Postoperative care for the dog. Dog after surgery. Care

Rehabilitation of a dog after surgery and proper postoperative care for a pet after surgery has great value for the health of the animal and its quick return back to before active image life. The main operations for dogs include operations on the uterus - sterilization or removal of purulent pyometra. Other operations are also carried out that require follow-up care. If carried out incorrectly, you may encounter the development dangerous complications, therefore, you should not neglect the recommendations on how exactly to take care of your dog.

As a rule, it can take from 7 to 14 days to rehabilitate a dog. During this entire period, the owner must strictly adhere to the veterinarian’s recommendations regarding the dog’s diet, its lifestyle, the rules for treating the suture with antiseptics and treatment with drugs. It is important to remember that a dog after surgery needs not only the necessary medical procedures, but also in an attentive, sensitive attitude. Feeling the love of its owner, the animal will quickly get to its feet.

After anesthesia

All serious operations are performed under general anesthesia, from which the dog comes out no easier than you and I. At this time, it is important that the animal observes bed rest or at least was at rest. In the first hours after recovery from anesthesia, the dog is usually not fed or even allowed to drink. It’s good if you can spend at least a few hours after the operation next to your pet - this will give him strength and make him feel loved.

Proper seam care

The greatest attention should be paid to the suture after surgery in a dog, which must be examined at least twice a day. Usually, during the entire healing period, the dog wears a special bandage or blanket, which must be used so that the dog cannot do anything with the healing wound. The selection of blankets is carried out taking into account the chest circumference of the animal; the size must be chosen carefully, making sure that the dog is comfortable.

Sutures are placed along the surgical incision line, several centimeters long - it is important to ensure that the dog does not damage them. If one or more stitches are missing, contact your veterinarian. Please note that there are both external and internal seams, so you need to monitor not only the condition of the seam itself, but also general health dogs (for example, how she eats, whether she vomits, whether her temperature rises, etc.).

When inspecting the seam, pay attention to discharge - in the first day there may not be any discharge from the seam. a large number of pinkish liquid, but if you notice excessive bloody or purulent discharge– It’s better not to take risks and consult your doctor.

Nutrition

Rehabilitation of a dog after surgery and good care involve drawing up correct menu. The dog should be fed at certain hours with pre-prepared special food, which should be nutritious, but at the same time easily digestible and preferably liquid. Under no circumstances should you overfeed an animal. The food offered to the dog should not be hard, spicy or hot. It is best to use special dietary lines or premium food.

Lifestyle

After the operation, it is necessary to limit physical activity - do not let the dog off the leash, do not allow it to play with other animals, and also do not allow it to jump or make sudden movements. The speed of the dog's recovery after surgery and its return to ordinary life will depend on how she behaves in the first days after the operation. You should not completely restrict the animal’s movements: immobility can lead to adhesions, so leisurely walks are not only not harmful, but also beneficial.

Veterinary center "Dobrovet"

07.06.2012

Caring for the animal before and after surgery

This article is dedicated to caring for animals before and especially after surgery, as this care requires a lot of effort and responsibility. Some of the information on caring for animals is also applicable in other situations.

Majority surgical operations carried out under general anesthesia. Indeed, the use of anesthetics is associated with certain risks, and surgical intervention equally painful for people and animals. But if you call for help common sense, all this turns out to be not so scary. Surgery for pets has already reached certain heights, but there is always the risk of being under general anesthesia.

Anesthesia should be performed on an empty stomach. This reduces the risk of nausea during anesthesia sleep. Before surgery, your doctor may suggest that your animal undergo full examination, the condition of the heart and lungs must be examined especially carefully. IN in doubtful cases You need to do a blood test to check the functioning of your kidneys and liver. In many cases, in most animals, especially young and clinically healthy ones, there is no such need. In most cases, such studies concern animals at risk (old, with concomitant chronic diseases). If any violations are detected, it is necessary to reconsider the method of anesthesia so as not to harm the body.

Most anesthetics reduce or eliminate the feeling of pain during surgery, but some interventions are still very painful, especially those involving the cavity and bones. There is no need to try to reduce the dose of painkillers after surgery - you are unlikely to wait for the animal to ask for medicine - many of them stoically endure suffering. Follow your doctor's instructions for administering medications! In general, animals recover faster after surgery than people. They recover faster because they do not know human post-operative anxieties and worries. However, you should not relieve the pain completely. Pain to some extent helps the sick body fight the disease. Unpleasant sensations after surgery are not so harmful, they force the patient to lie still, preventing postoperative complications.

