Post-Op Line: 610-751-7232
This line is monitored daily during business hours.

When calling, please leave:

• Your pet’s name and details

• Specific questions or concerns

• A phone number for a return call

NNN provides non-emergency follow-up care by appointment during regular business hours for postoperative complications directly related to surgery.

• There is no charge for the veterinary visit

• Fees may apply for medications or sedation

• You may be asked to travel to another clinic location

If you seek care at another veterinary clinic, all costs are the owner’s responsibility.

Seek immediate veterinary attention if your pet shows:

• Pale gums

• Labored or difficult breathing

• Vomiting lasting more than 24 hours

• Difficulty urinating

• Anesthesia side effects may last up to 24 hours

• Dogs may experience a mild cough from intubation

• Female pets had the uterus and ovaries removed via a small abdominal incision

• Male dogs may have an incision on or above the scrotum

• Male cats have open scrotal incisions (swelling is normal and temporary)

• Cats may urinate more frequently due to fluids given during surgery

Most postoperative complications are caused by too much activity.

Dogs

• Keep separate from children and other pets for 24 hours

• Short leash walks only for 10 days

• Crate rest is encouraged

• No baths for 10 days

• Assist with balance when walking, stairs, or entering/exiting vehicles

Cats

• Remain in the carrier until the morning after surgery

• Confine to a small area for 10 days with food, water, and litter

• If provided, the e-collar must be worn at all times for 10 days

• Any damage caused by licking or chewing is the owner’s financial responsibility

• Anesthesia may cause nausea or drooling

• Offer ¼ of the normal meal and water the evening of surgery

• If vomiting occurs, wait until morning to feed

• Appetite should return within 24 hours

Contact NNN if:

• Your pet is lethargic

• Vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than 48 hours

Kittens & Puppies (3 months):

• May have a few spoonfuls of wet food upon returning home

• Sutures are typically internal and absorbable (up to 60 days to dissolve)

• Male cats usually have no sutures unless the surgery was cryptorchid

• Check the incision daily

Normal:

• Mild swelling

• Small amounts of clear or blood-tinged discharge on day one

Call NNN if you see:

• Excessive bleeding

• Yellow or green discharge

• Odor

• Significant swelling or bruising

• Cats receive a long-acting pain injection

• Dogs are sent home with oral pain medication — give exactly as directed

• Do not give over-the-counter pain medications

• Call the post-op line if your pet appears uncomfortable

• All pets receive a green tattoo near the incision to indicate sterilization

• Applied during surgery

• Eyes may appear glossy or have mild clear discharge afterward

All appointment information is registered with 24PetWatch.

• Update contact info at 24petwatch.com or call 1-866-597-2424

• Registration is free; optional services may be available for a fee

Recovery & Housing

• Keep cats in the trap — do not transfer

• Place trap in a quiet, warm, dry area

• Cover with a towel or blanket to retain body heat

• Place newspaper under the trap if on concrete

• Winter: prioritize warmth

• Summer: ensure airflow

Feeding (Feral Cats)

• Feed wet food only — no water needed

• Drop food through the top of the trap

• Do not open the trap door

Kittens under 4 lbs:

• Fed at the clinic

• May eat wet food immediately upon returning home

• All feral cats receive a LEFT ear tip and green tattoo

• Minor bleeding may occur, especially if the cat struggles in the trap

Normal:

• Mild bleeding from male cat scrotum

Abnormal — Call Immediately:

• Excessive bleeding

• Extreme lethargy

• Male cats: Release after 24 hours

• Female cats: Hold 48 hours unless otherwise instructed

Nursing Mothers

• Flank incisions may be used

• Surgery does not affect mammary glands

If kittens are eating independently:

• Hold mom 36–48 hours and place trap near kittens

Kitten feeding guidance:

• 3–4 weeks: turkey pâté mixed with water (no cow’s milk)

• Under 2 weeks: hold mom at least 8 hours after eating 1–2 cans of wet food

Common (Normal):

• Sleepiness

• Tender injection site

• Decreased appetite

• Small firm lump (resolves in a few days)

Allergic Reactions — Seek Care Immediately:

• Fever over 104°F or lasting more than 48 hours

• Hives, redness, excessive scratching

• Repeated vomiting or severe diarrhea

• Refusal to eat or drink for over 24 hours

• Difficulty breathing

All records, including rabies certificates, are emailed after your visit.
Please check your spam or junk folder if you do not see them.