Surgery and Aftercare at the Vet: What Pet Owners Can Expect (Before and After)

Hearing that your pet needs surgery can be a distressing experience. Even when it’s a routine procedure, like a spay/neuter, dental surgery, or lump removal, it’s normal to feel worried about anaesthetic risks, pain, and what recovery will look like at home. The good news is that modern veterinary surgery is carefully planned, monitored, and supported with strong pain control and clear aftercare guidance. 

Here’s what you can expect from us before surgery (pre-op), on the day of the procedure, and during recovery (post-op), plus how you can help your pet heal smoothly. 

Before Surgery: The Pre-Op Phase 

1) A clear explanation of why surgery is needed 

We will talk you through: 

• The diagnosis (or suspected diagnosis) 

• Why surgery is recommended (and whether there are alternatives) 

• The goal of surgery (curative, diagnostic, or preventative) 

• The main risks and benefits 

You are more than welcome to ask questions like: What happens if we don’t do this now? Is this urgent? What are the likely outcomes? 

2) Pre-anaesthetic health checks 

Anaesthesia is very safe in most pets, but it should never be “one-size-fits-all.” We may recommend pre-anaesthetic blood tests to assess organs like the liver and kidneys, check hydration, and screen for hidden issues such as anaemia or infection. 

Depending on your pet’s age and condition, we may also suggest: 

• X-rays or ultrasound (especially for chest/abdominal concerns) 

• Heart check (ECG, echocardiography) 

• Blood pressure measurement 

Older pets and those with medical conditions can still have surgery, but we may need to adjust the anaesthetic plan and monitoring. 

3) Fasting instructions (and why they matter) 

You’ll be given a clear fasting plan: 

• When to stop food 

• Whether water is allowed 

• Special guidance for puppies/kittens, diabetic pets, or very small breeds (who can be at higher risk of low blood sugar) 

Fasting for the correct time helps reduce the risk of vomiting or regurgitation under anaesthesia, which can lead to serious complications. 

4) A tailored pain plan and cost estimate 

We’re always happy to explain: 

• How pain will be prevented and treated (not just “afterwards,” but proactively) 

• Which medications your pet will go home with 

• Approximate recovery time and likely recheck needs 

• An estimate covering the cost of the procedure, monitoring, medications, and follow-up 

If there’s uncertainty (for example, surgery findings could change the plan), we will talk you through “best case” and “what if” scenarios. 

The Day of Surgery: What Happens at the Practice 

1) Admission and last checks 

When you arrive, our team will: 

• Confirm fasting and medication history 

• Weigh your pet (doses depend on weight) 

• Perform a final physical exam 

• Discuss consent forms and confirm contact details 

If your pet is very anxious, we can offer calming strategies or mild pre-medication. 

2) Anaesthesia and monitoring 

A hallmark of good surgical practice is monitoring. While your pet is asleep, trained staff will be tracking vital signs such as: 

• Heart rate and rhythm 

• Breathing rate and oxygen levels 

• Blood pressure 

• Temperature 

• Many pets also receive IV fluids to support circulation and hydration during anaesthesia 

3) Pain control  

Modern pain management is often “multimodal,” meaning different medications and techniques are combined to control pain more effectively and reduce side effects. Depending on the procedure, this may include local anaesthetic blocks, opioids, and other supportive medications. 

4) Communication while you wait 

You should expect an update at a reasonable point, often once your pet is in recovery or stable after the procedure. Please always have your phone to hand though as we may need to contact you if we have questions before or during the procedure, or in the event of an emergency. 

After Surgery: What to Expect at Home (Post-Op) 

1) Discharge instructions  

When you pick up your pet, we provide: 

• Written aftercare instructions  

• A medication schedule (what, when, how much, and with/without food) 

• Feeding guidance for the first 24 hours 

• Exercise restriction details 

• Signs that should prompt a call or a vet visit 

• A plan for rechecks and stitch removal (if relevant) 

• Who to contact out of hours if you have concerns about your pet’s recovery 

If anything is unclear, ask us to walk you through it step by step. There’s no such thing as a silly question when it comes to medication doses. 

2) The first 24 hours 

Many pets are drowsy after anaesthesia and may have a wobbly walk, a quieter-than-usual mood and reduced appetite. 

This often improves by the following day. 

Contact us if you see: 

• Pale gums, collapse, or extreme weakness 

• Continuous vomiting 

• Breathing difficulties 

• A swollen belly 

• Bleeding that soaks through a bandage or won’t stop 

3) Pain: what it looks like (it’s not always obvious) 

Pets don’t always yelp. Signs of discomfort can include: 

• Restlessness, panting and trembling 

• Guarding a painful area 

• Not wanting to lie down or not wanting to get up 

• Reduced appetite 

• Licking at the surgery site 

• Withdrawn behaviour 

If you suspect pain, please get in touch with us. Adjusting pain relief early can make a huge difference. 

4) Wound care and buster collars 

You’ll likely be told to keep the incision clean and dry. In most cases: 

• Don’t bathe your pet until the vet or nurse says it’s safe 

• Don’t apply creams or antiseptics unless instructed 

• Check the site daily for redness, swelling, discharge, or gaping 

Your pet may need a cone (buster collar) or a surgical bodysuit to prevent licking. Licking can open wounds and introduce infection. If the cone isn’t working, ask us about alternatives rather than removing it. 

5) Exercise restriction is part of treatment 

Even if your pet feels better quickly, the body still needs time to heal. You should often expect guidance like lead walks only for dogs, keeping cats indoors, no running or jumping and lots of rest. 

6) Follow-ups are normal 

Many surgeries include: 

• A nurse check within a 2-3 days 

• Stitch removal (if non-dissolving sutures were used) or a final check around day 10-14 

We want to follow up to monitor healing progress, identify any issues early, and ensure your pet’s comfort is on track. 

How You Can Help Your Pet Recover Smoothly 

• Follow the medication plan exactly (especially antibiotics and pain relief timing) 

• Use the cone/bodysuit as advised 

• Keep activity low 

• Offer small meals at first and make water available 

• Call us if something feels off 

The Bottom Line 

Surgery can feel scary, but you’re not doing it alone. We will guide you through each step: pre-op checks, safe anaesthesia, proactive pain control, and clear aftercare, so your pet can heal comfortably and return to their normal self as soon as possible.