PLEASE READ!!! FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES WILL PLACE YOUR PET AT RISK FOR INJURY AND INFECTION. The FACE Spay/Neuter Clinic will not be responsible for problems that resulted from disregard of these instructions.

1. Put your pet in a room where it will be quiet and warm. Do not put it on a bed or other high place. Keep it away from other animals and children for at least 12 hours. Even if an outdoor animal, keep your pet indoors and quiet for 5-7 days. Discourage any type of jumping, running, or rough play for the next 5 days, then gradually resume normal activity.

2. Discourage your pet (especially male dogs) from licking or biting at the incision line. If you cannot do this, contact the clinic for an Elizabethan collar which will prevent the problem. Fixing damage a pet does to the incision will be at the owner's expense.

3. Do not wash or clean the incision - you may introduce infection. The incision must be kept dry for 7 days. If the incision should become dirty, gently clean the area with a cotton ball and (contact lens) saline solution. Bathing is prohibited for at least one week after surgery.

4. Check your pet's Mucous Membrane (gum) color when you arrive home. Gum color should be pink and quickly return to that color after you press on the gums with your finger (above the large canine tooth). Check your pet's gum color throughout the evening after surgery; call the clinic if the gums become pale or do not return to the 'pink' color after pressure.

5. Offer water only, no food, this evening. A consistent flow in small amounts is best; offer ice cubes/chips if your pet (primarily dogs) enjoys them. Resume normal feeding the day after surgery. In general, lack of appetite, vomiting or depression is normal following surgery, but after 24 hours any one of these may indicate a problem. Call our office during business hours at 638-3223 for a recheck.

6. Even if your cat or dog is not eating or drinking, he or she should still make urine. For the week post surgery, verify your dog and/or cat are urinating. Watch closely cats who share a litterbox.

7. Observe the incision daily for Swelling, Bleeding, Discharge, Redhess or Wound Gaping. These are not usually emergencies, but if it seems excessive, call 638-3223 during business hours for a recheck.

8. Some discomfort or soreness will follow surgery for 24-36 hours. Your pet should continually improve and feel better every day after that.

9. Your pet has buried sutures (stitches). There is no need to return for suture removal. Male cats do not require sutures.

10. Male cats and dogs remain virile for 3-4 weeks after surgery. Keep them confined.

11. If you feel your pet is in need of pain-relieving medication (most do not) please do not administer pain medication you have at home without consulting the veterinarian. Some over-the-counter medications are dangerous for your pet, especially cats, and should not be given without medical advice.

EMERGENCY after hours - call (317) 638-3223 and listen for the pager number given for the on-call staff member. You will be given direction for treatment, either at our clinic or through a 24-hour emergency clinic.

We will not be responsible for postoperative care provided without contacting the FACE Spay/Neuter Clinic staff.