Successful recovery requires proper care before and after surgery.

Often dogs and cats bad patients for surgeons, because, unlike people, they are not aware of this event, and in the postoperative period they will not follow those recommendations that people always strive to follow with great diligence in order to avoid postoperative complications. Some individuals have low pain sensitivity, so in the first two to three days after the operation they feel normal.

Before surgery , if it is not an emergency, then you have time to prepare everything for receiving the animal after the operation. In the first one to two days, supervision of the operated animal is necessary not only because of its feeling unwell, but also because of the possibility of complications when recovering from anesthesia, self-injury and removal of sutures.

Preoperative fasting . Your veterinarian should advise you of the need for a 6 – 12 – 24 hour fast before surgery. This is necessary so as not to cause shock or vomiting in the animal when it is under anesthesia, or it facilitates the work of the surgeon during organ surgery abdominal cavity. If you have violated these instructions, it is better to postpone the operation. In some cases - when used for surgery, very mild degree anesthesia (sedation, immobilization), and when using certain narcotic drugs, this requirement is optional, but you must warn the doctor! And he will decide on the admissibility of the operation.

Be sure to tell your veterinarian how the animal tolerates anesthesia (if it was previously used), especially if there were problems.

If your pet is taking any medications, ask your veterinarian if they need to be stopped.

If any changes have occurred in the animal’s condition (vomiting, diarrhea, etc.) or there are other problems, be sure to inform your doctor. If the animal is not vaccinated, which we consider unacceptable, then inform the doctor: perhaps the doctor will advise you to vaccinate the animal first, and only after a certain time (at least two weeks after the last administration of the vaccine) return to the question of surgical intervention(of course this applies to cases planned operations), if you refuse vaccination or in urgent/emergency cases, we recommend injecting the animal with serum against infectious diseases, since the risk of infection in the animal in the postoperative period and in contact with other animals on the street and in the clinic increases sharply.

On the day of surgery. This is a responsible period and requires the owner to be attentive, punctual and calm. Please note the following points:

1. Don't be late for surgery.

2. Provide a telephone number where you can be found during the day or during the operation, or after its completion if you are not present at the clinic.

3. Remember that with surgical field All hair will be shaved. Therefore, if you soon want to exhibit your animal, warn about it. But remember that the health of the animal should come first for you.

4. The animal can be given a preliminary injection special drugs for decreasing side effects anesthesia and possible complications(called premedication) or adjustments to the animal's condition, and you will be asked to wait until the medicine takes effect.

When preparing the animal for surgery, we kindly ask you not to show your excitement, nervousness, anxiety, and avoid fuss - remember that the animal feels you and is influenced by your mood! In addition, it interferes with the doctor, distracting him and not allowing him to fully concentrate on his task.

After operation listen carefully to all the doctor’s comments about the progress of the operation and its result, as well as detailed instructions on further care, treatment, maintenance (including physical activity) and feeding (providing water, food, dietary aspects). Ask when there will be an improvement in the condition when a second appointment is necessary, find out the date of removal of the stitches (the cost of removal of stitches and post-operative examination should be included in the cost of the operation. Specify this). Clarify any unclear questions immediately! If necessary, if difficulties or complications arise at home, do not hesitate to consult a doctor by phone. Do not make any independent decisions or actions unless they have been discussed and agreed with your doctor.

The time it takes for animals to exit general anesthesia, individually for each individual (from half an hour to several hours). They should be monitored until they fully regain consciousness and begin to walk without difficulty (if there are no pathologies that limit movement).

They must be kept under observation until they fully regain consciousness.

Transportation. pay attention to following points:

The car should be warm but well ventilated.

Transport the animal in a special container.

To prevent hypothermia and postoperative shock, keep the animal on a warm bedding and cover it with a blanket (towel, diaper).

Remember that, once in a familiar environment, the animal may fall asleep deeply.

Postoperative care. Includes the following:

1. Give the animal comfortable bed in a warm, quiet and dry place. Do not use elevated places under any circumstances to avoid the animal falling! Use baby oilcloth or absorbent diapers, because after surgery there may be involuntary urination in a dream.

