Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to our more frequently asked veterinary care questions.
Q: What is this green line on my pet?
A: This is a score tattoo. Animal welfare and veterinary staff look for this tattoo to confirm if an animal is already altered.
Q: Can I feed my pet when we get home?
A: Start by offering them half of their normal amount. If they eat it quickly, wait 30 minutes and feed them the other half. If they are not eating or drinking the first night, this is also normal. Appetites should return to normal the following afternoon.
Q: My pet hates the cone; do they really have to wear it for 2 weeks?
A: It is highly recommended they wear the provided cone. Not wearing a cone can result in the need for emergency care. Click the button below to see how to fashion a harness for the cone. We do not recommend recovery suits or soft cones. You can fashion a harness.
Q: Why is my pet acting so differently after surgery?
A: Cats will have a concerning level of energy, especially the night after surgery. This is normal and expected. The pain control medication we use can last up to 72 hours and can cause them to be energetic. A small, confined space (bathroom or laundry room) with the lights off is the best environment during this time. Dogs receive take-home pain management medication. These normally do not change their personality, but use caution when around stairs or raised areas.
Q: I’m trying to keep their activity restricted but it’s next to impossible!
A: We completely understand! Do the best you can. Be advised, the more active they are, the more likely to develop a seroma. This looks like a lump/swelling under the incision (more often in females). This is cause by a fluid buildup around the incision and is normally reabsorbed back into the body within a few days. If there are no signs of infection (see back), applying a warm/dry compress to the area twice a day for 10-15 minutes will help.
Q: What are the signs of infection?
A: Signs of infection include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, not eating or drinking, if the area seems painful or hot to the touch, or colored discharge (red/green/yellow) coming from the surgery site. Clear fluid may be seen if a seroma develops. If any of these occur, please contact your primary veterinarian. * We recommend taking a picture of the incision as soon as you get home so you have something to compare to should complications arise. Do not attempt to clean the incision site or apply any ointments/medications. If the incision site has litter/debris. Gently dab the area with a dry cloth.
Q: My pet was spayed months ago, but it seems like the sutures aren’t dissolving.
A: Every body is different so the rate of the sutures dissolving will vary from patient to patient. Some take a few weeks, and some take a few months. It is also possible that you may notice that the small marble sized bumps come and go, this is also completely normal.
Q: I thought surgery would help with [x] issue.
A: Hormones take a while to dissipate so females may act like they are in heat and male cats may still have strong smelling urine. Males may still attempt to mount, especially around an intact female. Spaying and neutering is not a guaranteed fix for some behavioral issues. Please consult your vet if you continue to be concerned about behavior issues for recommendations. Females that were in heat at the time of surgery will need to be separated from intact males for at least a week. Males should be separated from intact females for at least a month as they could still impregnate them.
If you have questions or concerns, please email info@safehavenhumane.com or call us at 541.928.2789.
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