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HOME CARE OF YOUR CAT
FOLLOWING NEUTER SURGERY
LAST NAME: ___________________________
CAT'S NAME: __________________________
DATE: _________________________________
NEUTERING is the surgical removal of the testicles. When a cat is neutered
just before sexual maturity at 6-8 months of age, the cat's sexual instincts
are reduced, and it becomes sterile. Fighting and night prowling, common
in intact male cats, are usually eliminated. The objectionable urine odor
of the male cat is also reduced, but may persist in some individuals.
Neutering after 8 months of age may not reduce the sexual instincts and
other behavioral traits of male cats.
PRE-SURGICAL CARE
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: Your cat was given a pre-surgical physical examination
and appeared to be __________________________________
PRE-ANESTHETIC SAFETY SCREENING TEST:
pre-anesthetic blood test results were :
within normal limits
abnormalities were found _________________
I have declined pre-anesthetic blood test
Preventive urinalysis results:
within normal limits
abnormalities were found _________________
I have declined preventive urinalysis
FLUID SUPPORT:
subcutaneous fluid support was given
intravenous fluid support was given
I have declined fluid support
SURGICAL PROCEDURE
The operation was performed under general anesthesia.
The recovery was uneventful Yes No
PET IDENTIFICATION
You elected to identify your cat with:
tattoo ( the tattoo # is ________; in the right ear)
microchip ( the microchip # is _____________)
No, I have declined my pet tattooed or microchipped
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Your cat has had a post-surgical examination today and appeared to be
ready to go home. His surgical wound has been progressing normally and
his body temperature was within normal limits. No sutures were used, so
the scrotum will be slightly open for 2-3 days. A few drops of clear draining
fluid are normal in this region. The amount of oozing is normally minimal,
but precautions should be made to prevent carpet and furniture damage.
The pet will usually clean up the skin and adjacent hair by itself. If
the wound is oozing persistently, please call us at tel: 246-1115
PROPER RESTRAINT
Please protect your pet when leaving the hospital by using either a leash
or carrier. If your pet is recovering from surgery and gets loose, excessive
activity or injury may result.
FOOD and WATER
No food should be given for the first 8-12 hours after anesthesia. If
your cat appears hungry this evening, give him half of his normal meal,
otherwise resume your regular feeding schedule the next day. Do not become
alarmed if your cat does not wish to eat very much for a day. Water is
allowed in small amounts and frequently. Too much water at once may cause
vomiting.
INCISION
Check the incision tonight 2-3 times, then daily for 7 days. Your pet
must not be given the opportunity to lick or bother the incision site.
Normal grooming is acceptable, but anything more will slow the healing
process. If licking is persistent and results in inflammation, an Elizabethan
collar is necessary for your cat; it can be obtained from our office.
If you see redness, swelling or discharge from the incision site, contact
us as soon as possible.
MONITORING
Your pet has received a general anesthetic and, as a result, may appear
more tired than normal and possibly a little uncoordinated. This is to
be expected and the grogginess should disappear in the next day or so.
Some pets require up to 48 hours to fully recover from anesthetic, but
your cat should be walking steadily and interested in food and water within
24 hours. If your cat is very dull and unresponsive, he may have a postoperative
fever and require VETERINARY CARE. General anesthesia lowers body temperature
so you should keep your cat warm and dry. However, if your cat exhibits
any of the following symptoms, please notify the hospital: (1) Loss of
appetite for more than two days; (2) Refusal to drink water for more than
one day; (3) Weakness; (4) Depression; (5) Vomiting; (6) Diarrhea.
EXERCISE and ACTIVITY
Exercise should be restricted for the first 7 days. Jumping and excessive
activity is discouraged as this may slow the healing. We recommend small
children not handle or bother your pet for 24 hours. Please confine your
cat indoors for 7-10 days.
ELIMINATION
Many patients may not have bowel movements for one or two days after surgery.
This is normal if the patient is acting normally. If the constipation
persists you should contact our office.
MEDICATION
Medication not required _____ required ____________________ see label
for use.
PAIN MEDICATION
We gave your cat pain medication injection during the recovery period.
If you opted for pain medication, we will dispense pain medication you
can give your cat at home.
Yes, I have elected additional pain medication. Please give your cat ____________________________
(see label for instructions)
No, I have declined post-anaesthesia pain medication.
INTERACTION with OTHER CATS
Some cats (from multi-cat households) after arriving home may be perceived
as an enemy and attacked by the other cats. It is fairly normal to hiss
and fight. In this case you should separate them immediately. It is also
recommended to rub a towel on all cats in order to transmit the smell
on each cat.
APPOINTMENTS Return to hospital p not required p required in _________
days/weeks for _________________
SPECIAL INSTRUCTION _____________________________________________________________________________________
THANK YOU for allowing us to care for your companion. Please do not hesitate
to notify us if you have any further questions or concerns. Tel: 246-1115
KILLARNEY CAT HOSPITAL FELINE WELLNESS AND NUTRITION CENTRE
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