What is veterinary surgery?
In veterinary medicine, pet surgery refers to a medical procedure in which a veterinary surgeon makes an incision into an animal's body to repair, replace, or remove a damaged or diseased section. This can encompass various procedures, from soft tissue surgeries to neurosurgical or orthopedic procedures. Veterinary surgery plays an essential role in maintaining the health and well-being of pets.
What You Can Expect During Your Dog's Recovery From Veterinary Surgery
After arriving home, you should keep your dog warm and comfortable by providing a soft, clean bed, ideally in a quiet, draft-free room at a comfortable temperature (20-24°C). Your dog should remain indoors overnight, going outside only for short leash walks as needed to urinate and defecate.
Soft tissue operations, such as spaying, neutering, or abdominal surgery, usually result in a faster recovery than procedures involving bones, joints, and ligaments. Soft tissue surgeries heal about 80% after two to three weeks and may completely heal in about six weeks.
Surgeries involving bones and ligaments will likely take much longer to heal and are usually around 80% healed after about 8 to 12 weeks. However, it can take as long as six months for your dog to recover completely following surgeries such as those to repair a torn cruciate ligament (Cranial Cruciate Ligament or CCL).
Caring for Your Dog After Surgery
For most procedures, your dog’s activity should be restricted at minimum for one week after surgery. It is essential to avoid running, jumping, and other strenuous activities that could cause excessive strain on the wound.
You should also follow any instructions the veterinary surgeon provides regarding aftercare and the administration of pain medications.
How to Tell if Your Dog is in Pain
If your dog is normally vocal and acts more subdued, this can indicate pain or discomfort. On the other hand, if your pup is usually quiet and is vocalizing more, this can also be a sign of soreness. Reduced interaction with other pets and owners, inappropriate eliminations (urinating in the house), aggression, abnormal posture, restlessness, and hiding can also be signs of pain. If you notice any of these signs, try giving your dog the recommended dose of pain medication your veterinarian prescribed.
Advice to Help Your Dog During Recovery From Veterinary Surgery
Regardless of the type of surgery your animal is scheduled for, your specialist, veterinarian or veterinary surgeon will be sure to provide you with clear and specific instructions on how to care for your dog following the operation. Be sure to follow your veterinarian's instructions carefully. There may be specific and essential instructions for your dog's surgery.
There are a few basic tips that can help you keep your pup safe and comfortable as they heal.
Begin by Feeding Your Dog Small, Nutritious Meals
When it's time to feed your dog after surgery, try offering them a light meal (1/4 or 1/2 of a regular meal) or a specially formulated post-surgery food recommended by your veterinarian. These foods can be easier to digest than regular store-bought pet food.
Many dogs feel queasy and have a reduced appetite after surgery due to the anesthesia. You can expect them to regain their appetite within about 24 hours following surgery, when they can start to gradually return to their regular diet.
If your dog's appetite doesn't return within 48 hours, contact your veterinarian or veterinary surgeon. Loss of appetite can also indicate pain or infection.
Keep Up With Pain Management After Surgery
After your dog's surgery, the veterinarian or veterinary surgeon will discuss the prescribed medications for your dog's post-surgery pain, including dosage, administration frequency, and how to administer them. Adhering to these instructions is crucial for preventing unnecessary pain during your dog's recovery without causing side effects. If you're unsure about any instructions, ask your veterinarian for clarification. Your veterinary team is committed to helping your pup recover well.
After surgery, the most commonly prescribed medications are antibiotics to prevent infection and pain medication to relieve discomfort. If your dog is anxious or high-strung, your veterinarian may also prescribe a sedative or anti-anxiety medication to keep them calm during the healing process.
Provide Your Dog With a Comfortable Place to Rest
After your dog's surgery, providing them with a comfortable and quiet place to rest is critical, away from children and other pets. You may want to invest in a larger bed if your dog typically curls up on a small bed to sleep to avoid pulling at the incision site. Allowing your pup to stretch out, so there’s no extra pressure on any bandaged or sensitive parts of their body, will help your four-legged friend feel better after surgery and may even help them recover more quickly.
Restrict Your Dog's Movement During Recovery
After your dog undergoes surgery, your veterinarian will likely advise restricting your pup's activities and movement for some time. Abrupt stretching and jumping can disrupt healing and even reopen the incision.
Many surgeries won't require complete crate rest, and dogs can usually handle being indoors for a few days with minimal trips outside for potty breaks. It can be challenging to stop your pup from jumping on furniture or climbing stairs, so you may need to confine them to a small, safe, and comfortable room when you can't supervise them directly.
Take Care of the Incision Site
Stopping your dog from biting, chewing, or scratching at their bandages or incision site can be difficult. An Elizabethan collar (e-collar), available in hard and soft versions, is an effective way to prevent your pup from reaching the wound. Dogs and cats can usually get used to wearing a cone collar within a couple of hours. Other options, such as donut-style collars or post-surgery jumpsuits (medical pet shirts), are available if your dog struggles to adjust. Talk to your veterinarian about these effective and less cumbersome alternatives.
After a procedure, it's important not to leave your dog's bandages on too long to avoid pressure sores and blood supply issues. The veterinary hospital staff are trained to dress wounds, so it's best to let them handle bandage changes during your pup's healing process.
Attend Follow-Up Appointments
Your dog's follow-up appointment allows your veterinarian to monitor their progress and check for any signs of infection before they become more serious.
Some of the signs of infection include:
Increased Redness, Swelling, or Heat: Persistent or worsening inflammation around a surgical site may indicate infection. By closely monitoring the affected area, you can differentiate between normal post-operative inflammation and signs of infection.
Pain or Discomfort: After surgery, dogs might feel discomfort. Persistent or severe pain could signal an infection. Look for signs like vocalization, reluctance to move, or guarding of the surgical site. Watch for changes in appetite or activity level as well.
Foul Odor: If you notice a foul odour from the surgical site, along with discharge or pus, it likely indicates an infection. Keep an eye on any changes in odour and consult a veterinarian if it persists or worsens.
Discharge or Fluid: Abnormal discharge from the surgical site can be a sign of infection. Pay attention to the consistency, colour, and amount of discharge for any irregularities. Look for signs of irritation or inflammation in the surrounding skin, as these can accompany abnormal discharge.
Fever: Remember, fever in dogs is characterized by an elevated body temperature. Use a digital thermometer designed for pet use to monitor your dog's temperature regularly. A rectal temperature exceeding the normal range (37 to 39.2°C) may indicate the presence of infection and should prompt veterinary evaluation. Look out for other signs of systemic illness, such as lethargy, decreased appetite, or respiratory distress, which may accompany fever.
If you begin to notice any of the above signs pain, discomfort, infection, or other complications in your dog, you should contact our emergency veterinary hospital right away for care. These can indicate a serious and potentially life-threatening medical emergency.
Veterinary Surgery in Halifax
At Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital, we have three cutting-edge surgical suites staffed by a full veterinary team and a veterinary surgeon. We offer an extensive range of advanced orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries.
When your dog is referred to our surgery department, we will promptly contact you to schedule a consultation with our surgical team. During this appointment, we will thoroughly assess your dog and discuss their diagnosis. Additionally, we will recommend any necessary diagnostic tests and treatments while providing comprehensive explanations of any recommended surgical procedures, along with a detailed overview of associated risks and expected outcomes for your beloved pet.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your veterinarian.