When coming out of anesthesia, trembling is possible, in this case it is recommended to give a few drops of Corvalol (Valocordin) with water orally, but check with your doctor whether this is acceptable and the dose.

2. In some cases (if there is a threat of vomiting), unless the veterinarian says otherwise, after the operation, several hours later (after complete recovery from anesthesia), it is advisable to give a glucose solution in small quantities every 1 - 2 hours (1 tablespoon per 0.5 l of water or 5-10% ready-made solution), clean water or an electrolyte solution prescribed by your veterinarian. In other cases, for example during castration/sterilization, the animal’s access to water is not initially limited, but it is better to limit access to water for 4-5 hours due to possible post-anesthesia vomiting.

3. It is advisable not to feed the animal for the first 6-8 hours after surgery, and significantly reduce the first portions of food in volume to minimize the possibility of vomiting, which often happens after anesthesia. Every three to four hours, give a small amount of easily digestible food (diet composition, therapeutic diet is discussed by the doctor!), unless, of course, the veterinarian has prohibited it, feed little by little, but often.

Your doctor may advise you to postoperative period use the supplement of energy vitamin paste in a dose according to the instructions for more quick recovery the animal's appetite and strength.

4. Monitor bowel movements (stool) and urination for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery. If your animal experiences stool or urinary retention, contact your veterinarian. Be prepared to help your pet defecate and urinate after surgery by providing support.

5. Sutures are treated daily (1 or 2 times a day) until they are removed, the date of which will be determined by the doctor (from 8 to 12 days). Your doctor will select the drug or drugs for treating the suture.

6. Do not forget about hygienic treatment of the nose/nostrils, muzzle, teeth, eye area with special lotions, boiled water and/or chamomile decoction or other remedies recommended by your doctor.

7. After castration/sterilization of cats when feeding them industrially produced food, after 2-3 weeks. after surgery in adults or upon reaching the age of 1 year in kittens, it is possible to transfer the animal to super-premium class food for sterilized (castrated) animals with prophylaxis urolithiasis. Considering possible speed dial body weight in castrated animals, it is necessary to monitor the weight/fatness of the animal through the optimal dosage of the daily portion of food. Try to increase the animal's mobility by constantly playing with it. We recommend monitoring your weight dynamics and adjusting your diet if necessary.

Postoperative monitoring.

There are a number of situations that need to be reported to your veterinarian immediately:

1. Deep fainting. Heavy difficulty breathing.

2. Cold paw pads, pale lips and gums.

3. Within 24 hours after the operation, the animal cannot fully regain consciousness and begin to move.

Within 24 - 48 hours after surgery, the animal cannot control the movements of its limbs.

4. Constant belching and vomiting, the stomach can’t even hold small quantity water (vomiting once or twice is possible during the first hours after surgery when recovering from anesthesia, so you should not give the animal water or food at this time).

5. Bloody feces.

6. Severe swelling and redness surgical wound, bad smell. Also applies visible parts body (limbs) below the places of bandaging, plaster casts, installed peripheral venous catheters.

8. Cramps.

9. Allergic reactions(rash and blisters), swelling of the mouth, muzzle and throat.

10. Removal of sutures by the animal itself.

11. Intense bleeding from the surgical wound.

Medicines. Before you leave the veterinarian, make sure that all names and doses on the prescription sheet are clear to you, and that the containers given to you with the appropriate medications are signed/labeled (antiemetics, antibiotics, etc. or the name of the drug). You can write down the names of medications, their doses and frequency of administration in your notebook/notebook; this may be useful to you later (that is, make a list of medications indicating the dose and time of administration that is understandable and convenient for you).

If the veterinarian poured the tablets/powders into a bag, then, if necessary, pour them into a clean, dry bottle and attach a label with the name of the medicine and dosage.

If you have several pets, then remember who you give what medications to.

Control of water consumption. After surgery, animals can often be dehydrated and very thirsty, but large amounts of water can cause vomiting. Remove all containers of water from the room where the animal is. Give the liquid in dosed doses first, in small portions(of course, if there is a need for this and the doctor does not prescribe otherwise). If after two hours no vomiting appears, then the amount of water can be increased, and in the future the animal can drink as much as it wants. In some cases, there may be no restrictions on water consumption.

If the dog cannot lift its head, water can be given from a syringe without a needle.

