Veterinary Discharge Instructions Template

Veterinary Discharge Instructions Template

Clear discharge instructions are essential for positive outcomes after veterinary visits and procedures. Studies show that clients forget up to 50% of verbal instructions within an hour of leaving the clinic. Written discharge instructions improve compliance, reduce callback volume, and lead to better patient outcomes.

When to Use This Template

• Post-surgical discharge (spay/neuter, dental, orthopedic)
• Hospitalization discharge
• Sick patient follow-up care
• Medication dispensing
• Dietary changes
• Wound care instructions

Template Preview

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DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

[Clinic Name] | Emergency Line: [Phone]

Date: _______________ Doctor: _______________

Patient: _______________ Procedure/Visit: _______________

Owner: _______________ Phone: _______________

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GENERAL CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Activity Restrictions:

• ☐ No running, jumping, or rough play
• ☐ Leash walks only (______ minutes, ______ times daily)
• ☐ Crate rest recommended
• ☐ No stairs
• ☐ No swimming or bathing for ______ days
• ☐ E-collar (cone) must be worn at all times for ______ days
• ☐ Other: _______________

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FEEDING INSTRUCTIONS

Tonight:

Ongoing:

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MEDICATIONS

Pain management notes: _______________

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INCISION / WOUND CARE

• Excessive redness or swelling
• Discharge (small amount of clear/pink fluid is normal for 24-48 hrs)
• Opening of the incision
• Odor

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FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS

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⚠️ CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY IF YOU NOTICE:

• Difficulty breathing or excessive panting
• Persistent vomiting (more than 2 episodes)
• Bloody diarrhea
• Pale gums
• Extreme lethargy or inability to stand
• Swelling at the surgical site
• Bleeding from the incision
• Refusal to eat for more than 24 hours
• Signs of severe pain (crying, inability to get comfortable)
• Seizures

Daytime Phone: _______________

After-Hours Emergency: _______________

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ADDITIONAL NOTES

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

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I have received and understand these discharge instructions.

Owner Signature: _______________ Date: _______________

Discharged by: _______________ Time: _______________

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Tips for Effective Discharge Instructions

1. Use plain language: Avoid medical jargon — "redness around the cut" not "erythema at the incision site"
2. Be specific: "Give 1 tablet twice daily" not "administer BID"
3. Highlight warnings: Make emergency signs impossible to miss
4. Include visuals: Photos of normal vs. concerning incision appearance
5. Verbal review: Walk through the written instructions with the client before they leave
6. Follow-up contact: Send a check-in message 24 hours post-discharge

Automate Discharge Instructions with PetChart

PetChart generates discharge instructions automatically based on the procedure performed:

• Template library: Pre-built templates for common procedures, customizable to your protocols
• Auto-populated medications: Prescription details pull directly from the medical record
• Digital delivery: Email or text instructions to clients (no more lost papers)
• Client portal access: Clients can re-read instructions anytime in their portal
• Follow-up automation: Automatic check-in messages at 24 hours, 3 days, and 10 days
• Multi-language support: Provide instructions in the client's preferred language

Start your free PetChart trial and give your clients the clear communication they deserve.

Sources

• AAHA Standards
• AAHA Guidelines
• Use of technology in veterinary medicine (AVMA)
• Principles of veterinary data ownership and stewardship (AVMA)