After Surgery Question

My two kitties, Ezri and Jadzia, were spayed on Tuesday. When I picked them up from the vets, the nurse or whatever they are called at vet's offices, gave me the invoice and brought them out and I left. We weren't given any instructions as to whether we are supposed to give them baths, not give them baths, when they can eat, etc etc.

My concern is that I have noticed that where their little "belly buttons" as I call them, are, it looks to be swollen. There is no puss coming out of the area, but I'm a little worried that this isn't right.

My question, well 2 questions, are 1. is this normal? and 2. they are running around, playing, etc. should we keep them confined to a cage?

Thanks guys.

They should have gave you instructions.
Do not let them run around for a few days and they do swell sometimes.
It is normal as long as it does not look red or infected.
I have to take my kitten in a few weeks to be altered.

Yes, the lump is normal. It's the internal stitches causing it.

You're not supposed to bathe them until the stitches come out. 10-14 days is normally when that happens. If they have dissolving stitches just wait the 10-14 days before bathing and you should be safe.

If you see pus or redness call the vet. That isn't normal.

I have never restricted a newly spayed cat's activity. I figure she knows what hurts so I won't interfere. If they're on extra painkillers they might not be able to feel it, though. And if they're kicking each other in the stomach you might want to interrupt.

In the future, I would highly recommend a different vet. I think it is irresponsible of a vet to send an animal home without sufficient information on it's post op care.

I see this more and more on the site. What is going on with vets? I have never had one that did not give me the information I need. Are we just not asking the right questions?

We have these little ones in our care, so IMO it is our responsibility to ask questions and really demand (in a nice way of course) answers so we can take good care of our fur kids.

Originally Posted by farleyv

In the future, I would highly recommend a different vet. I think it is irresponsible of a vet to send an animal home without sufficient information on it's post op care.

I see this more and more on the site. What is going on with vets? I have never had one that did not give me the information I need. Are we just not asking the right questions?

We have these little ones in our care, so IMO it is our responsibility to ask questions and really demand (in a nice way of course) answers so we can take good care of our fur kids.

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I feel the same. I would not tolerate such an action (being handed a cat that has had surgery with no instructions)

to OP, even though you have received help here, I advise you to call the place you had the spays done and mention that you received no post op instructions. It is possible that it is the clinics policy (one would hope) but it was the vet tech who was remiss. In which case the vet needs to know.

It's not clear to me why you want to bathe them. Cats usually don't need immersion baths. They are self cleaning.

Originally Posted by otto

I feel the same. I would not tolerate such an action (being handed a cat that has had surgery with no instructions)

to OP, even though you have received help here, I advise you to call the place you had the spays done and mention that you received no post op instructions. It is possible that it is the clinics policy (one would hope) but it was the vet tech who was remiss. In which case the vet needs to know.

It's not clear to me why you want to bathe them. Cats usually don't need immersion baths. They are self cleaning.

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i don't necessarily want to bathe them, i was more using it as an example.. but my kittens while they do bathe themselves sometimes stink..

i wasn't happy about not getting instructions.. the only thing i can think of, which isn't an excuse, is that there were a bunch of people in there getting their dogs, etc and it was a mad house. my vet is good but i do question the techs. i am going to call monday morning and speak with someone. i should have been more diligent as well.

i looked online and found after care advise and i have to say that the instructions were no-brainers. but the more i think about it i am def going to call and voice my dissatisfaction with not getting post-op care instructions.

I would call and mention not getting post-op instructions. I"ve always gotten written instructions after dental cleaning, etc. My vet's practice also puts post-shot, etc., instructions right on your invoice as well, including what symptoms should prompt you to call their office with questions.

If nothing else, I like the written instructions even if the vet or tech has patiently told me exactly what to do.