Condition of the dog after surgery. Postoperative period in dogs. Care

Good night! A Pekingese dog underwent surgery inguinal hernia. How to care? After 12 hours the dog doesn’t drink water, I’m worried. Write please. Julia.

Answer

There is a wealth of information on the Internet about hernias in dogs.

Love and understanding are the main thing

Pets strongly feel care and attention. After surgery, a small dog needs to fill the gap in communication with its owner that was lost during anesthesia. This is serious stress for the animal, which feels pain and discomfort after the operation.

Don't go too far. Anticipate your dog's wishes. Wet the face and tongue with water, do not scold if the dog went to the toilet under itself.

Care after surgery

Long periods of time under anesthesia and surgery are factors that frighten pets. The dog recovered from the surgical sleep under the supervision of a veterinarian. Take care of the rest. Psychological support for your pet is an important factor in restoring health.

Hospital, bad smell, an unfamiliar environment is stressful for the baby. When restoring an animal after surgical intervention peace is required. Sometimes dogs are active in this state - protect your baby from dangerous items, toys. Do not allow your pet to jump on furniture. Arrange a clean, dry and warm bed on the floor, without drafts or bright light.

A sick baby refuses to go for walks and defecates on himself? Instead of scolding or punishing, lay down an oilcloth in advance.

Caring for seams

No wonder they say “heals like a dog.” The dogs recover quickly and without problems. It is important to protect the seams from teeth and claws. The baby will try to chew off the cause of the inconvenience. To prevent this, wear a bandage or post-operative blanket. Keep it clean and change the bandage periodically. If necessary, prevent your dog from touching the seams by purchasing a special collar.

Treat the seams according to the veterinarian's instructions, without doing anything on your own. Abdominal surgery suggests a risk of inflammation and infection of the sutures. It is recommended to process at least 3-5 times a day. Medications The doctor will prescribe it for treatment. Disinfect the incision site with an alcohol-free solution. Treat the wound, apply sterile gauze, and put on a bandage.

Use of medications

The incision site hurts, remember this. Don't squeeze or squeeze the dog. Pekingese are strong, hardy animals, they can withstand diseases thanks to their immunity, however strong pain provokes tears. The baby whines and looks pitifully - ask the doctor to prescribe painkillers intramuscularly or intravenously. Call a doctor at home if you are afraid to give injections.

Swipe full course treatment, do not finish treatment ahead of schedule until the seams heal.

Diet and nutrition

Follow the prescribed diet and do not feed your dog dry food. Take care of quickly digestible light food so that the pet’s body spends energy only on recovery.

Don't force him to eat, don't push him. The baby will soon ask for food himself. Keep fresh water available. If the pet does not drink on its own, help the dog by periodically pouring water into the mouth with a pipette or syringe. If this is not possible, the veterinarian will put in a drip that will save the body from dehydration.

Recovery after surgery

The first three days after surgery are the most difficult. The wound hurts, stress is present, the dog experiences discomfort, exhibits unusual behavior, and responds with aggression to the care of family members. Decide who is caring for the “sick” person; it is advisable to choose a person whom the dog will calmly allow close to him. Don't worry, recovery takes time.

A dog's recovery after surgery largely depends on the care it receives, whether it be neutering or spinal surgery. Of course, in each specific case, the veterinarian will tell you in detail how to care for your pet, but there are also general rules that a dog breeder should know. Special post-operative care dog needs on average during 10-14 days, although at serious interference postoperative period rehabilitation can last up to 1-2 months.

Important rules for caring for your dog after surgery

First of all, you need to take care of the animal’s peace. Its corner should be dry, comfortable, warm, but not hot and without drafts.

What to feed your dog after surgery

An important general rule is that you need to feed your dog often, but in very small portions. She still has no appetite, and her body needs energy to recover, and there is no need to distract it by digesting food.
Immediately after surgery, the dog should not be fed or watered for several hours. This is especially important if the operation was performed in abdominal cavity.
Also, food should be light and preferably liquid. better to soften in warm water or give special canned food to the diet line. It is better to keep the dog on this line for a month. It is better to return to a normal diet gradually, mixing the usual food with the medicinal food over the course of a week.
With natural feeding, broth is given once, at the first postoperative meal, and then semi-liquid porridge with minced meat, cottage cheese, and kefir. Unless, of course, the veterinarian gave other recommendations.
The dog must have free access to fresh drinking water.

