Post operative feeding

RE: Post operative feeding

nickyc — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 18:57:23 GMT

We always feed ASAP, and generally give them i/d. I was very not impressed when I collected my own dog from a referal practice once (just a day patient for MRI), and despite me leaving a small amount of his food no one fed him, and he was miserable and starving! I would also be very concerned that your young patients (spays/neuters) etc are going for such a long time without food.

RE: Post operative feeding

Selena Carnell — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 18:58:29 GMT

we offer food and water once they are able to stand and walk about.

RE: Post operative feeding

Cloudy Weather — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 10:27:33 GMT

http://file.scirp.org/pdf/OJVM_2014042216192388.pdf

The above link is quite an interesting study that looks into the benefits of postoperative nutrition. :) I too would always feed in hospital as soon as patients are up and about.

RE: Post operative feeding

Feezy — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 08:26:06 GMT

Thanks folks! Always learnin!!!

RE: Post operative feeding

WelshyNurse — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 06:03:54 GMT

We never feed but will definately be passing the info on in work

RE: Post operative feeding

Sal the 1st — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 01:22:49 GMT

we feed as soon as they are awake enough - even if its only a small amount and not a full meal for all of the reasons mentioned in the previous post. Also if there is any possibility they are going to need an NSAID that evening after discharge I like to know that they have definitely eaten something before they go home. Patients recover quicker with a bit of food inside them and can be a lot more settled in the kennels.

If cost is a concern you could always ask the owners of elective procedures to bring in a small amount of their pets favourite food, that way everybody is happy ( we always ask this anyway with rabbits just to make sure there is the best possible chance they will eat voluntarily post op)

RE: Post operative feeding

sananbaz — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 11:55:13 GMT

Most definitely feed.

Patients will have been fasted from the previous evening, meaning approximately 18 hours before any food offered at home (realistic estimate, could be substantially more).
Blood sugar levels would have dropped - more so in elderly/young patients; those that only get fed once a day; those that are nervous and using up glucose levels quicker. This increases recovery time and changes patient temperament.
Consider dehydration if they also do not get offered water; water losses during surgery; use or not of ivft; those patients that would eat but not drink are losing a source of fluid intake. Dehydration slows recovery, reduces blood pressure and kidney perfusion.
Owners perception that their pets needs have been ignored if given back hungry
Pets more likely to wolf down food at home, increasing owners concern that they hadn't been cared for and increasing risk of regurgitation.
Use it or lose it - gut cells start to die off if unused for long periods of time
Certain species must eat to prevent gut stasis (I'm assuming you're not talking about rabbits and the like though)
Slower recovery time/normothermia
Potentially slower wound healing
Increased boredom in the kennel = increased likelihood of wound interference?

Reasons not to feed:

Cost in time (preparing, feeding, washing bowls)
Cost in money
Honestly struggling to find anymore!

Don't think you're a demon, but would try to persuade you to look in to the benefits of feeding postoperatively though (and secretly be feeding the patients behind your back! )

RE: Post operative feeding

jojofruits — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 15:32:25 GMT

W3e absolutely feed them as soon as they are ambulatory, sometimes before... but usually after we have popped them out for a wee ( if its a dog)

They rarely vomit if you feed a small amount of something bland and its so important in their recovery for post op temperature and stimulation.

In the case of early neutering ( the current train of thought is that the earlier the better, and many charity places are neutering at 8weeks) then they need to be fed as soon as possible due to risks of hypothermia and hypoglycaemia. When I worked in charity practice our early neuters were up and fed within 30-45 mins after the surgery being finished. Boinging around like little monkeys usually!