To [PET NAME]’s caregivers,

You’re doing a great job caring for [PET NAME]. Your veterinary team at [HOSPITAL NAME] will continue to support you as you manage [HIS/HER] health.

Dr. [VETERINARIAN NAME] wanted to share this important information with you concerning [PET NAME]’s visit today.

Anesthesia

[PET NAME] did well under anesthesia. [PET NAME] woke up very smoothly. [PET NAME] had some complications under anesthesia.

• Since anesthesia can decrease tear production, an ointment was placed in [HIS/HER] eyes to protect them while [HE/SHE] was asleep. This oily residue will dissipate over the next few days.
• Because of the anesthesia, [HE/SHE] may be sleepy and wobbly for the next 1-2 hours. However, some pets have the opposite reaction and seem more agitated or whiny.

An IV catheter was placed to administer IV fluids, anesthesia, and other medications.

• The fur was shaved. Please call us if you notice [HE/SHE] is licking the area excessively or if the area becomes red or irritated.
• Remove the bandage where the catheter was in 1 hour.

Food and Water

Feeding Instructions:

• Feed soft food for the next days.
• Feed [PET NAME] [HIS/HER] usual food in 1-2 hours.
• To avoid nausea, do not offer food immediately upon arriving home. Feed about half the usual amount after arriving home if [HE/SHE] seems hungry.
• Some pets have a decreased appetite for 1-2 days following surgery.

Water Restrictions:

• To avoid nausea, offer water in small amounts, every 1-2 hours until [PET NAME] is no longer thirsty. Then you can leave the bowl full as usual.
• [PET NAME] can have normal access to water.

Activity

• [PET NAME] can return to [HIS/HER] regular activity starting .
• [PET NAME] must have limited exercise while [HE/SHE] recovers.
• No unsupervised, outdoor activity.
• Carry [PET NAME] up and down stairs.
• Confine in a kennel, cage, or small enclosure. This could be stressful for you and [PET NAME]. Please ask our team for strategies to make this time as comfortable as possible.
• Walk [PET NAME] on a leash outside only to urinate and defecate.
• Walk [PET NAME] on a leash for no more than .
• No rough play with pets or people until otherwise directed.

Home Care

Seek immediate veterinary care if [PET NAME]...

• The incision has signs of redness, swelling, or discharge, or if any sutures are missing.
• Seems agitated or uncomfortable for more than 2 hours.
• Has difficulty breathing.
• Begins squinting [HIS/HER] eyes for more than 1 hour at a time.
• Develops any wounds on [HIS/HER] body.
• Refuses to eat or drink for more than 12 hours.
• Does not defecate for more than 48 hours.
• Has diarrhea for more than 12 hours.
• Vomits more than three times in 12 hours.
• Begins bumping into objects.
• Has difficulty walking or jumping.
• The bandage has a foul smell.

If we are not available and you need help, please contact [ER HOSPITAL] at [ER HOSPITAL NUMBER].

Thank you

We appreciate your dedication to [PET NAME] and we’re honored to be with you on this journey.

[PET NAME] is a lovely patient. [PET NAME] has many fans here at the hospital! Thank you for trusting us with [HIS/HER] care.

Please call our hospital at [HOSPITAL PHONE NUMBER] with any questions or concerns.