Bandages.If an animal has a bandaged limb, the bandage must be kept clean at all times, even when the animal goes outside. To do this, put a plastic bag on top and secure it with adhesive tape. When your dog returns home, immediately remove the bag and put it away. Elastic bandages can be dangerous for animals, so never secure the bag with such a bandage, but in some cases, and only on the recommendation of a doctor, they can be used. Make sure that the bandage does not get wet. If the animal has a catheter installed in the peripheral veins (usually the paws), then monitor the skin around the catheter, and if redness, swelling, pain, leakage, or bleeding occurs, immediately inform the doctor. It is important not to allow the animal to be “interested” in this place, and to ensure that the catheter is securely bandaged or, if necessary, reinforced with a bandage over the bandage (but not tightly!).

It is necessary to draw your attention to postoperative care for cats after acute urinary retention due to urolithiasis, which was diagnosed for several days urinary catheter. Such animals must wear a protective collar! Diapers for cats (or newborns, size according to the weight of the animal, with a hole cut out for the tail) must be changed after each catheter flushing. It is necessary to rinse the catheter until a clear solution comes out of it (your doctor will show you the rinsing technique). A single dose of about 10-20 ml of solution per injection, several times, the total volume of the solution is from 50 to 300 ml (depending on the transparency of the washing solution after removing it from Bladder). Composition of the solution (100 ml): warm boiled water or any sterile saline(sodium chloride, Ringer's) – 80 ml + 1% solution of Dioxidin (Pharmoxidin) – 20 ml. In other cases, the doctor may prescribe other rinsing solutions (Furacilin, Rivanol, Actenisept). In some cases, after rinsing with this solution, the doctor will recommend that you introduce 5-10 ml of CotErwin into the bladder through a catheter for 30-40 minutes (after administering the drug, close the catheter with a plug; after the specified time has elapsed, you MUST open the catheter for the free outflow of urine). The catheter is usually removed after 3-4 days. It is extremely necessary for the owner to monitor urination (when wearing a diaper, it should become heavier from the urine entering it), and if there is no such or insufficient urine output, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor!

Seams. If the sutures are applied correctly, most animals tolerate them well. Your doctor will give you recommendations for their treatment.

If the animal begins to be bothered by the stitches, then apply a bandage to the front paw to distract attention. Wear a protective collar to protect your stitches, but check with your veterinarian before doing so. With a collar, the animal cannot reach any part of the body with its teeth, but it is important to ensure that the animal does not have difficulties when feeding and drinking water (periodically removing the collar to feed and water the animal under your control, or correctly installing a bowl with water and food, shallow, small in diameter that does not interfere with the consumption of their contents, and/or on a stand). Postoperative blankets and “boots” are often used to protect sutures. Some animals are uncompromising about any new “attributes” on their body, so make sure that they do not remove them or chew them; often the animal needs some time to get used to the protective devices, so be patient and in no case try to follow the animal’s lead by removing the blanket or collar before the time prescribed by the doctor, and even removing it by you a short time protective device, can contribute to animal self-injury of the surgical wound and sutures with the subsequent occurrence of complications in this area.

Even with a successful operation, caring for the dog after sterilization is extremely necessary. If the animal is treated incorrectly during the period of its rehabilitation, all the efforts of the surgeon will be nullified and the dog will definitely need the help of a veterinarian. The pet owner should keep in mind those symptoms that require contacting a specialist. It is important to know how to speed up the animal’s recovery process and what dog behavior can be considered normal.

Transporting a dog after sterilization

Caring for your dog begins after leaving the veterinary clinic. Serious anesthesia and abdominal surgery is a real stress for the animal. To keep your pet's health safe, write down all the recommendations at the doctor's appointment and follow them strictly in accordance with what is written; do not trust the advice of friends who do not have medical education. The veterinarian prescribes a course to restore the animal, according to its specific case and on an individual basis.

A dog is released after sterilization only when it is able to stand on all four legs and walk. However, this does not mean that you can walk home. If the dog small size, then you can carry it home in your arms, but for large individuals it is necessary to organize transportation by car. The doctor may leave your pet overnight at the clinic if she is unable to move on her own or appears unresponsive after being given painkillers.

