• Keep your pet indoors for a week following surgery. This will allow you to carefully observe your pet’s recovery, prevent complications, and respond quickly if complications develop.
  • Restrict your animal’s activity for the next 14 days. DO NOT allow any running, jumping or excessive playing. This can cause swelling and irritation around the incision site and possibly cause the incision to re-open. Should either of these occur, contact the Roanoke Valley SPCA or your veterinarian immediately.
  • Check the surgical incision twice daily for the next 2-3 weeks as the incision heals completely. Look for swelling, redness or discharge. A small amount of clear or red-tinged fluid from the incision may be normal for the first day following surgery. It is not abnormal for a small firm lump or raised area to develop around the incision site. This usually indicates a suture reaction, not necessarily a hernia. If the lump does not resolve, increases in size or seems painful at any time contact the Roanoke Valley SPCA.
  • Do not let your pet lick or scratch at the incision. Licking and scratching will lead to infection or opening of the site. If you expect your pet will lick at the incision, you can purchase an e-collar from us or your local pet store. The e-collar should be worn by your pet at all times for 7-10 days.
  • DO NOT allow your pet to get wet for 14 days. This includes bathing and swimming.
  • NO over-the-counter or human pain medications!! Only give your pet the pain medications that were prescribed at the time of surgery. If you feel your pet is in pain, please call the Roanoke Valley SPCA so we can prescribe additional pain medication as needed that is safe for your pet.
  • The suture used during surgery will dissolve and be absorbed by the body as part of the healing process. The suture does not need to be removed unless otherwise noted.
  • Anesthesia may result in an upset stomach. A small amount of water and food can be offered in the late evening following surgery. It is common for some animals to have a decreased appetite for 24 hours. If your pet does not begin to eat and drink after 24 hours, call your veterinarian immediately.
  • The Roanoke Valley SPCA will treat at our clinic, at minimal cost, any post-operative complications resulting directly from surgery, if the above post-operative instructions are followed in full. Contact the Roanoke Valley SPCA clinic during regular business hours (Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm) if your animal is demonstrating weakness, lethargy, swelling or redness of the incision site, open incisions, or bleeding.
  • For other questions about your animal’s health, or for emergencies, contact your veterinarian or the nearest Animal Emergency Clinic.
  • It is advised that your animal receive a post-operative examination with your regular veterinarian 7-10 days after surgery. Please have the incision checked for complete healing and to discuss additional needs, follow up care and booster vaccinations.

Owners will be responsible for paying the cost of any and all veterinary care provided by outside veterinarians