You Are Part of Your Pet’s Surgical Care Team

As your Clifton veterinarian, our staff at Valley of the Vets want to ensure that our patients are well-cared-for when they require surgery and that their loving owners are prepared with the information they need. This is especially important for an aging dog who may feel more vulnerable after surgery, and during dog rehabilitation when treatment can test everyone’s patience.

Your Follow-up Care Makes the Veterinarian's Work a Success

The key to surgical success comes after your pet leaves the operating room. It’s the follow-up care which you will provide in the weeks to come, from administering medication for pain management and other post-surgical purposes to bandage changing and ensuring that the E-collar is always in place. It’s also the supportive care you provide, especially for your older dog or other geriatric pet, with a comfortable place to rest and help getting around.

Consistent E-Collar Wear is Critical

There are good reasons for not removing the canine E-collar at home before it’s time, even if your pet insists. These complications are possible, often incurring additional costs:

• Chewing on stitches which may require sedation to fix, inflammation, and possibly additional surgery
• Additional or expanded wounds which may require treatment and antibiotics
• Antibiotics to treat infection of the surgical incision
• Bandage trauma and related complications

Senior Dogs and Surgery

Surgery is a stress on your pet’s body, and this is especially true for senior dogs. When you bring your pet home, we’ll give you instructions for continued observation, to ensure that their drinking, eating and elimination habits remain normal. We’ll also ask you to watch for possible neurological symptoms such as problems walking or confusion which might indicate the need for a prompt follow-up exam. If you have any questions about your pet’s surgery or are considering making a surgical appointment, we’re ready to answer and help -- just call 973-509-5225.