When your dog is in need of a surgical procedure it can be quite scary. But don't fret, knowing what to expect can help to ease your worries. Today, our Mandeville vets offer some information about surgery for dogs and what to expect during the recovery process.
When it comes to surgical procedures for dogs, there are two main types: elective and urgent. If your dog is in need of surgery we firmly believe that you should be able to make an informed decision about whether or not you want your dog to undergo the procedure.
Surgery in Dogs: What are the most common types?
Some of the types of surgery in dogs that are commonly performed include:
- Spay
- Neuter
- Dental extractions
- Benign growths of the skin
If your dog is in need of urgent surgical care, this could include:
- Skin lacerations or abscesses
- Intestinal obstruction from a foreign body
- Internal bleeding
- Torn cruciate or ACL ruptures
- Fracture repair
- Malignant skin tumors
- Bladder stones/urethral blockages
- Spleen cancer
Many of these times, swiftly performed surgeries are used to save the life of your canine companion.
Surgery often raises a slew of anxieties, from potential complications to the outlook for recovery. However, it should be noted that, because veterinary care has advanced to include all modern considerations, the likelihood of your dog experiencing serious consequences from most surgery are extremely low.
What can you do to prepare your dog for surgery?
Your vet will need to perform a full examination in order to determine if your pet is healthy enough to undergo the procedure. Certain health or weight issues may prevent your vet from agreeing to complete the surgery for safety reasons. Carrying additional weight raises the dangers of general anesthesia and may make it difficult for your pet to move about after surgery.
One thing you can do to help when it's time for surgery is to ensure that your pet is adequately bathed and groomed prior to the procedure. This is also beneficial as you will be unable to allow your dog to get wet while they heal from the procedure.
Plan transportation ahead of time, based on the type of surgery your pet will undergo and their expected level of mobility after the procedure. If you are unsure about the best way to transport your pet home after veterinary surgery in Mandeville, consult with your veterinarian. If your pet will need crate rest, have an appropriately sized crate ready for when he or she returns home after surgery.
One question that comes up often is whether or not your dog is allowed to eat or drink prior to surgery. Generally, you will be asked to refrain from feeding your pet beginning at midnight prior to the appointment. If your dog is on medication, consult with your veterinarian about whether you should withhold the medication until after the procedure. Some veterinarians may also request that you bring your pet to the veterinary hospital overnight.
You should always be sure that your information is up to date with the clinic in case they need to contact you at any point during your dog's visit. Try to arrive on time and stay calm and relaxed while dropping off your pet. Your veterinarian may recommend additional testing before pet surgery in Mandeville to ensure that your pet does not face any additional anesthetic risks.
What to Expect During Your Dog's Recovery From Surgery
In order to help your dog recover as quickly as possible and to ensure that you care for them appropriately, you will need to follow any instructions provided. If you do not understand any of the steps suggested, please clarify. Depending on the procedure, you may be referred to a professional veterinary surgeon or the surgery may be performed in-house.
What are some concerning signs to watch for after your dog's surgery?
Typically most pets recover from surgery without any issues, but there are certain cases where dogs may experiences concerning symptoms after the procedure. If you note any of the following signs in your dog then you should reach out to your dog surgeon in Mandeville as soon as possible:
- Straining or discomfort during bowel movements or while urinating
- Vomiting
- Shaking (In dogs that don't normally shake)
- Seizures
- Heavy or difficult breathing
- Coughing
- Depression
- Runny nose with yellow or blood-tinged discharge
- Infection
What are the typical signs of infection after surgery in dogs?
Your pet surgeon in Mandeville will have done everything in their power to ensure that your dog doesn't experience any complications as a result of the surgery. However, it is still important to look for any signs that something may be wrong and inform your vet immediately if this is the case.
Unfortunately, some infections affect the internal systems while having little to no outward appearance.
If the infection is affecting the internal systems of your pet you may notice:
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Lack of Appetite
- For infections of the wound, you may see signs such as:
- The incision area could be red and painful.
- Swilling or discharge in the area of the incision.
- Your pet may not be moving around much.
- Your pet is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea.
If you are concerned that your pet may be experiencing an infection, call your surgical vets in Mandeville right away. Your vet may want to run tests and examine your pet for any signs of possible infection.
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 vet.