Has your pet had surgery? Our guide for looking after a surgical wound
After surgery, whether it is a scheduled procedure or after a more unexpected visit, in the days following their visit any surgical wounds will need some looking after.
With any incision, there can be a risk of introduction of bacteria and infection, which if not noted can become severe. At Milton Keynes Veterinary Group, we work to limit and reduce this risk through ensuring our operating environment is thoroughly clean as well as using sterile materials and cleaning and disinfecting your pets surgical site prior to their procedure.
Once discharged from our surgery, your pet will naturally become exposed to germs present in the general environment. These germs would not normally pose a risk, but as the wound acts as a possible entry point for bacteria and other pathogens, it could lead to infection.
Our team will always provide guidance at time of discharge to help you ensure the wound is kept clean at home. This guidance may differ depending on the location or type of surgery. It is important to be aware of signs of infection and if you notice any changes please do contact the practice.
Signs of infection may include:
- Redness and swelling: Post surgery, a small amount of swelling or redness is expected in the first few days however if it is increasing or spreading, please contact the practice for a checkup
- Discharge or bleeding: Post surgery, you may notice some dried blood around the edges of the wound or a minimal amount of clear fluid, this can be expected. If the wound is heavily bleeding or there is a thick, yellow/green discharge, please contact the practice for a checkup
- Heat: As part of the body’s natural process to heal, white blood cells will target the surgical site, meaning it may feel slightly warmer to touch. If heat around the surgical site continues a few days after, it could be a sign that there may be an infection, please contact the practice for a checkup
For most surgical procedures, we will ask to see your pet back so we check the wound is healing well. Our team will let you know when these appointments are recommended. Additionally, we recommend checking the wound at home at least each morning and evening to ensure there are no issues noted. When checking the wound, make sure to wash and dry your wounds prior to touching the surgical area.
Our pets will tend to want to lick their wounds. Depending on the location of the wound, it may be recommended for them to wear a buster collar or a medical pet shirt or sleeve. They will need to wear these to at all times.
It is normal for your pet to feel drowsy and quiet for a couple of days following their surgery as an effect of the anaesthetic agents. If this continues past 48 hours, or if they are not eating, urinating or passing faeces normally, then it would be recommended and appointment for them to be checked over.