It is better to ask one of your friends or relatives to go get the dog with you. Often, owners, due to their excitement, forget everything the doctor tells them. A friend in this matter will become your spare ears, who will listen carefully, and most importantly, remember everything that the specialist will talk about. A partner will easily hold the door for you to leave the clinic, open the car door and help load the dog. During anesthesia, all organs of the animal begin to work much more slowly, and it can freeze, even in summer period. Therefore, it is better to transport the animal in a box or cover it by placing it on the car seat.

When you arrive home, write down any questions you may have so you don’t forget to ask your doctor at next appointment. Most clinics provide not only verbal recommendations, but also write everything down on paper so that you can clearly follow the instructions. After questions asked and having received answers to them, you will become as prepared as possible and will know how to care for your dog after sterilization.

First day

When you arrive home, give your dog as much attention as possible. So that your pet does not suffer from pain in the muscles and general weakness Furthermore what he is already experiencing, place him on a flat surface or mattress and cover him with a blanket. The dog's bed should not be located in a draft, but it would also be unwise to place it near the radiator. Under no circumstances should you warm your dog or use a heating pad; this method can cause internal bleeding. In a dream, a dog can urinate, so it is better to put a diaper under it, and do not forget to change it on time so that the animal does not freeze.

Once every half hour, the dog should change its position, shift it from one side to the other. This way you will eliminate the possibility of numbness in the limbs and pulmonary edema. When the dog sleeps after anesthesia, all care consists only of your observation of it. Important indicators normal condition your breathing will become even and heartbeat. A good sign is a reaction to any irritants. For example, if you tickle its paw, the animal will pull it back. If such a reaction is absent, this means that the level of the drug for inducing anesthesia is still quite high and the animal will not wake up soon.

Restoring a dog after sterilization is a rather difficult process. To prevent pain in the animal’s throat and pain in the eyes during this period, you need to moisturize the mucous membranes once every half hour using “artificial tears” drops. If the animal is already reacting to stimuli, moving and shifting from side to side, and the surgeon has treated its eyelids with a special gel, then such measures will not be necessary.

Actions to take if your dog's condition worsens

Most pet owners do not know what to do if their pet's condition begins to deteriorate after surgery. If you notice signs of illness, contact your doctor immediately and do not try to help the animal yourself. IN in rare cases complications after castration of a male dog general observed in the form of pulmonary edema and disorders of cardio-vascular system. This situation is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• the dog is breathing open mouth, her breathing becomes intermittent, heavy and uneven. You can hear squelching and wheezing in the chest;
• the temperature may rise or fall below normal by 1 degree. A slight increase or decrease in temperature by half a degree during anesthesia or in the first few days after surgery is considered normal;
• the heart rhythm becomes confused, the heart either freezes or begins to beat too quickly. The mucous membranes become pale or acquire bluish tint. May appear slight trembling, but if it does not go away within an hour or turns into seizures, go to the doctor immediately.

The dog’s recovery after surgery and recovery from the state of anesthesia often exhausts the owner himself. From the outside, the behavior of a dog after recovering from anesthesia looks very strange and frightening. She bumps into corners when walking, can freeze in one position, staggers, and reacts poorly to her owner’s voice. You should not be afraid of such behavior, because it is considered the norm.

The pet's behavior can change dramatically: it becomes aggressive, panic is possible, the animal can hide under the bed and not allow family members to approach it. When motor functions will be restored, try to calm the dog down, sit next to it, let it sleep or just lie down in a state of rest. If your pet won’t let anyone get close to him, don’t insist, close everything dangerous places, where he can penetrate and just observe the condition from the side.

Any change in the dog's behavior or condition should be noted by you. If necessary, call your doctor and clarify your concerns. Don’t be shy about distracting the doctor from work with your calls, because such consultations in the postoperative period are included in the cost of treatment.

Seam processing

The discomfort of sutures after surgery varies between males and females. Caring for a male dog after castration does not require as much effort as the rehabilitation of a female dog. Some surgeons prescribe pain medications right away, others only as needed.

The acceptance of such funds is due to the following:

1. the owner knows that his dog cannot tolerate pain, the specialist should be notified about this immediately;
2. the dog owner sees that the rehabilitation period is complicated strong pain. For example, during defecation, the dog whines, moves with extreme caution and cannot do sudden movements.

The use of painkillers can greatly speed up the recovery process, then the dog will not damage the suture with its teeth, and will also move normally without resting. Many specialists immediately prescribe a course of antibiotics to prevent the occurrence of an inflammatory process.

