Caesarean Section Recovery Guide for Your Pet

After a caesarean section, careful post-operative management is crucial to ensure a smooth recovery for both the mother and her puppies. The guidelines below detail important steps for caring for your pet following surgery. Please review each section and contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

1. Incision Care

• Daily Monitoring:
  
  • Check the incision several times daily until it is completely healed.
  • Look for signs of swelling, oozing, pus, redness, heat, bad odor, or any issues with sutures/staples (such as looseness or missing stitches).
• Cleaning Instructions:
  
  • If the incision becomes dirty, gently clean it with mild hand soap and lukewarm water.
  • Pat the area dry using a clean paper towel.
  • Otherwise, avoid unnecessary contact with the incision.
• Licking Precautions:
  
  • Excessive licking can irritate the incision and lead to infection or increased drainage.
  • A small amount of drainage (none to just a few drops) is normal.
    
    

2. Medication Management

• Administration Guidelines:
  
  • Follow the prescribed medication schedule exactly and complete the full course.
  • If a dose is missed, do not double the next one; simply resume the regular schedule.
• NSAID Usage:
  
  • Always administer NSAIDs with food to help prevent stomach upset.
    
    

3. Nutrition, Elimination, and Bathing

• Feeding & Hydration:
  
  • A slight decrease in appetite during the first day post-surgery can be normal.
  • If your pet isn’t eating or drinking within 24–36 hours after returning home, contact your veterinarian.
  • Always ensure fresh water is available.
• Bowel Movements:
  
  • It is common for pets to experience a delay in bowel movements (1–3 days) after surgery.
  • If no stool is produced within 72 hours, give a tablespoon of canned pumpkin and notify your veterinarian.
• Bathing Restrictions:
  
  • Do not bathe your pet until after sutures or staples have been removed, typically around 14 days post-operation.
    
    

4. E-Collar (The Cone)

• Purpose and Function:
  
  • Prevents your pet from licking, biting, or scratching the incision, reducing the risk of infection or dislodged sutures/staples.
• Types and Usage:
  
  • E-collars come in various forms (plastic, fabric, inflatable).
  • Consult your veterinary team to determine the most suitable type based on the incision’s location.
• Usage Tips:
  
  • Eating may be more challenging with the collar on.
  • If removed, supervise your pet closely until it is replaced.
    
    

5. Activity Restrictions

• Movement Guidelines:
  
  • Limit your pet’s activity to short, leashed walks only.
  • No running or vigorous activity is allowed for 14 days following surgery.
    
    

6. Lactation and Nursing Considerations

• Milk Production:
  
  • Ensure that the mother is producing sufficient milk and that the puppies have easy access to nurse.
• Mastitis Awareness:
  
  • Monitor for any signs of mastitis, such as mammary glands becoming warm, hard, or painful.
  • Seek veterinary attention immediately if these symptoms occur.
• Nutritional Support:
  
  • Adjust the mother’s diet to accommodate the additional energy required for lactation.
    
    

Following these guidelines will help support a safe and effective recovery for your pet after a caesarean section. Always consult your veterinarian if you observe any unusual symptoms or have questions about your pet’s recovery process.