post operative dog
Discussion
Hi GUys
My wee man Archie had a ruptured cruciate and had an operation to fix this.
I got him back yesterday and he hasn't touched any water. He has eaten some wet food - a small amount. Won't go near his kibble. He is getting crate rest but cries non stop - he cannot take the anti lick collar that the vet said has to stay on.
Can I ask for your advice for him....getting concerned about the lack of water intake. Also want a good alternative to the plastic cone collar the vet advised to stay on. I know there are alternatives on Amazon but if you have any recommendations I'd love to hear them please.
I'm ensuring the bedding in his crate is fresh and comfortable and he is getting pain medication as prescribed.
Any advice/recommendations appreciated.
If it helps he is a rescue dog - 13kg cross between a Shauzer and a Dashound.
Cheers.
My wee man Archie had a ruptured cruciate and had an operation to fix this.
I got him back yesterday and he hasn't touched any water. He has eaten some wet food - a small amount. Won't go near his kibble. He is getting crate rest but cries non stop - he cannot take the anti lick collar that the vet said has to stay on.
Can I ask for your advice for him....getting concerned about the lack of water intake. Also want a good alternative to the plastic cone collar the vet advised to stay on. I know there are alternatives on Amazon but if you have any recommendations I'd love to hear them please.
I'm ensuring the bedding in his crate is fresh and comfortable and he is getting pain medication as prescribed.
Any advice/recommendations appreciated.
If it helps he is a rescue dog - 13kg cross between a Shauzer and a Dashound.
Cheers.
When I have dogs recovering from ops/anaesthetics, I have always given them scrambled eggs or chicken/fish (sometimes with boiled rice).
You could also try the hot oat cereals, made up with goat's milk (needs to be cooled/diluted slightly so they can lap it up).
They often can't face their normal food straight away.
It is important that he drinks. If necessary, you could get a plastic syringe from the vet to syringe it into his mouth. Keep offering the water bowl to him too.
Good luck, and if you continue to be concerned, get back in touch with the vets.
You could also try the hot oat cereals, made up with goat's milk (needs to be cooled/diluted slightly so they can lap it up).
They often can't face their normal food straight away.
It is important that he drinks. If necessary, you could get a plastic syringe from the vet to syringe it into his mouth. Keep offering the water bowl to him too.
Good luck, and if you continue to be concerned, get back in touch with the vets.
moorx said:
When I have dogs recovering from ops/anaesthetics, I have always given them scrambled eggs or chicken/fish (sometimes with boiled rice).
You could also try the hot oat cereals, made up with goat's milk (needs to be cooled/diluted slightly so they can lap it up).
They often can't face their normal food straight away.
It is important that he drinks. If necessary, you could get a plastic syringe from the vet to syringe it into his mouth. Keep offering the water bowl to him too.
Good luck, and if you continue to be concerned, get back in touch with the vets.
Thanks - I Never thought about syringing into his mouth. I'll try the light food also.You could also try the hot oat cereals, made up with goat's milk (needs to be cooled/diluted slightly so they can lap it up).
They often can't face their normal food straight away.
It is important that he drinks. If necessary, you could get a plastic syringe from the vet to syringe it into his mouth. Keep offering the water bowl to him too.
Good luck, and if you continue to be concerned, get back in touch with the vets.
Can you tempt him with some flavoured water? stir in some gravy from his wet food, crumble some cheese into the bottom of his water bowl so he has to consume some water to get to to the cheese? Would he eat a raw egg cracked into his bowl? Its so sad seeing a dog turn their nose up at water - go and find a muddy puddle - that should get him interested (JOKE!)
Having had a dog with a 3 month recovery leg operation that turned into a 2.5 year nightmare please please take things steady. I would recommend never ever throwing something for him to chase ever again, let him go at his own pace so you never have to deal with the "wish I'd not thrown that ball" guilt when something goes wrong.
Ours whimpered for a long time after the op(s), a comforting hand placed on his shoulders seemed to let him calm and relax enough to get to sleep.
Good luck, its horrible dealing with op-aftermath.
Having had a dog with a 3 month recovery leg operation that turned into a 2.5 year nightmare please please take things steady. I would recommend never ever throwing something for him to chase ever again, let him go at his own pace so you never have to deal with the "wish I'd not thrown that ball" guilt when something goes wrong.
Ours whimpered for a long time after the op(s), a comforting hand placed on his shoulders seemed to let him calm and relax enough to get to sleep.
Good luck, its horrible dealing with op-aftermath.
scrw. said:
Have you tried him without the collar? Our 1st Lab had her knee rebuilt and even though it looked sore as hell she never interfered with the wound.
Deffo worth a go. Our vet said we needed to use a collar but its such a effing nightmare for them when they are already feeling like crap I just bit the bullet and stayed with him 24/7 until I knew he was no longer interested in the wound. Is it a cone? the are so bad and affect all their senses (try it on your own head), have you looked at the alternative inflatable / foam ones?
Thanks for all replies - it is a plastic cone and he hates it. Seen those inflatable ones on amazon - might have to try one of those. Just looking to get some opinions on them.
Tried him without the cone and he foes straight for it - I may have to ask the vet for some sedatives - he does nothing but cry and whine. He does want his food but not interested in water. I have managed to syringe (slowly) across his tongue and he did drink - very little spillage - this way so will do so again later.
The vet has been very clear on his recovery and we will be taking it very easy - we know its stringent 1 month cage rest...he is a very active terrier who likes to jump (powerful wee legs).
I'll get another collar and hopefully this will help him.
Cheers guys.
Tried him without the cone and he foes straight for it - I may have to ask the vet for some sedatives - he does nothing but cry and whine. He does want his food but not interested in water. I have managed to syringe (slowly) across his tongue and he did drink - very little spillage - this way so will do so again later.
The vet has been very clear on his recovery and we will be taking it very easy - we know its stringent 1 month cage rest...he is a very active terrier who likes to jump (powerful wee legs).
I'll get another collar and hopefully this will help him.
Cheers guys.
How long since his op?
They can be slow to recover and in pain.
Did you get any metacam from the vet? That made a huge difference to my boy who was opened up last week. Would you want to go through post op without painkillers?
The syringe of water is a good idea, if he's drinking he can survive without food,.but not the other way rounhooe he gets better
They can be slow to recover and in pain.
Did you get any metacam from the vet? That made a huge difference to my boy who was opened up last week. Would you want to go through post op without painkillers?
The syringe of water is a good idea, if he's drinking he can survive without food,.but not the other way rounhooe he gets better
Has he been on painkillers? Should be after a cruciate op. Also, if you are watching the dog, and can 100% stop any wound chewing, then take the collar off.....but do not turn your back, it can be painfully swift to see stitches chewed out because "someone knocked on the door" It's all a big upset which can't be explained to our friends.
Hope the inflatable collar works and you have a happier pal soon
Hope the inflatable collar works and you have a happier pal soon
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