Whether a suture needs to be processed after it has been applied depends on the material of the sutures themselves, the method of its application and the method of processing after the operation. In each case, the drugs will be prescribed or not prescribed by the doctor. If the doctor says that there is no need to treat the suture, and you notice inflammation, swelling or redness in this area, make an appointment with a veterinarian. After sterilization, the seam should be dry, without redness, crusts or other growths. With normal healing, appearance the seam will get better and better every day.

The need for blankets

To protect the seam from bacteria and mechanical damage, the dog will need a blanket. IN modern clinics, the blanket is placed on the dog immediately after surgery. One copy will not be enough, because the thin material quickly gets wet and dirty. The bandage should be changed once a day and be sure to pet it before putting it on your dog. When processing seams, you should not remove the blanket; you can only untie a couple of ribbons and move the material to the side.

If the dog constantly strives to remove the blanket to get to the seam, put an Elizabethan collar on it or constantly monitor it so that it still fails to get to the seam. To prevent the seam from unraveling, make sure that the dog does not play outdoor games or jump; it is better to give preference to light and quiet walks. If it is difficult for your dog to climb stairs, then it is better to set up a toilet at home for the first few days. Whether suture removal is necessary will depend on the suture material and how it was placed. In some cases, removal of sutures is not required, because the threads will dissolve and dry out on their own. The veterinarian will tell you whether the suture needs to be removed and when it needs to be done. On average, sutures are removed 2 weeks after the operation.

Nutrition

Following a diet during the rehabilitation period is extremely important aspect on the way to full restoration quadruped. After recovery from anesthesia, the first to return to normal operation cardiovascular and respiratory system, the digestive system joins in a little later. A dog is quite capable of starving for 3 days without harm to its body. If you hurry up and feed the dog earlier due date, there is a possibility of causing vomiting or, even worse, triggering the development of pneumonia due to the entry of food particles into the lungs, and this is extremely life-threatening.

You can give your dog water when it can stand on its feet normally and can walk. If the dog has not yet recovered from anesthesia, then water is poured into the cheek in small portions. The animal should be fed correctly so that during defecation it does not the seam came apart, then provokes constipation. To avoid such unpleasant situations, you should start feeding the dog only when the signs of anesthesia completely disappear.

In the first week, give preference to canned food, mousses, and dry food, which is pre-soaked in water. After a week, you can return to your normal diet, but make the portion 20% less than usual. Dry food is available for sterilized dogs, which should be fed to the pet after its recovery. This will help avoid excess weight gain, which often accompanies spayed bitches.

Consequences of spaying and neutering a dog

Like any other surgery, sterilization has a number of complications that can arise. Typically, such complications accompany bitches who have reached the age of 7 years.

The dog may begin to gain excess weight due to changes in metabolism. To avoid this problem, you should reduce each serving of food and review your diet. Neutered dogs often suffer from urinary incontinence. In this case it is important to find the real reason. It is likely that the dog had illnesses before the operation urinary tract. Hormonal background changes, leading to a weakening of the bladder. Lack of estrogen can also cause incontinence. Lack of estrogen often leads to baldness in female dogs. There is no prevention for this problem. Treatment is taking female hormones.

Knowing everything about complications in the postoperative period, you will eliminate the likelihood of developing a serious condition that could threaten the animal’s life. To summarize, we note the most common complications that should not be left without your attention:

1. urinary incontinence ;
2. inflammation of sutures;
3. seam rupture;
4. addition of infection;
5. internal bleeding;
6. the appearance of a postoperative hernia.

How does a dog behave after castration and is it necessary? The animal may be lethargic, have no appetite, and may experience chills, but not for long. At first after anesthesia, the dog will not be able to walk, roll over, or drink. This may scare you, but it’s completely in vain, this condition is considered the norm. You will have to help her with this in order to prevent the development of complications, and simply speed up the recovery process of your pet.

When is a veterinarian needed?

It is important to call your veterinarian promptly if the following situations occur:

1. 2 days after the operation the dog refuses to eat and drink. Usually by this time the animal should be eating and drinking normally, and if this does not happen, then it is being bothered painful sensations, do not hesitate and call your doctor urgently;
2. discharge began from the wound. When the wound heals, it is dry. If you see pus or blood coming out, contact your doctor immediately;
3. nausea and diarrhea. Often, anesthetics can cause nausea or diarrhea, which occurs as a result of stomach irritation. However, if your dog is vomiting after surgery, you should consult a doctor;
4. swollen abdomen, lethargy and weakness. If your dog's shape changes, weakness increases without regaining energy, and the stomach becomes swollen, do not hesitate to call your doctor and make an appointment.

