Post-Operative Instructions

Discharge Instructions for Oral Surgery Patients

A small amount of blood-tinged saliva may be noted from the mouth or in the food/water dish over the next 24-48 hours. This is normal after oral surgery. If you note excessive bleeding or swelling, green discharge or a foul odour from the mouth, please call your doctor or the Emergency Service (if not during regular business hours) for further instructions.

There may be numerous stitches in the mouth. All of these stitches are absorbable. They will dissolve and/or fall out in approximately 3-5 weeks.

Please feed only soft food (canned or dry food soaked in water for 10-15 minutes) for the next two weeks. Patients should not be fed a raw food diet after oral and/or maxillofacial surgery. During this time, chewing on hard treats, toys, balls, sticks, etc., should not be allowed. This will give time for the oral cavity to heal. Patients who refuse to eat or drink for longer than 24-48 hours may need to be evaluated; please call your doctor or the Emergency Service (if not during regular business hours). Please note it is common for dogs and cats to not drink as much water when they are fed a wet food diet, and the frequency of bowel movements may be decreased. Bathroom habits should return to normal after your pet goes back to their regular diet.

A soft cough may be noted over the next few days. It results from mild tracheal irritation following intubation for anesthesia. As the irritation subsides, so will the cough. If the cough gets worse over the upcoming days or if it is ever productive, please call your doctor or the Emergency Service (if not during regular business hours).

If you note any vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy in the upcoming days, please call your doctor or the Emergency Service (if not during regular business hours).

Pain control medication has been prescribed. Please use as directed. If you feel the pain is not being well controlled, please call your doctor or the Emergency Service (if not during regular business hours).

Chlorhexidine rinse may have been prescribed by your doctor. This is a dilute chlorhexidine solution (0.12%) designed to aid in the control of plaque bacteria after surgery has been performed. This solution should not cause harm if small amounts are swallowed. The oral cavity should be liberally flushed with the solution twice daily until you are otherwise directed.