Surgical Procedures

Thank you for making an appointment with Tarpon Animal Hospital! Here are a few instructions for your pet’s safety, prior to their surgical procedure:

• All surgeries require a scheduled appointment. All pets undergoing surgery must be up to date on their annual vaccines and testing.
• Pets should have a full exam and pre-operative blood work before the surgery.
• Do not feed your pet after midnight, the night before surgery. It is okay to give water, but not food.
• Bring your pet to our clinic in the morning between 7:30am - 8:30am, so that we can set up the surgical suite specifically for your pet’s needs.
• All pets entering the hospital must be on a leash or in a carrier.
• After surgery, you will receive a follow-up call to inform you how the surgery went and when you can pick up your pet.

Please read the following instructions for the safety of your pet.

• When you come to pick up your pet after surgery, it may be slow and groggy, which is normal. Some animals recover fast after surgery but not all animals are the same. Some require more time to return to their normal state. If your pet is not acting normally for more than 24 hours after surgery, having diarrhea or vomiting, these signs are not normal and you should call the clinic immediately.
• After surgery, there is no running, jumping, or roughhousing for 7 to 10 days. Your pet should be quiet and rest. We recommend leash walking only. Some pets rest better in their crates during their recovery.
• No bathing or swimming after surgery, until your veterinarian says it’s okay. Usually after the surgical recheck.
• Check the surgery incision daily. Watch for any swelling, redness, and discharge. Do not allow your pet to lick or chew at the incision. Keep an e-collar on your pet until after the surgery recheck and your veterinarian says it’s okay to remove it.
• The evening after surgery, it is okay to offer your pet food and water. Make sure you offer them a quarter of the normal amount you feed. Resume normal feeding the following day.
• Make sure to give the antibiotics and pain medications prescribed to your pet at check out. Do not give any additional medications without your veterinarian’s approval.
• The veterinarian may make additional recommendations. Please make sure to follow these directions as well.
• If at any time you have any questions or concerns regarding your pet’s surgery or recovery, call the hospital at 727-934-0884.