Gastropexy Aftercare
Your pet has undergone a Laparoscopic Gastropexy procedure. Prior to the surgical procedure, they received a full examination by their veterinarian and will have had bloodwork done if requested.
About the procedure
This surgical procedure involves part of stomach lining being surgically attached to the wall of the abdomen internally under general anaesthetic. Three small incisions are made along the abdomen to allow ports to be placed. Once the ports are in place, the Laparoscope (camera) and surgical instruments are inserted through the ports, and the procedure will begin. This procedure is performed to prevent Gastric Dilation Volvulus (also known as bloat), and is generally done at the same time as a desex. The incision has been closed with absorbable sutures which are not visible externally; if non absorbable sutures are used, you will be notified at discharge. Surgical recovery is generally 7-10 days, however, this may differ between patients. Complete recovery is expected around 2 - 4 weeks post surgery. All procedures include IVFT (intravenous fluid therapy).
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Aftercare
When you collect your pet, they may be quite sleepy following their anaesthetic and procedure. You may offer them a small meal after they have settled in at home. We recommend offering soft food, about 1/3 of the size of their usual dinner. Do not be concerned if your pet does not show interest in their food on the first night after their procedure; the main reason they may not be interested in food is possible nausea from the anaesthetic, and/or drowsiness.
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We do recommend keeping your pet quiet over the next 7-10 days to prevent issues with the surgical site, and/or complications with recovery (please contact the clinic regarding re-introduction of exercise). It is best to avoid them jumping onto high surfaces or moving around rapidly during recovery. The incision sites need to be checked daily and monitored for any abnormal changes (such as redness, swelling or discharge), and also needs to be kept dry so, no baths or swimming for at least 10 days.
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Please do not feed any bones to your pet for 4 weeks. Strict leash walks are ok for the first 2 weeks but no running off lead please.
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Your pet has been prescribed an antacid medication, and provided with pain relief before and after their surgery. They will also have take-home medication, which will be given to you when you collect them in the afternoon. A veterinary nurse will explain how to administer the medication when going through the discharge notes but the dosage instructions are also clearly stated on the label.
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When to contact the clinic:
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The surgical site becomes quite red, swollen or is bleeding (a very small amount of blood is ok).
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Your pet is overly lethargic, vomiting, or reluctant to eat by the following day.
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You feel your pet may be in pain.
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Your pet is licking/chewing at their surgical site.
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If you have any questions about medications.
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If you have any other concerns.
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Take away points
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Please offer a small amount of soft food (1/3 of their usual meal size) the night of the procedure.
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Do not be concerned if your pet is not interested in food on the first night.
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Do not feed bones for 4 weeks.
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Leash walks only for the first 2 weeks.
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There may be sutures to be removed.
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Your pet will be prescribed additional medication for you to give at home.
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Keep your pet in a warm environment.
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Please keep your pet quiet during their recovery period.
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Check the surgical site daily.
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No baths or swimming for 10 days.