If one of the symptoms is detected that indicates that the dog is having a bad time rehabilitation period and is not recovering, call your veterinarian and tell him about it. Surround your pet with maximum care, monitor its condition and prevent its health from deteriorating. A dog, just like a person, experiences a difficult postoperative period, so do not skimp on attention and resources, follow all the doctor’s recommendations. After recovery, the dog will definitely thank you for your efforts and care with its affection and friendliness.

Every owner wants his pet to be healthy and cheerful. But sometimes, to maintain health, surgery cannot be avoided. How quickly will it recover? dog after surgery, largely depends on its owner.

Of course many subtleties and nuances post-operative care depend on the breed of the animal and the type of operation: Agree, sterilization or castration is one thing, and spinal surgery is quite another. Your veterinarian will give you specific recommendations for care. But there are still some general rules that you need to know.

It is best if the dog spends some time in the hospital after surgery: It is advisable that a doctor help her come out of anesthesia normally. This is especially important if the operation was complex, if the dog is young or elderly. A dog, for example, may need an IV, which is difficult to provide at home. And when the dog fully recovers from anesthesia, it will be discharged home, and there you can take care of it yourself.

The dog after surgery needs special care on average within 10-14 days, sometimes postoperative rehabilitation may be 1-2 months if the intervention was serious. The first thing you need to do is create a cozy corner for your dog.. It should be comfortable, dry and warm (but not hot). Under no circumstances should you place your dog in a draft.

To prevent the animal from licking the seams, a special blanket is put on it.. It is better to buy 1-2 spare blankets and change them when they get dirty. Instead of blankets, an Elizabethan collar can be used. The dog must be in a blanket or collar during the entire rehabilitation period (of course, with the exception of those moments when you are treating the stitches).

Processed postoperative sutures usually once a day with local antiseptics. It is recommended to use antiseptics that do not contain alcohol, for example, chlorhexidine. If in doubt, it is better to check with your veterinarian. After treatment with an antiseptic, an ointment is applied, for example, levomekol.

If the veterinarian has prescribed any medications, they must be given in strict accordance with the instructions.. For example, antibiotic treatment may turn out to be completely ineffective if you violate the schedule or do not complete it, having independently decided that your dog is already healthy.

The dog after surgery may be restless and aggressive. This is natural, because surgery is associated with pain and stress. Therefore, give your pet maximum care and attention. But it’s better not to let small children near her. Firstly, the dog needs peace and a minimum physical activity, and they will bother her, trying to play. Secondly, after the operation it is difficult for her to control her aggression, so this is dangerous not only for the dog, but also for children.

By the way, about physical activity. Regardless of the type of operation, it is better to give the dog rest during the first day. A further recommendations The veterinarian will advise you about exercise. Moderate loads in the form of short, quiet walks may even be useful, but excessive physical activity harmful. It will be possible to return to normal activity only when the veterinarian informs you that the dog has fully recovered.

The postoperative diet will depend on the type of surgery and anesthesia. Accurate recommendations The veterinarian will give advice on feeding - perhaps they will prescribe it for you special food, or vice versa, they will advise you to feed natural food. But general rule- food should be light, and you need to feed in small portions, but often. Large portions reduce appetite, and the dog after surgery already eats worse than usual. Your dog may return to a normal appetite within a few days.

The dog after surgery should have free access to clean and fresh food. drinking water unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian. During surgery, animals can lose a lot of fluid; this loss must be replaced.

If you notice any alarming symptoms, you need to immediately contact your veterinarian. Such symptoms may be, for example, repeated protracted swelling of the sutures and purulent discharge, long absence urination or defecation, decreased or elevated temperature(at a norm of 38-38.9 degrees). At the same time, it is better to play it safe and find out that in fact everything is in order than to miss some important symptom.

How quickly can a dog return to normal after surgery? normal life, depends largely on you. Your task as an owner is to strictly follow all the veterinarian’s instructions and give your pet maximum attention and care. Then your dog will quickly get back on his feet and will again delight you and your household with his company.

