Discharge Instructions for Spay (OHE)

An ovariohysterectomy (“spay”) procedure was performed on your pet today.  The female reproductive organs, including the ovaries and uterus, were removed.  This is considered a major abdominal surgery and involved the use of general anesthesia.

• You may offer ½ of regular feeding the evening of surgery.  Anesthesia and abdominal surgery may cause nausea and vomiting.  Your pet may not be interested in food the evening of surgery or the following day.

• You may offer water to your pet as normal.  Please note if large volumes of water are consumed, this could cause vomiting.  If you notice vomiting after drinking, small amounts of water or ice cubes given in frequent intervals is recommended.

• Do NOT give any over-the-counter medications for pain (Tylenol, ibuprofen,or aspirin, etc.) These medications can be extremely harmful, sometimes fatal, if given to pets. Your pet was given an injection for pain at the time of surgery that should last for 24 hours.  We will also dispense additional oral pain medications for the days following surgery if requested.  If your pet seems painful, please contact our office for appropriate pain medication.

•  Restrict exercise, jumping, and rough play as much as possible for 2 weeks to allow proper healing.  Leash walks to the bathroom are recommended the first few days after surgery.  Cats may continue to use their litterbox as normal.

• If your pet was “in heat” when spayed, keep her away from male dogs/cats for 2 weeks.  If accidentally bred, of course she can not get pregnant, BUT internal suture could be torn causing internal bleeding and even death.

• No bathing or swimming for 2 weeks following surgery.  Your pet’s incision needs to stay clean and dry.

•  It may be normal for your pet to be groggy today and possibly tomorrow.  Keep your pet in a protected environment so that she stays warm and does not get hurt.

• Some bruising and inflammation is expected and normal at the incision site post-operatively.  If you notice severe redness, swelling, or oozing at the incision, please call our office. 

•  Occasional dripping of blood or a blood tinged fluid is normal for first 24-48 hrs, but if it seems excessive please contact us.

• DO NOT allow pet to lick or chew at incision.  E-collars are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to prevent post-operative complications.  If e-collar is not purchased at time of discharge, and you notice your pet licking or chewing at incision, you may pick up an e-collar from our office.  They can also be found at pet stores.

• If medications were sent home, please give medication prescribed as directed on the label.

• Many pets will not have bowel movements for 1 ‑ 3 days after anesthesia.  This is normal, provided she is acting normal otherwise.  

• Your pet's sutures are internal and will dissolve on their own.  No suture removal or follow-up exam is necessary following a routine spay performed in our office.  Our doctor or staff will let you know if a follow-up exam is recommended for any reason.

Notify us if any of the following occur: 

·       Vomiting or Diarrhea after 24 hours

·       Refusal to eat after 48 hours

·       Severe pain

·       Any evidence of significant bleeding from the incision

·       Continuous licking or chewing at the incision

·       Excessive redness, swelling or oozing at incision

·       The incision opens 

Additional Information:

Spaying does NOT cause a pet to get fat or lazy.  This comes from overfeeding & lack of exercise.  After spaying, your pets nutritional needs do change.  Most pets require about 25% less calories per day after spaying and neutering due to changes in hormone levels.  In order to prevent obesity your pet needs a reduction in its daily food ration and get plenty of exercise.

Personalities are NOT changed by the procedure.  Some pet unwanted behaviors may be caused by the sexual hormones and sometimes will decrease once the pet is spayed. 

Our primary concern is the comfort and healing of your pet.  Please call the clinic at any time you have a question or concern.  Spays are normally routine major surgeries and rarely have complications.  Each pet is unique and any complications are better treated early, so the sooner you contact us with concerns the sooner we can intervene if needed.  936-295-8106

If you feel your pet needs emergency medical attention after-hours, please call or proceed to one of the nearest veterinary emergency clinics:

Willis Emergency Animal Clinic

Animal Emergency Center of Conroe

Texas A&M University Medical Teaching Hospital