Today I'd like to talk about caring for your pet after surgery. Bringing your pet home after an operation can be very stressful, especially if it is your first experience dealing with an injured animal. Before bringing your pet home you'll want to prepare a quite resting place away from other animals where you can check on him frequently. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature away from drafts and dampness and provide a clean litter box close to him. The litter box should be kept clean at all times. I placed Noodle in a medium-size dog kennel on my bed, so he was by my side in the event that he needed anything during the night. The kennel was kept closed to prevent him from falling in case he got up while I was asleep, not that he was moving too much at that point. I also placed a soft bed with rolled sides in it to keep him comfortable. I placed a waterproof pad on top of the bed, then a thick terry towel over that. You will want to have plenty of pads and towels on hand as you will be changing them often. It is imperative that the environment remains clean and sanitary. All of our cats love music, and I kept the radio on for Noodle at a low level which helped to calm him. (Cats have extremely sensitive hearing so be sure to keep the music at a low level). Many cats are skittish and may resort to biting or scratching, making treatment downright hazardous to the caretaker. If your pet is difficult to handle, have your vet instruct you in the best method of restraint for his wounds. Above all, you do not want to add to his pain. Keep a box nearby with all of his med's, and supplies so they will be readily at hand when you need them. If you have small children, be sure to keep it out of reach of curious little hands. I coordinated Noodle's med schedule with cleaning and dressing his wounds. I gave him his med's about 45 minutes before changing the bandages to alleviate his pain as much as possible. Giving your pet a pill need not be difficult. The easiest way, is to get some pill pockets. Just slip the pill into the pocket and place it down in front of him. He will readily gobble it right up. If you choose not to use pill pockets, or have liquid medication, have your vet instruct you in the proper administration of his med's. Because Noodle had so many incisions and drains when he came home from the first operation, finding a comfortable way to pick him up was difficult at best. I finally decided that leaving him in his bed and picking it up by its sides was the most comfortable way for him, while transporting him to my lap. Your vet will tell you how to clean and dress your pets wounds, and will most likely give you an
Elizabethan collar to keep him from biting or licking at the area. Do not change the bandages unless the vet instructs you to do so, and always wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling your pet. Gently remove the soiled bedding from under your cat and place a clean waterproof pad under him. Follow your vets instructions for cleaning the area, and talk to him soothingly as you work on him, petting him gently from time to time to reassure him that all is well. Once you finish cleaning and dressing the wounds, clean any other areas that need attending to, especially the genital area, as your cat will not be able to groom himself. When I am finished cleaning Noodle, I like to take a warm wet washcloth and rub it over his face in a grooming motion, similar to a mother cat grooming her kitten. He really enjoys that! Remove the soiled pad and place a clean waterproof pad over the bed, followed by a clean towel and help your little one into a comfortable position. Spend a few more minutes petting him and gently place him back into the quite area you prepared for him. Your goal is to make this a positive experience for him rather than a traumatic one, and you will build a bond with your cat that will last a lifetime. When Noodle's wounds had healed over (formed a scab), I applied a thin layer of vitamin E oil or Castor oil to the area. It really helps to heal the wound and keeps the skin supple. Ask your vet if it would be suitable for your pet. If you have a pet that is difficult to handle like my little Misty, I have had great success with a product called Quiet Moments Natural Herbal Calming Spray for cats. When Misty had her stroke she was more impossible to handle than ever. I remembered that I had bought a bottle of this, but had yet to try it. I sprayed it in her kennel and let it dry, then coaxed her into it. Our vet could not believe how calm she was when she saw her. She called it a miracle in a bottle, as Misty is usually quite wild and you risk some vicious bites and scratches when trying to treat her. She was not only calm, but she was letting everyone pet her, and purring to boot! Imagine that! She felt so secure and happy in the kennel, I had a very hard time getting her to leave it! The spray is also great to use when traveling with your pet. Just spray it on their bedding and let dry thoroughly before placing your pet in the kennel.I hope these tips prove useful to you and make you feel more comfortable caring for your pet. We wish your little one a speedy recovery!
Suzy & The Babies
Please Note: If you have a sick or injured animal, please seek immediate medical care from a qualified professional for an accurate diagnosis. Information posted here is not intended to diagnosis, or replace treatment by a licensed veterinarian. It is exclusively meant as a general reference for pet owners. Do not disregard veterinary advice or delay treatment as a result of information on this site.
Posts
