For Pet Owners
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Brower
Dr. Barry Brower offers consultations and expert surgery at general practice animal hospitals throughout South Florida. Surgical consultations can be scheduled at your primary care veterinarian’s office. Contact us today with any inquiries and to see if we can travel to your veterinarian’s practice. We look forward to serving you and your pet family.
Before Surgery
Fasting
Medications
On the morning of surgery, please bring all medications that your pet is currently taking, to drop off with your pet.
After Surgery
Telecommunication
We will contact you immediately following surgery to give an update on your pet. If there are any concerns or emergent situations during surgery, we will call you immediately.
Discharge
After surgery, your pet will be monitored in the hospital for several hours to ensure their safe and comfortable recovery from anesthesia. Most pets will be discharged to go home at the end of the same business day. A member of your primary care veterinarian’s staff will discharge your pet. Dr. Brower and his team will provide you with written instructions for at-home care.
Activity Restriction
After surgery, your pet should be confined to a limited space, such as a small room, large crate, or a gated area within a room. The specific recommendations for physical activity are dependent on the specific procedure. In general, your pet should be limited to short leash walks outside, and always on a leash. No running, jumping, or off-leash activity should be allowed for 10-14 days after surgery for abdominal procedures, and 6-8 weeks after orthopedic procedures. It is important to keep your pet off stairs and furniture, and separated from other pets until they are fully healed. You will receive discharge instructions after surgery, detailing the activity recommendations, specific for your pet.
E-collar
Your pet will be sent home with an E-collar (or “cone”) to prevent licking the incision and/or bandage. It is important that the E-collar remain on at all times until the incision is completely healed (typically 10-14 days) or when the bandage is removed.
Incision
A minor amount of swelling and redness is expected after surgery. A cold compress may be used to help reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort. Gently apply a compress wrapped in a hand towel over the incision for 5-10 minutes, three times daily, for the first 3-4 days after surgery. This may be purchased at your local pharmacy. Alternatively, you may use a ziploc bag filled with ice and wrapped in a towel. Please make sure it is not too cold before applying it to your pet’s skin. Your pet’s incision should be monitored daily for discharge, progressive swelling, redness, and pain. If any of these are noted, please call your veterinarian immediately.
Bandage
If your pet is sent home with a bandage, it is critical to keep the bandage clean and dry. A wet or dirty bandage can lead to infection and other complications. If the bandage slips, becomes wet, or your pet is chewing/licking the bandage, please call your veterinarian immediately to have the bandage evaluated and changed. A specific schedule for bandage changes will be included in your discharge instructions following surgery.
Schedule a Consultation
Dr. Barry Brower offers surgery and surgical consultations at general practice animal hospitals throughout South Florida, including Miami-Dade, Broward, Martin, and St. Lucie counties.