Signs of Infection and Complications in a Neutered/Spayed Dog
Remember that while complications following a spay/neuter procedure are extremely rare, any surgical procedure carries some risk. As a result, its critical to follow your veterinarians post-operative instructions to the letter. If you dont, your dog will take longer to recover and may develop other complications or infections. Some of the possible side effects of a spay and neuter procedure include:
Below are the signs of infection and complications you need to keep your eye out for:
Your veterinarian will give you more information about what to expect after the procedure, which may include minor swelling, lethargy, and vomiting. However, if your dog exhibits any of the above symptoms of a complication, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
What to Expect After Your Dog’s Procedure
Your dog may feel a little queasy or tired after the procedure, which is a common side effect of anesthesia; however, your dog will be given pain medications to help alleviate the discomfort. During the first 24 hours, their appetite will be reduced as well. Your dog will need to wear a cone to avoid licking the incision site, and you should not bathe or allow them to swim for at least 10-14 days. Its critical to keep the wound dry until it heals.
Its also critical to restrict your dogs activities and ensure that they get enough rest until they recover. Even if they try to run or jump, this does not mean they will heal faster; dogs do not understand the importance of rest, so you will need to limit their movements. Keep your pup in their crate or a small room away from any excitement to limit their movements (no running or jumping).
The procedure for a spayed female dog is also more complex than neutering male dogs, but their recovery time should be about the same which is approximately 10 – 14 days. Its essential to keep their cone on, the incision site dry, and their activities limited until they make a full recovery.
How to Treat an Infected Dog Neuter at Home
If you notice any changes in your pup’s neuter incision, don’t hesitate to contact your vet. If the symptoms are mild, they may recommend that you try a few things at home before taking your dog in to the clinic.
At-home treatments are for mild, superficial infections only where there is a little redness and drainage. You’ll want to consult your vet before attempting any at-home treatments for a neuter infection to be sure you don’t need professional help.
Infected Neuter Incision Dog Pictures Gallery
After your best furry friend has had a spay or neuter surgery, you may be wondering what the healing process should look like. In this blog, we’re going to share tips to help you know if your animal’s incision is healing properly.
Keeping an eye on your animal’s incision site daily will ensure you can spot any changes immediately. Taking a photo is a good way to document the healing process. This will also be useful to show your veterinarian if you have any concerns. During the first 24 to 48 hours, it can be normal for the incision to be slightly inflamed or swollen. You can apply a cold ice pack for short periods of time (10 minutes) to help reduce any swelling.
You may notice that your dog or cat is a bit groggy on the first day after surgery, but they should be back to their usual self soon afterwards. They should not exhibit any signs of pain. If you note signs of pain, contact your veterinarian.
For the first 10 to 14 days, your furry friend should wear their recovery equipment as provided by the veterinarian. This may be a cone or a properly-fitted onesie to prevent licking or chewing at the incision site. Be sure to keep your animal calm during the initial two weeks as the incision heals. Discourage them from jumping on or off furniture, and keep your dog on a leash while on walks.
Keeping the incision site dry is important. If your animal does get wet, pat the area gently when they come inside. Do not give your furry friend a bath or allow them to swim for the first three to four weeks.
If you notice your dog or cat exhibiting any signs of infection, be sure to speak with your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinary clinic may request a photo of the incision site, so, it’s a good idea to document the healing.
Signs of pain can include being lethargic, excessive panting, whining if being picked up, shivering, or being unable to get comfortable. As a pet parent, you know your animal best! Any deviations from their usual behaviour should be discussed with your veterinarian.