Photo: Caring for a dog after surgery

Dog after surgery

Normal dog recovery after surgery directly depends on how carefully the owner looks after her. Veterinarian will instruct the pet owner in detail how to care for it and what you need to know, but there are also general rules for caring for a sick animal.

A dog recovers after surgery in about 14 days, although there are cases when the rehabilitation period lasts up to 60 days.

A special place is occupied by maintaining rest for the animal. It is necessary to take care of a comfortable, favorable, warm, but not stuffy place:

To recover, the animal must experience minimal stress and rest more. During the operation, the pet experienced stressful state, so it can be aggressive.
First day dog after surgeryNot Maybe There is and take a long walk.
IN mandatory getting dressed blanket for dogs after surgery so that she does not touch the seams.
Stitches in a dog after surgery require special care, therefore suture treatment after surgeryin a dog must be carried out by local antiseptic solution once a day. After the wound has been treated, antiseptic ointment is applied.
All medications are given strictly according to the instructions prescribed doctor, to dog felt comfortable.
Pain relief for dogs after surgery They are given exactly according to the schedule, since a disrupted medication schedule can have a negative effect on the recovery process.

Postoperative nutrition for the animal

The dog owner wonders: how same feeding the dog after surgery? We offer the following:

Feeding should be done little by little so as not to burden the body, since a lot of energy is spent on digesting food.
After surgery, the dog does not eat or drink for several hours. This is especially true for operations performed on the peritoneum.
There is no need to be afraid that the dog does not go to the toilet after surgery. This is natural, because she doesn’t eat anything. And to avoid constipation, you need to stick to a diet. It is better to give dietary food, which is sold in special canned food. Hard food softens in warm water. This type of diet is observed for about 30 days. It is better to return to your normal eating rhythm gradually. To do this, the usual food is gradually mixed into the diet.
IN postoperative period It is preferable to give the dog broth, cottage cheese, kefir and porridge.
There must be fresh drinking water near the dog.
ABOUT negative reactions food in the form of vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, the owner is obliged to inform the treating veterinarian.

What is the feature of the protective structure?

A collar for a dog after surgery serves as a kind of limiter or barrier in protective therapy. The technique helps protect the dog from harming itself. various kinds damage, does not allow itself to be bitten or scratched. This increases the likelihood fast healing wounds. These devices are prescribed by veterinarians in case of surgery, as well as in other incidents.

Pets do not like to visit clinics, so restraints in the form of collars make it possible to visit doctors less often. The wound heals faster, the risk of infection is reduced, and the dog does not come into contact with drugs used to treat the skin.

The device has the shape of a cone, which is cut off at the top. The material can be anything that holds its shape. On a positive note is that an animal with such a device calmly eats food. Try to get the dog used to this thing, and then it will stop worrying and accept it better.

What complications can occur after surgery?

A dog after surgery needs quality care because she is more susceptible to complications that may arise against this background. Among other things, you cannot always force the dog to rest in order to allow the wound to heal normally. This is due to the fact that you cannot explain to her how to behave after the operation, namely:

If the dog is not stopped in time, it can damage the wound and this will lead to the resorption of the sutures.
Allergies can also occur in dogs. The owner does not always know the reaction of the dog’s body to one or another type of drug.
Swelling after surgery in a dog may arise due to excess liquid, which accumulated near the wound. Swelling will cause the stitches to come apart and the wound will be vulnerable to infection.
Bloody discharge from a wound in the first days after surgery should be a cause for concern.
If the sutures dissolve early or are placed incorrectly, a hernia may form.

Neutering a dog or bitch is a responsible decision. Removing a dog's uterus means that she will not develop a uterine infection (pyometra), and if spayed before her second year, it will also have a protective effect against future development of mammary cancer. However, expose the animal surgical intervention is quite an unnerving experience. The care you provide for your pet after surgery may reduce the risk postoperative complications and will make her recovery more comfortable.

Steps

Part 1

Returning a dog after surgery

Arrange transportation for your dog. Your dog will not be allowed to go home until he can stand on his paws and walk. But this does not mean that she must return home on foot. Carry small dogs in your arms, and organize transportation for large dogs.

The veterinarian may keep your dog overnight if he still seems groggy after taking painkillers or if he is not yet able to move around on his own.