Sterilization surgery is performed to stop reproductive function and involves tying the fallopian tubes in females or the seminal ducts in males. At the same time, the production of sex hormones does not stop, and the animal’s behavior does not change.

When spaying male dogs, a small incision is made in the scrotum, then a surgical thread is placed on the vas deferens. In females, this operation is more complicated: in order to gain access to fallopian tubes, it is necessary to open the peritoneum. Often veterinarians refer to sterilization as castration of females, when during the operation all reproductive organs. But in any case, the rehabilitation process in females takes longer and is more difficult than in males.

Properly organized care for a dog that has undergone sterilization surgery alleviates its condition during the rehabilitation period and reduces the risk of complications.

The first day after surgery

Upon arrival home, it is advisable to lay the operated dog on a flat surface with bedding (preferably on the floor so that it cannot fall while moving) and cover it with a blanket. You should periodically moisturize your mucous membranes oral cavity, dripping a few drops of water into the mouth. During recovery from anesthesia, reflex urination may occur, so you need to be prepared to replace the bedding.

The animal can come to its senses almost immediately or after a few hours - it depends on its body and the dose of anesthetic. The first sign that the dog will soon wake up will be its reaction to irritation - twitching of its paws or ears. Since motor reflexes are not restored immediately, the animal may feel weak and helpless for some time, but this does not last long.

Important! As soon as the dog is fully awake, you need to offer him water or wet his nose and tongue with water. The animal should not be fed on the first day after surgery, as vomiting may be a reaction to food.

While the dog is under anesthesia, it is advisable to ensure constant monitoring. If everything is going well, your breathing and heart rate should be rhythmic. A slight increase in temperature is acceptable, and short-term periodic muscle twitching or trembling may occur.

Signs of danger

Dangerous signs in the postoperative period are:

• heavy uneven breathing;
• uneven or rapid heart rate;
• trembling or muscle twitching lasting more than half an hour;
• blood impurities in the urine;
• suppuration of the suture;
• lack of urine for more than a day;
• significant increase in temperature.

Such symptoms may indicate the development of complications: cardiac dysfunction, pulmonary edema, or development purulent infection. Detection of any of the above signs should give rise to urgent appeal to the doctor.

Rehabilitation period

To prevent development bacterial infection, from the very first day after surgery, injections of antibiotics are prescribed: Oxacillin, Amoxicillin, Ceftriaxone or Cefazolin. The standard course of antibiotic therapy is 5-7 days. If the dog is in pain, whines, avoids sudden movements, or tries to reach the scar, it is worth giving it analgesics for several days, as strong painful sensations can slow down the healing process.

The stitches are treated with an antiseptic (chlorhexine or hydrogen peroxide) for at least a week, 2 times a day; it is strictly forbidden to wet the wound. To care for the seam you can also use:

• Levomekol ointment (apply 1-2 times a day, covering gauze pad);
• Terramycin spray (suture treatment is carried out every 3 days);
• Aluminum spray (a product that forms a thin film that prevents contamination of the seam; it must be applied once a day).

The stitches are removed after 1.5 - 2 weeks. In most modern veterinary clinics During the operation, absorbable suture material, such stitches do not need to be removed. To prevent the dog from licking and scratching the wound, they put on an apron blanket (you need to have several of these blankets in order to change them as they become dirty). If necessary, you can purchase a special hard collar in the shape of a funnel - it will deprive the animal of the opportunity to reach the itchy seam with its teeth.

You can start feeding your pet one day after surgery. Food should be given in small portions, the food in the first few days should be soft and easily digestible: pates, minced meat, baby formula. Retention of stool for up to 3 days does not pose a danger, since the animal’s stomach was empty before sterilization, and intestinal motility after anesthesia is slow. If the dog does not recover for more than 3 days, he can be given one or two tablespoons of Vaseline oil.

Helpful information. Rehabilitation of a dog after sterilization takes about 2 weeks. In the future it would be desirable to translate it into low calorie diet, since sterilized animals are often prone to gaining excess weight.

Rulers ready-made feed, intended for castrated and sterilized animals, are produced by Products Limited, Agras Delic, Purina, Bosch Tiernahrung. If you prepare food for an animal at home, it is advisable to choose meat low-fat varieties, and add fiber-rich vegetables to it.

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Veterinarian video tips about postoperative care: