Know what happens next
A care plan that includes the days after surgery
Deciding on an operation is easier when you also understand the recovery. Your plan should explain where care happens, what you will need to do at home and how to get help if something changes.
Before you decide
The assessment brings together your dog’s history, examination and relevant test results. You discuss what the findings mean, the available options and any further information needed.
If surgery is recommended, the next conversation covers the expected benefit, risks, estimate and recovery responsibilities. You should have time to understand the plan and ask questions before giving consent.
The right setting for each part of care
An appointment at home can make some parts of care more practical. Other examinations, samples or investigations may need a clinic. Surgery and anaesthetic monitoring take place in a suitably equipped veterinary facility.
[[JRV-CARE-DELIVERY]]
Hospital location: [[JRV-HOSPITAL]].
Transport and admission arrangements: [[JRV-TRANSPORT]].
Prepare with instructions for your dog
Follow the veterinary team’s instructions on food, water, medicines and arrival time. Instructions depend on your dog’s health and the planned anaesthetic; do not substitute general internet advice.
Before admission, confirm who will contact you, when an update is expected and how discharge will be arranged. Prepare a quiet recovery space and any protective equipment recommended by the team.
- Confirm the current medicine list and any previous reactions.
- Receive the final estimate and consent information.
- Understand the admission, discharge and transport arrangements.
- Know the planned review dates and contact arrangements.
- Make sure the household understands the activity restrictions.
Comfort, protection and observation at home
After discharge, give medicines exactly as prescribed and prevent licking or chewing at the incision using the protection recommended by the veterinary team. Follow the agreed activity restrictions.
Check your dog’s comfort, appetite, ability to urinate and the appearance of the incision as instructed. Do not apply creams, antiseptics or dressings unless the treating team has advised them.
The recovery instructions should state what is expected, which changes require contact and when the dog will be examined again. A home review may be suitable for some checks; a clinic assessment may be needed if the findings require it.
Know what your package includes
Included consultations, reviews and care items: [[JRV-PACKAGE-INCLUSIONS]].
Planned recovery review schedule: [[JRV-REVIEW-SCHEDULE]].
Arrangements and charges for additional visits, tests or treatment: [[JRV-ADDITIONAL-CARE]].
The plan should make the next step clear if healing takes longer or another problem needs attention.
If you are worried during recovery
Contact the treating team promptly for increasing pain or swelling, bleeding, discharge, an opening incision or difficulty urinating. Seek urgent veterinary care for inability to pass urine, collapse, breathing difficulty or rapid deterioration.
Recovery contact: [[JRV-PHONE]].
Support hours and expected response arrangements: [[JRV-SUPPORT-SCHEDULE]].
Urgent care when the treating team is unavailable: [[JRV-URGENT-CARE]].
A website enquiry is not an urgent-care channel.
Your questions
Clear answers before you decide
Will all follow-up care happen at home?
The agreed plan will identify which reviews can take place at home. Some findings, tests or treatments may require a clinic. Home review arrangements and any travel charges should be confirmed before surgery.
Can my dog go for normal walks after surgery?
Follow the individual activity instructions. Your dog may feel brighter before the incision is ready for normal activity. The treating vet will advise when restrictions can be reduced.
What if healing takes longer than expected?
The dog needs reassessment so the cause and next step can be discussed. Your written plan should explain how additional appointments or treatment are arranged and which charges may apply.
Will my usual vet know what happened?
Record-sharing and updates should be agreed with you and, where relevant, the referring practice. Clear communication helps each veterinarian understand the treatment and ongoing plan.
The next step
Let’s talk about your dog’s care.
Understand the options and make a considered decision.