To [PET NAME]’s caregivers,

You’re doing a great job caring for [PET NAME]. Your veterinary team at [HOSPITAL NAME] will continue to support you as you manage [HIS/HER] dental health. Keeping [HIS/HER] mouth healthy is an important step in helping [HIM/HER] to live a happy and healthy life.

Dr. [VETERINARIAN NAME] wanted to share this important information with you concerning [PET NAME]’s visit today.

[PET NAME] had the following treatments performed today:

• A detailed oral exam under anesthesia
• Preanesthetic bloodwork
• X-rays of [HIS/HER] teeth
• A thorough teeth cleaning above and below the gumline
• [OTHER]

Extractions

The results of this treatment revealed that extractions were not needed.

Anesthesia

[PET NAME] did well under anesthesia and woke up smoothly. [PET NAME] had some complications under anesthesia.

• Since anesthesia can decrease tear production, an ointment was placed in [HIS/HER] eye to protect them while [HE/SHE] was asleep. This oily residue will dissipate over the next few days.
• Because of the anesthesia, [HE/SHE] may be sleepy and wobbly for the next 1-2 hours. However, some pets have the opposite effect and seem more agitated or whiny.

An IV catheter was placed to administer IV fluids, anesthesia and other medications.

• The fur was shaved. Please call us if you notice [HE/SHE] is licking the area excessively or if the area becomes red or irritated.
• Remove the bandage where the catheter was in 1 hour.

Food and Water

Feeding Instructions:

• Feed soft food for the next days.
• Feed [PET NAME] [HIS/HER] usual food in 1-2 hours.
• To avoid nausea, do not offer food immediately upon arriving home. Feed about half of the usual amount after arriving home if [HE/SHE] seems hungry.
• Some pets have a decreased appetite for 1-2 days following surgery.
• Do not allow [HIM/HER] to chew on hard toys or bones (real or artificial), objects (such as rocks, sticks or ice), cow hooves or pig ears as this can fracture teeth.
• For long term feeding we recommend a prescription dental care diet.

Water Restrictions:

• To avoid nausea, offer water in small amounts, every 1-2 hours until no longer thirsty. Then you can leave the bowl full as usual.
• [PET NAME] can have normal access to water.

Activity

• Please limit access to stairs and jumping on furniture while [HE/SHE] recovers from anesthesia.
• Monitor [HIM/HER] outside.
• Do not play tug-of-war for 1-2 week(s).

Home Care

You’ve been doing an excellent job caring for [PET NAME]’s teeth. Well done!

Start brushing [PET NAME]’s teeth ideally, every day. Any amount of brushing you do can help decrease the bacteria in [HIS/HER] mouth. Use toothpaste created specifically for pets. We recommend [BRAND] toothpaste.

Seek immediate veterinary care if [PET NAME]...

• Has excessive bleeding from the mouth
• Seems agitated or uncomfortable for more than 2 hours
• Has difficulty breathing
• Begins squinting [HIS/HER] eyes for more than 1 hour at a time
• Develops any wounds on [HIS/HER] body
• Refuses to eat or drink for more than 12 hours
• Does not defecate for more than 48 hours
• Has diarrhea for more than 12 hours
• Vomits more than three times in 12 hours
• Begins bumping into objects
• Has difficulty walking or jumping

If we are not available and you need help, please contact [ER HOSPITAL] at [ER HOSPITAL NUMBER].

Thank you

We appreciate your dedication to [PET NAME] and we’re honored to be walking alongside you on this journey.

[PET NAME] is a lovely patient. [PET NAME] has many fans here at the hospital! Thank you for trusting us with [HIS/HER] care.

Please call our hospital at [HOSPITAL PHONE NUMBER] with any questions or concerns.