, DVM (Dist), MS, BSc
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Small Animal)

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