Post Op

POST - OPERATIVE DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

If your have been directed to this page, your pet has most likely had a surgical procedure performed at our animal hospital. While he/she was here, we did our utmost to provide the high quality of care your pet deserves. Just like people that have undergone surgery, pets require special post-operative care. This bigstock_Sick_dachshund_wearing_a_funne_SMALL.jpg is your responsibility.

If your pet's surgery took place today by our veterinarian, do not offer him/her any food or water until at least one hour after arriving home. At that time, offer one-half of the normal evening meal and a small portion of water. If your pet has no interest in food or vomits, do not be alarmed. Remove the food and water. Offer them again the following morning.

Resting the area that has been operated on is also of primary importance. Pets recovering from abdominal surgery require absolute rest for at least ten days to allow proper tissue healing. Activity should be limited to brief, leashed walks only; no running or jumping is allowed. If your cat has just been neutered or declawed, replace his/her litter with shredded newspaper, and try to prevent jumping for one week after surgery.

Regarding Sutures:

Upon discharge from the hospital, we will have notified you about the type and presence of any sutures. If your pet has sutures, they will need to be removed in 14 days. If your pet does not have any skin sutures, please call us ten days after surgery to let us know how the incision looks.

If your pet has had a dental procedure, his/her gums may be sore. Fed soft food for the first 2-3 days, then switch back to regular food. If teeth were extracted, blood tinged saliva may be present for 24 hours; this is normal.

Please do not allow your pet to lick, chew, or scratch at sutures or incisions: this will cause swelling and may lead to infection. If required, your pet can wear a special collar to control this problem. Bandages, splints and casts must be kept clean and dry. If you pet has a bandaged leg, cover it with a plastic bag when outdoors (but do not use rubber bands!). This bag must be removed when your pet comes inside. If the bandage becomes wet, has a foul smell or the area becomes painful, please bring your pet in to have the bandage changed.

All medications should be given according to label directions. Give the full course of medicine; do not save portions unless directed to do so. Of course, all medications should be kept out of reach of children.

While your pet stays with us, he/she receives the very best care we can give. You are responsible for your pet's care at home. Together we can make your pet's recovery from surgery uneventful. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.


Virginia Beach Veterinarian | Birdneck Animal Hospital
508 North Birdneck Rd Suite C
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Phone: (757) 355-5694

Location

Find us on the map

Monday:

8:30 am-8:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-1:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

8:45 am-2:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Feedback from our clients

  • "Words can not begin to express our gratitude for the care you had given Hunter over the years. When his time came, he watched for you to come through the door and his tail showed his affection towards you. That was most comforting having you there. Thank you.""
    ~R.H
  • ""Thank you so much for taking care of Maggie over the years. Y'all are the best and Dr. Johnson, you are the best vet in the world! God bless you all.""
    ~ J.D.
  • ""Your care for my beloved Mattie these last 10n years made her life, and mine much better….God bless each of you for all you did for us and I'm sure for all your other two and four legged patients.""
    ~E.D.
  • ""Thank you for saving my life." ~T.C."
    ~T.C.
  • ""I can not express how grateful I am for you and your staff… I appreciate everything you did in Beckham's treatment. He was so lucky to have such a wonderful doctor on his side. Thank you for all you do for the benefit of all our beloved pets.""
    ~L.B.
  • ""Dr. Johnson - There are no words that can truly capture your kindness.""
    ~G.B.
  • ""Thank you for the great care you took of Taco and the rest of our family. He is doing great now! He is enjoying running and playing with all four legs again.""
    ~W.C
  • ""People who avail themselves of your services at the clinic certainly are blessed to have such a caring staff....bless you and your devoted staff.""
    ~E.D.
  • ""A sincere thank you for taking such good care of Dulce. We are so thrilled that she is back to her normal self. You gave her the support and care she needed in her darkest hours and kept us confident in her recovery.""
  • ""Just to say how much we appreciate all of you. You all are wonderful people. We feel blessed to have our beloved furry children in your care when they need it. Your professional knowledge and your acts of kindness have a beautiful act all it's own. You are a great vet, compassionate and everything good all in one. You are in our daily prayers.""
    ~T.F.
  • ""Thank you and all of your staff for the excellent care you gave to my wonderful Abbey, who was so much a part of the family. Thank you for all the advice and support you gave to me these last few months. I don't know how I would have gotten through this without your constant support. I will, and I have highly recommended you to family and friends, as I feel you are the best!""
    ~P.B.
  • ""Thank you for taking care of my kitty, Slingshot. He is feeling better and better. My Paw-Paw said that you took extra special care of him and I really appreciate it. So, thank you again for taking care of my cat.""
    ~T.B. (age 6)
  • ""Dr. Johnson, I don't know why you decided to move here from your home in New Jersey, but I absolutely believe it was so you could help me and Mickey. I know coming to someone's home is not what a typical veterinarian would do, but you are obviously an extraordinary man in a world filled with ordinary men….On top of that, your sensitive and wonderful handwritten note arrived and touched my heart…You are one of those quiet, unheralded champions who make life easier for everyone you touch.""
    ~C.W.
  • ""Thank you so much for taking care of Lola when she had her reaction, and your office was already closed. I know you took time away from yourself and your family and I really appreciate it.""
    ~R.M.
  • ""Thank you for giving me more time with my best friend. We are all so grateful.""
    ~A.M.
  • ""Thank you for all of your support for Maxine during her illness. All was very much appreciated and will always be remembered. I have related to all my friends of what a great doctor and staff at Birdneck Animal Hospital.""
    ~O.B.
  • ""Thank you for taking such good care of me over the last 4 years. I am doing well and both legs and feet feel great. You sis an awesome job on me Dr. Johnson, and I'm gonna have a great year this year and I hope to see you only for my check up. You guys are the best!""
    ~Budkus
  • "We can't thank you enough for the wonderful and loving care you gave to"Budkus" while he was in your care. He was so little and so sick and we were so scared for him. Each and every one of the staff members made us feel like we had the only dog in the world. Like nothing else mattered except getting "Budkus" well again. Our deepest gratitude to all of you for the excellent care and attention we received, for your encouragement, comfort, and understanding, and most importantly for saving his life! Thank you so much.""
    ~ J.,B.,C.