Following a procedure you will be asked to arrange one or more post op checks. It is appreciated that sometimes this isn’t convenient especially if you have to juggle work and other commitments or arrange transport. Perhaps your pet doesn’t like travelling or coming into the practice. You might wonder if these checks really are necessary, especially if there aren’t any stitches or bandages/dressings to remove. However, post op checks are important, so I urge you to take your pet back for their follow up appointments even if they seem OK.

If your pet has any problems or symptoms discussed at discharge, or if you have any concerns, don’t wait until the post op check, contact your practice for advice. 

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Why are post-operative checks important?

Although most pets recover well without any problems, post-operative complications do happen. Your Vet or Nurse will want to examine your pet to ensure that they are healing as expected, that they are as pain free as possible during their recovery and are generally doing well. Vets and Nurses have the experience of seeing many post-operative patients and wounds; they will know what is normal or not at each stage of healing. Any problems will be picked up earlier which is likely to lead to a better outcome. 

Several early post-op complications can be prevented with vigilant post-op care, so your practice team will want to make sure that you are managing this potentially challenging time. There are all sorts of difficulties; they may not seem themselves, you may struggle to give medication, keeping a bouncy dog quiet after surgery is difficult and Elizabethan collars can be cumbersome to manage.

What to expect at a post-op check?

Your vet or nurse will ask you how your pet has been since the operation. They will want to know if your pet is behaving normally, or do they seem off colour? Are they comfortable? Have you been struggling with any of the post operative care instructions? 

In addition to asking questions about your pet’s recovery, a patient specific examination will be carried out. Surgical sites and wounds will be checked. 

Post-operative care plans can be changed if necessary

For example, if your pet is not coping with wearing an elizabethan collar (aka the cone of shame) this might be changed to a body suit or a dressing applied to protect wounds. If you are struggling with medication there may be an alternative available. If your pet is in pain, your vet may be able to prescribe further pain relief. 

You may have been given a lot of information when your pet was discharged, so this is also your chance to ask questions if there is anything you aren’t sure about or raise any concerns about your pet’s recovery.

If your pet does have a postoperative complication this will be discussed with you and any treatment or intervention carried out.

What complications can occur?

Even when surgery is planned, or your pet is young and otherwise healthy complications do happen. Some of these include:

  • Self-trauma – this is when your pet licks or rubs their own wound and it is important to prevent this. Your vet or nurse can help you find a solution.
  • Wound dehiscence / breakdown – the wound edges have come apart / the wound has opened up.
  • Hernia – this is usually seen as a lump and your vet will want to differentiate between a hernia and a seroma. A hernia is where the abdominal fat or contents are protruding through the muscle layer. In these cases, corrective surgery may be required.
  • Seroma – this is a collection of fluid around the surgical site, smaller seromas often reabsorb on their own or can be drained but there is a slightly higher risk of infection. A seroma will need monitoring
  • Infection – an infected wound will need treatment and monitoring
  • Skin reactions – sometimes skin reactions are seen such as clipper rash or a reaction to the antiseptic used to clean the skin prior to surgery
  • Reactions to sutures or implants – sometimes a pet has an allergic reaction to a suture or implant, your vet will decide on a treatment plan.
  • Medication reactions – it is important that courses of antibiotics are finished and that your pet receives pain relief post operatively. In the case of a reaction your vet may prescribe an alternative medication and reactions will be recorded on your pet’s clinical record.

Conclusion

Your vet has a duty of care to and will want to ensure your pet is recovering as expected and are not experiencing undue pain. If a problem is detected earlier, then treatment or intervention is likely to be more straightforward. Your practice team is there to help and attending post op checks is an important part of your pet’s recovery.

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