This information is educational and does not replace examination, reassessment or the individual patient plan. For a patient-specific question, use the Patient Area or contact the team.
Does my pet need a surgical recovery suit?
It depends on the procedure, incision location and patient behavior. When indicated, the garment should stay clean, dry and properly fitted without compressing the wound. If the animal can still lick or bite the area, protection needs to be reassessed.
Does a recovery suit replace an Elizabethan collar?
Not always. The goal is to prevent access to the incision. In some locations or patients, a suit does not prevent licking or chewing, and a collar may still be necessary. Follow the protection recommended for that procedure.
How should I monitor the surgical wound?
Observe it without unnecessary handling. Increasing redness, swelling, discharge, foul odor, wound opening, bleeding or progressively increasing pain are reasons to contact the team. Serial photos can help when requested.
Can the incision get wet or can my pet have a bath?
Do not wet the surgical area or bathe your pet until specific clearance is given. Moisture can affect dressings, increase contamination risk and make wound assessment harder. If it gets wet accidentally, contact the team.
What should I do if I miss a medication dose?
Do not double the next dose on your own. The correct action depends on the medication, interval and how late the dose is. Check the patient instructions or contact the team before compensating for a missed dose.
Can I change the dose, schedule or stop a medication?
Not without veterinary guidance. Dose, interval and duration are part of the prescription. Do not add human medicines, anti-inflammatory drugs or supplements without confirmation because interactions or contraindications may exist.
Can my pet use stairs, jump on furniture or run?
Only if this is allowed in the recovery plan. After many orthopedic or neurologic procedures, sudden movements, jumping and slippery floors need temporary restriction. Progression should follow the patient’s recovery stage.
Should I complete every exercise if my pet seems uncomfortable?
Do not force an exercise when there is pain, marked refusal, worsening gait or unexpected discomfort. Record the difficulty in the Patient Area when available and follow the instructions provided for that patient.
Is reduced appetite normal after a procedure?
A temporary change can occur, but severity and duration matter. Persistent loss of appetite, repeated vomiting, marked lethargy or difficulty drinking should be reported, especially when accompanied by other changes.
When should I send a photo or video?
Send one when requested, when there is a relevant change in the wound, gait or behavior, or at the times defined in the plan. Short, well-lit records help compare progress but do not replace reassessment when needed.
When should I seek care without waiting?
Significant bleeding, breathing difficulty, collapse, seizures, severe pain or sudden deterioration require immediate veterinary assessment. Seek an emergency service when there is risk or rapid worsening.