Ask a friend to go with you. Take a friend with you when you pick up your dog from the clinic. During the excitement of seeing your furry companion again, it is often difficult to remember all the instructions. Your friend will be that extra pair of ears who will remember instructions that you may forget at this moment.
- A friend will also help hold the door open, help you get your dog in and out of the car.
Write down any questions you have so you can ask your veterinarian when you arrive at the clinic. Most clinics provide verbal and written instructions describing everything you should do after surgery. Before you arrive at the clinic, write down any questions you have about post-operative care.
- By writing down your questions and discussing them one by one with your veterinarian, you can be more prepared to care for your dog.
Part 2
Caring for your dog immediately after surgery
1. Your dog's environment should be quiet and calm. When you get home, your dog will need peace and quiet to recover. Do not schedule surgery on a day when you have a dinner party planned in the evening, as availability large quantity people will not help your dog relax.
  - You should also not invite people to visit your dog. Although she will be happy to see these people, their presence will make her want to get up and walk around when she should be resting.
2. Stay home for 24 hours after surgery. Many people wonder if they should stay home after their dog has had surgery. It's not obligatory. However, it is advisable to stay home for the first 24 hours after surgery so that you can make sure your dog is eating, going to the toilet, and that he is not in too much pain.
  - If anything happens during these 24 hours that worries you, then be sure to call your veterinarian.
  - If you have no choice but to leave home, consider hiring a trusted pet sitter and explain everything to her in detail.
3. After surgery, your dog should be on a light diet. In the evening, after the painkiller wears off, you can feed her. But instead of feeding her the usual portion, give her light food. The painkiller may make some dogs nauseous, and after eating a full portion they may begin to vomit.
  - Prepare small portion chicken breasts, rabbit, cod or turkey along with a small amount white rice or pasta.
  - Additionally, you can also buy food that is specifically designed for dogs with nausea. Such foods include Hills ID or Purina EN brands.
4. The day after surgery, you can return your dog to his normal diet. The day after surgery, you can return your dog to his normal diet. Remember that for a dog, undergone surgery, it is normal not to have a bowel movement for two to three days.
  
  Try not to leave your dog for more than four hours a day at a time. For the first three to four days after surgery, you may want to leave your dog alone for up to four hours at a time. During these four hours, she will be able to sleep and relax, but you will also be able to spend enough time with her to notice possible problems.
  - Refer to the Helping Your Dog Deal with Pain section to learn what signs to look for.
5. Relax your watch after four or five days. Provided that up to this point no problems have arisen serious complications, we can say that your dog will be quite able to stay home alone. At this stage, you need to give your dog time to recover until the stitches are removed approximately 10-14 days after surgery.
Part 3
How to stop your dog from licking your wound
1. Buy your dog a special collar to prevent him from licking the wound. Do not allow your dog or any other animal to lick the incision, as this carries a high risk of infection and damage to the stitches. In order to prevent her from doing this, there are several types of collars for dogs. These collars look like a lampshade or a bucket without a bottom. Most collars are made of plastic.
  - Choose a collar that suits your dog. The narrow side of the collar fits around the dog's neck and is held in place by a regular collar. The wide end of the collar should protrude 5-7.5 cm further than the nose, so that the collar is between her and the wound.
  - In addition, you can also buy an inflatable collar for your dog. It will prevent your dog from turning his head. They are very similar to rescue inflatable rings and are sized to fit the shape of your dog's neck.
2. Dress your dog in an old T-shirt if you have other dogs. If you have more than one dog, any one of them may try to lick the wound. To prevent this, find a T-shirt large enough to cover her entire torso, right down to the cut. Let your dog wear this T-shirt for 10-14 days. A cotton T-shirt is best as it allows for the best breathability: :
  - Pull the T-shirt over your dog's head and then insert his front paws into each sleeve of the T-shirt. Pull the T-shirt down to cover the cut and tie it so your dog can walk. If the T-shirt is very long, you can make two cutouts at the bottom and insert hind legs dog.
  - If the T-shirt becomes dirty, replace it with another one.
Part 4
Wound care
1. Check the incision every morning and evening. Look at the cut, but don't touch it. The healing wound should be dry, without any fluid leaking through it. As part of the healing process, the edges of the wound may swell slightly to help them meet.
  
