Your pet will be groggy for 12 - 24 hours following the procedure.  This is due to the anesthetic and pain drugs administered.  If your pet has a bandaid or medical tape on its leg where the iv catheter was, it can be removed once you are home.  Most pets should not be fed the evening of the procedure due to nausea.  Your pet can have water if it is interested.  Follow label instructions for any medications your pet was sent home with, starting the first morning following surgery.   Do not allow your pet to lick, scratch, or pull at its toes or any sutures.  Pets go home with an E-Collar (looks like a lamp-shade) to prevent licking and chewing the surgery site.  Keep it on your pet and do not shorten it.  You will need to use only paper litter in the litter pan for 10 days-- this can be "homemade" shredded newspaper or paper towels, or a purchased pelleted recycled paper such as "Yesterday's News."  This is to prevent infection that can occur due to germs in clay and clumpable litter.  Most declawed cats do not have any stitches that need removed.  If your pet has stitches, we will remove them at no charge, in 10 - 14 days following the procedure.  DO NOT allow your pet to run, jump, or "rough house" for 14 days following surgery.  This means leash walking only, few stairs, and possibly crating.  This is to prevent bleeding.   Look at the surgery site daily, and contact us if you see any swelling, oozing, red or purple color.  Also contact us if your pet does not get over the grogginess, repeatedly vomits, or you have any other concerns.  phone: 740-374-7387 (or 304-428-8387 after hours).

Dental Procedure:

Your pet will be groggy for 12 - 24 hours following the procedure.  This is due to the anesthetic and pain drugs administered.  If your pet has a bandaid or medical tape on its leg where the iv catheter was, it can be removed once you are home.  Most pets should not be fed the evening of the procedure.  Your pet can have water if it is interested.  If your pet had any extracted teeth, you may see a tinge of blood in your pet's saliva for a few days.  When your pet does resume feeding, most pets do fine on dry food immediately, and some sensitive individuals may do better on soft food for a few days.  Your pet's teeth were cleaned of all tartar buildup and p0lished, and fluoride was applied to strengthen enamel.  We recommend continued dental care at home by brushing at least twice a week, and using dental diets. Less effective options are pet dental chews and dental sprays/rinses.  Follow label instructions for any medications your pet was sent home with, starting the first morning following the procedure.   Also contact us if your pet does not get over the grogginess, repeatedly vomits, or you have any other concerns.  phone: 740-374-7387 (or 304-428-8387 after hours).

Orthopedic Procedure (splint or bone/ joint surgery):

Your pet will be groggy for 12 - 24 hours following the procedure.  This is due to the anesthetic and pain drugs administered.  If your pet has a bandaid or medical tape on its leg where the iv catheter was, it can be removed once you are home.  Follow label instructions for any medications your pet was sent home with, starting the first morning following the procedure.   If your pet had a procedure that leaves an exposed end of a bone pin, apply neosporin liberally to the skin opening daily.  Do not allow your pet to lick, scratch, or pull at any sutures, staples, or bandages. Pets go home with an E-Collar (looks like a lamp-shade) to prevent licking and chewing the surgery site.  Keep it on your pet and do not shorten it.  Your pet may have any of the following: 1) skin stitches, 2) skin staples, 3) dissolvable stitches just under the skin, 4) no stitches.  If your pet has skin stitches or staples, we will remove them at no charge, in 10 - 14 days following the procedure. YOU MUST enforce restricted activity during healing (usually 8 - 10 weeks) to allow for best possible outcome.   This means leash walking only, no stairs, and possibly crating. NO jumping, running, stair climbing, etc.  This is to prevent excessive movement of bone or joint at the surgery or injury site which will delay healing.   Some pets need assistance getting up and moving- this can be done by either carrying the pet if small, or if larger- use a sheet or towel as a sling under the belly to support your pet.  If a splint is in place, check it daily for signs of chewing, wear, or slipping.  A splint that has loosened or slipped is not effective.  We will need to recheck your pet every 2-4 weeks during healing.   If it is visible, look at the surgery site daily, and contact us if you see any swelling, oozing, red or purple color, or stitch loss.  Also contact us if your pet does not get over the grogginess, repeatedly vomits, or you have any other concerns.  Bring any splints or materials that have come off your pet with you to our office.  phone: 740-374-7387 (or 304-428-8387 after hours)