Your pet’s lap spay: A guide to pre- and post-operative care

Before the procedure: Setting the stage for safety

To ensure the exceptional quality care we strive for, we ask that you follow these “planned starvation” and medication guidelines strictly.

1. The night before

  • No food after 10pm: Please remove all food bowls by 10pm the night before the surgery unless a member of our caring staff has specified otherwise.
  • Fresh water: Unlike food, your pet should have unrestricted access to fresh water right up until you leave for the surgery.

2. Why the “starvation period” is vital

We ask you to fast your pet to minimise gastric contents. This significantly reduces the risk of reflux while under anaesthesia. If a pet regurgitates while asleep, there is a risk of aspiration pneumonia (inhaling stomach contents into the lungs). Your diligence here makes the anaesthetic much safer.

3. Pre-visit medications for anxious pets

If we have dispensed oral sedatives to help your pet feel calm—such as gabapentin or trazodone – please follow the instructions on the packets exactly.

  • Timing: These are typically given the night before the procedure and again 1 to 2 hours before your appointment.
  • Administering: Ideally, the morning dose should be given without food. If your pet is reluctant, you may use the absolute smallest amount of food possible to get the tablets down.

After the procedure: The road to recovery

A lap spay is a “keyhole” surgery, meaning your pet will benefit from smaller incisions and a faster return to their normal, happy selves. However, personalised care during the first 10 days is essential for a smooth recovery.

Activity levels & exercise

To protect the internal and external surgical sites, please follow this graduated exercise plan:

  • Days 1–5: Strictly 10-minute lead walks, twice daily. These should be for “toilet breaks” only.
  • Days 6–10: Increase to a maximum of 20-minute lead walks, twice daily.
  • Strictly no off-lead: Please keep your pet on a lead at all times during these 10 days to prevent jumping or sudden stretching of the surgical site.

Wound care & protection

Preventing your pet from licking or chewing the wound is the best way to avoid infection
or complications.

  • Medical pet shirt: We include a medical pet shirt which successfully protects the wound in 99% of lap spays.
  • Buster collar: If your pet is particularly persistent or doesn’t get on with the shirt, please use the buster collar provided.

FAQ: Common post-op questions

1. What should I do if my pet seems very sleepy this evening?
It is normal for pets to be a little quiet or “wobbly” after a general anaesthetic. Keep them in a warm, quiet and draught-free area. If you are concerned, do consider checking out our vidivet app at https://cotswoldvets.co.uk/vidivet/ for any minor issues.

2. When can my pet have their first meal?
We recommend not to go to over the top the evening of the surgery. Stick to their normal diet and feel free to offer half to two thirds of what you usually give volume wise that evening.

3. What if I notice redness or discharge at the wound site?
A small amount of redness is normal, but if you notice swelling, oozing or if your pet seems excessively uncomfortable, please contact our compassionate team as soon as practicable.