  Look for signs of infection. Be alert for signs of heat, swelling, or fluid coming from the wound. If blood or pus is leaking from the wound, contact your veterinarian immediately. More often the blood comes from a small blood vessel bleed into the fat layer under the skin rather than from a large internal hemorrhage, but still contact your veterinarian to make sure your dog is safe.
  - Pus is also usually a sign of a superficial infection on or just under the skin, rather than an infection in the abdomen. However, your dog may need antibiotics for the infection to prevent it from delaying the wound's recovery.
2. Rinse the cut only if it gets dirty. Do not touch the incision unless your veterinarian tells you to do so. However, if your dog went outside and got his belly dirty, then you can gently wash the dirt off the cut. To do this you must do the following:
  - Prepare saline solution(5 ml of salt per half liter boiled water room temperature). Dip cotton into the solution and then gently rub the wound to remove dirt from the cut.
3. Make sure the dog's bed is clean. If you have removed the bandage from the wound, then make sure that the dog sleeps on clean, dry bedding to prevent infection from entering the wound.
Part 5
Help the dog get necessary rest
1. Keep your dog on a leash when he needs to relieve himself. Instead of allowing him to roam freely, take your dog into the yard wearing a collar and leash. Keeping her on a leash will keep her safe and prevent her from getting hurt if she sees something and wants to chase it.
  
  Help your dog get in and out of the car. Don't let your dog jump in and out of the car. If necessary, ask a friend to drag big dog in and out of the trunk when you pick her up from the clinic or take her somewhere.
  
  Keep your dog on a leash when you start walking him again. If your dog is going crazy and has so much energy that he's jumping on doors, ask the clinic if you can take him for a short walk. Always keep her on a leash while walking.
  - Three to four days after surgery, you may want to consider taking your dog for a walk. Try to walk on a flat surface for no more than five minutes at a time.
2. Don't play wildly with your dog. If you have other dogs in the house who want to frolic with your dog, keep them under constant supervision so that they do not jump on it. Don't play tug of war or any other games that involve movement with your dog.
  - If you're concerned that you can't keep other dogs under control, consider asking a friend to watch them until your dog's stitches are removed.
3. Don't forget that some dogs are more sensitive and experience great pain, than others. Average duration The time it takes for pain relief lasts four to five days, but your dog may need more or less time.
4. Do not use non-prescribed pain medication without your veterinarian's advice.
Look for signs that your dog is in pain. Every dog reacts to pain differently. Some start making noise and whining, while others run away and try to hide. General signs discomforts in dogs are listed below:
- Restlessness: walking, inability to calm down, dog sits down and then gets up again. All of these may indicate discomfort.
- Vocalization: whining and crying. Sometimes this is more an attempt to attract attention than a sign of pain. Try to avoid handling your dog when it is crying. If she learns that you won't reward her and continues to whine anyway, she's probably in pain.
- Body Posture: When a dog is in pain, he will often have a "miserable" appearance with drooping ears, sad eyes and a drooping head. Her torso is often hunched over, and she cannot lie in her preferred position.
- Behavior: Some dogs change their behavior when they are in pain. One example of this is irritability and aggressiveness. Other dogs walk away, as if trying to hide from the pain.
- Lack of desire to eat or drink: Some dogs (especially Labradors) will eat no matter what, but others will refuse to eat if they are uncomfortable.
Contact your veterinarian if you think your dog is in severe pain. Contact the clinic if you think current pain medications are not enough for your dog. There are other pain relievers, like tramadol, that can be added to an NSAID prescription to help manage pain.
Call your veterinarian if you notice severe symptoms. Many veterinarians will schedule an examination between three and ten days after surgery. However, if anything bothers you before then, be sure to contact your veterinarian. Watch out for the following symptoms:
- Dog Isn't Eating or Drinking After 48 Hours: By this point, your dog should be eating, and if he's not, he's in pain. Don't wait any longer and seek help right away.
- Wound discharge: During healing, the wound is usually dry. If you see discharge, especially if it is pus or blood, seek help.
- Nausea or diarrhea: Sometimes anesthetics can cause stomach irritation in sensitive animals. However, if a dog who has recently had surgery is vomiting, then you should take him to the vet.
- Weakness, lethargy, or swollen belly: If your dog seems weak and is not regaining his energy, or if his figure changes and his belly becomes distended, seek immediate veterinary attention.

A bitch that is energetic, or not rested, has a greater chance of stretching the body walls or the webbing at the seams. This increases the likelihood of inflammation, and cells brought into the area due to inflammation then lead to allergic reaction on the seams.