Pets in Stitches
Overview
Below you’ll find all of the information you need to prepare for postoperative care for your rabbit. We’ve also included frequently asked questions and related blog posts.
In general, Pets In Stitches will recheck your rabbit at no charge for complications resulting directly from surgery. There could be a charge for medications or an Elizabethan collar, if needed. Please be aware that some complications must be referred elsewhere. When in doubt, just give us a call text or send us a note and we will point you in the right direction.
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Spay or Neuter Care
Dr. Rastetter shares what all to expect in a video for your rabbit.
General Care
- Keep your rabbit quiet and restrict activity for the next seven (7) days. Keep your rabbit indoors to stay clean, dry and warm.
- Do not bathe your rabbit during the recovery period.
- Your rabbit should be eating as normal. They may not want to eat pellets or hay but usually rabbits will eat vegetables and herbs (carrot tips, parsley, basil, mint, dandelions, romaine, kale, etc.) after surgery.
- Your rabbit has received pain medication at the time of surgery and some to be given at home. Do not give over-the-counter pain medications to your rabbit which can be very dangerous.
Incision Care
- Check the incision site twice daily for the next seven (7) days. Redness and swelling should be minimal but can occur for a few days after surgery. Males may appear as if they still have testicles. This is normal swelling that will decrease gradually.
- There should be no drainage.
- Do not allow your rabbit to lick or chew at the incision. If this occurs, an Elizabethan collar must be used to prevent licking. This is considered self-trauma and Pets In Stitches will not cover your costs to treat complications such as surgical site destruction, infection, or swelling which can require emergency care.
- Do not clean or apply topical ointment to the incision site.
Incisions are held together with dissolvable sutures. - Spaying and neutering are very safe surgeries; however, complications can occur. Minimal redness and swelling should resolve within several days. If it persists longer, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the green mark on my pet?
A small tattoo is the best way to identify your pet has been spayed or neutered. It is standard procedure for sterilization surgeries.
What is the recovery period like?
The recovery period is seven to ten days. You need to restrict their activity and keep them indoors. You also want to watch their incision closely. We will give you Postoperative Care Instructions when you pick up your pet.
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