Veterinary Services
Pet Emergency Surgeries and Information
Primary Surgeries Performed
List of our procedures
- Splencectomy – removal of the spleen due to cancer and/or bleeding.
- Foreign Body Removal – removal of socks, toys, rocks, or anything else your pet has eaten and is now stuck causing an obstruction.
- Gastric Dilation and Volvulus (GDV) Correction – Sometimes referred to “Bloat” this is a serious life threatening condition that needs emergency surgery ASAP.
- Cesarean Section (C-Section) – Is your pet pregnant and having difficulty with their pregnancy or giving birth? We are here to help get those new puppies/kittens out surgically.
- Pyometra – One of the most common conditions in older intact females (female pets that have not been spayed) where infection gets into the uterus and it must then be removed surgically to save the pet’s life.
- And More! – The above list is the most common procedures that we perform in an emergency setting, however, we do provide additional surgeries based on the urgency and type of surgery. Contact us for more information.
What to Expect After Surgery
For the first 24-72 hours, it is normal for your pet to experience:
- Mild grogginess or sedation
- Increased resting or sleeping
- Decreased appetite
- Mild discomfort or soreness
- Temporary changes in bowel movements
- Mild bruising or swelling
These signs should gradually improve. If symptoms worsen instead of improving, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Recovery Expectations
Most pets recover smoothly following surgery when activity is restricted, medications are given as prescribed, and the e-collar is worn consistently. If you have any concerns regarding your pet’s recovery, please contact us or your veterinarian promptly.
When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Care
- Collapse
- Difficulty breathing
- Pale or white gums
- Excessive bleeding
- Incision opening
- Severe lethargy
- Persistent vomiting
- Uncontrolled pain
- Seizures
- Any rapid deterioration in condition
FAQs
Activity Restriction
Dogs
- Leash walks only for bathroom breaks.
- No running, rough play, or off-leash activity.
- No jumping – in/off furniture, into/out of vehicles.
- Limited access to stairs.
Cats
- Keep indoors and limit climbing, jumping, and strenuous activity
- Excessive activity may
- Cause pain
- Delay healing
- Lead to swelling or bleeding
- Cause sutures to fail or the incision to open
E-Collar (Cone) Instructions
The E-Collar Is Essential for Healing
Your pet should wear their e-collar (cone) at all times unless specifically instructed otherwise by your veterinarian.
Licking, chewing, or scratching at the incision can:
- Introduce bacteria and cause infection
- Remove sutures or staples
- Cause the incision to reopen
- Delay healing
- Result in additional veterinary treatment or surgery
Even a few minutes without the e-collar can lead to significant complications.
Incision Care
Normal Findings
- Mild redness
- Mild swelling
- Mild bruising
- Small amount of clear or blood-tinged drainage during the first 24 hours
Contact your veterinarian if you notice
- Significant redness or swelling
- Yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge
- Active bleeding
- Missing sutures or staples
- Gaping or opening of the incision
- Excessive pain at the surgical site
Do Not
- Bathe your pet
- Allow swimming or submerging incision in water
- Apply ointments, creams, peroxide, alcohol, or other products unless directed by a veterinarian
Medications
These may include
- Pain medications
- Antibiotics
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Anti-nausea medications
- Gastrointestinal Protectants
- Any medications prescribed or suggested by your veterinarian
Important
- Give medications as directed and complete the full course if prescribed.
- Do not give over-the-counter human medications unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian.
- Contact us if your pet vomits after medication administration or experiences a suspected medication reaction.
- Contact your veterinarian if your pet vomits after medication is administered, you miss multiple doses or you suspect you pet is having a medication reaction.
How Should I Feed My Pet?
- Offer a small meal tonight unless otherwise instructed.
- Offer small, frequent meals for the next 24-48 hours.
- Fresh water should be available at all times.
- Appetite may be decreased for 24–48 hours following anesthesia and surgery.
Contact your veterinarian if
- Your pet refuses food for more than 24 hours.
- Persistent vomiting occurs.
- Your pet is unable to keep water down.
What Complications Should I Monitor For?
Signs of Infection
- Increasing redness or swelling
- Discharge from the incision
- Foul odor
- Fever
Signs of Bleeding
- Pale gums
- Weakness
- Collapse
- Excessive bruising
- Blood soaking through bandages
Signs of Pain
- Crying or vocalizing
- Restlessness
- Panting
- Reluctance to move
- Decreased appetite
Other Concerning Signs
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Refusal to eat or drink
- Severe lethargy
- Any sudden change in condition
What Follow-Up Care Is Needed?
A follow-up appointment with your primary care veterinarian is recommended to monitor healing and remove any sutures or staples if necessary.
Unless otherwise directed:
- Recheck examination: 12–14 days after surgery
- Suture/staple removal: 12–14 days after surgery
Please bring any concerns regarding your pet's recovery to your veterinarian's attention at the recheck appointment. Recheck sooner if you have any concerns.
Tips on How to Keep Your Pet Calm During Recovery
- Set up a comfortable area away from children, other pets, and household activity.
- Provide soft bedding and easy access to food, water, and a place to rest.
- Keep the environment calm and quiet, especially during the first 24–48 hours.
- Indoor/Temperature controlled space is ideal if available.
Limit Activity
Provide Mental Enrichment
- Offer quiet enrichment activities such as food puzzles, snuffle mats, lick mats, or veterinarian-approved chew toys.
- Keep activities low-energy and avoid anything that encourages excitement.
Maintain a Normal Routine
- Pets often feel more secure when their daily schedule remains consistent.
- Feed, medicate, and take them outside at regular times whenever possible.
Watch for Signs of Stress or Pain
- Excessive panting or restlessness
- Crying, whining, or vocalizing
- Hiding or unusual behavior
- Refusal to eat or drink
- Excessive licking of the surgical site
- Swelling, redness, discharge, or bleeding from an incision
Medication
- Please contact us if you feel like your pet needs some medications to help keep them calm during the recovery process.
When to Contact a veterinarian
Please contact your veterinarian or return to LocalVet if you have concerns about your pet's recovery, pain level, appetite, activity, or incision appearance. Early intervention can help prevent more serious complications.
Remember: Your pet may seem to feel better before they are fully healed. Continuing activity restrictions and using the E-collar as directed are some of the most important ways you can support a smooth recovery.