The Post-Op Recovery Guide For Eye Surgery

Medications:  Eye surgeries typically require topical medications to be administered on a schedule, which is of paramount importance to the healing process.

E-collar, “The Cone”:  Lampshade-like cones, also called Elizabethan collars or e-collars, go around your pet’s neck. These devices help prevent your pet from irritating the incision and the eye in general.  Some e-collars are made of fabric or may be inflatable which may or may not work depending on your pet’s ability to get to the incision area.  Ask your veterinary team for recommendations.  Eating can be complicated and messy while wearing an e-collar. If it is removed the pet must be supervised until the collar is replaced.  It takes only seconds for a pet to get to an incision and cause infection or a corneal ulcer, which can be catastrophic.

Feeding, Potty time:  A decreased appetite usually isn’t a concern for the first day after surgery. If your pet is not eating or drinking 24-36 hours after going home though, notify your veterinarian.  Fresh water should always be available.  Many pets will not have a bowel movement for 1 to 3 days after coming home. This timeframe is normally not a concern. If your pet does not produce any stool by 72 hours after returning home contact your veterinarian.