Author: Bethany Moss RVN. Bethany is an RVN at a veterinary practice in Somerset. Her professional interests include nursing hospitalised patients and conducting clinical audits to find areas of possible improvement. Outside work, her interests include travel, crafting, baking and spending time with her husband.
ABSTRACT This clinical audit investigated postoperative gastrointestinal upset, specifically diarrhoea, a common complication seen in patients following routine neutering surgeries. Over an initial 6-month period in 2023, data from more than 700 patients across three practice sites were analysed. Findings revealed that 26.32% of patients experienced complications within 10 days after surgery, with 11.21% of these presenting with diarrhoea. Research and consultation highlighted that chicken, which is commonly recommended in bland postsurgical diets, is a major dietary allergen for cats and dogs, and that abrupt dietary changes may exacerbate gastrointestinal upset. In response, practice guidelines were revised to advise feeding patients their regular diet in smaller portions postoperatively and encouraging owners to provide their pet’s usual food at admission. After implementing these changes and collecting follow-up data over a further 6 months, a 59.15% reduction in cases of postoperative diarrhoea was observed. This audit demonstrates the value of evidence-based changes to practice and effective communication between veterinary staff and clients. Ongoing audits are planned to maintain standards and identify any opportunities for further improvement.
Keywords postoperative, gastrointestinal, diarrhoea, diet, clinical audit
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56496/UGWD5127
To cite this article: Moss, B. (2025) Postoperative gastrointestinal signs in patients: A clinical audit. VNJ 40(6) pp56-58.
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