Treatment of stitches in dogs. Recovery and nutrition of a dog after sterilization Postoperative care for a dog

Your dog is tormenting you with unbearable behavior during heat, and you decide to sterilize your pet?

Find out whether the surgery will really change his behavior, and what your dog will be like after sterilization.

Are you hoping to correct your pet's behavior? Find out what your dog will be like after sterilization

A person who is truly interested in the issue of sterilizing his dog is driven by the desire to forever forget about the pet’s antics during sexual activity. And if you have decided to take this step, it means that you have really been tormented by deafening barking, disobedience and crowds of male dogs around your pet during a walk.

It’s good that before you put your animal under the knife, you decided to learn more about possible consequences operations. Veterinarians are gradually accustoming us to the idea that sterilization is a simple planned operation that should not cause problems with the pet’s health. Let's see if this is true.

Sterilization is surgery to remove the gonads from an animal. After sterilization, a dog is deprived of the opportunity to have offspring and ceases to exhibit sexual desire.

Let's clarify the terminology

There are two types of surgical intervention for castration of a female dog: oophorectomy and ovariohysterectomy.

Ovariectomy is abdominal surgery for removal of ovaries. During an ovariohysterectomy, the uterus is removed along with the ovaries. After castration, the dog will not be able to have offspring and will not be sexually active. The bitch stops estrus because she is not producing eggs.

Ovariohysterectomy is most often used when spaying female dogs.

Medicine

Before the operation, the veterinarian will examine the dog: weigh it, measure its temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and take blood and urine tests. The animal must be healthy.

Preoperative examination allows you to check the functioning of the entire body and the most important organs: heart, lungs, kidneys, liver. If any contraindications are identified, the doctor will prescribe an additional examination: ultrasound, ECG. During anesthesia, especially if the animal is not young, chronic diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory and excretory systems, therefore preoperative examination is of great importance.

Have you decided to sterilize your dog? Find out when is the best time to have surgery

Sterilization or castration is done to the animal after the completion of puberty. Each breed of dog "matures" in different periods, a lot depends on the size of the animal. Average puberty in dogs it occurs at the age of 8-10 months. It is at this time, before the onset of the first heat, that sterilization of the dog is recommended due to the reduction in the likelihood of mammary tumors occurring in the future.

In reality, dogs are sterilized much later. This usually happens at a time when the owner’s patience is running out and he is ready to take this drastic step for the sake of peace in the house. Stop! Weigh the pros and cons.

Find out the pros and cons of neutering dogs

Veterinarians rarely talk about this: the disadvantages of sterilizing dogs

• Risk of general anesthesia. Sterilization is carried out under general anesthesia, after which the animal may not wake up. After awakening, exacerbations of hidden chronic diseases of internal organs are possible.
• Development of complications. The consequences of sterilizing a dog can be severe. postoperative complications: bleeding, infections, hernias, inflammation of sutures, their rupture or gnawing.
• A dog may develop urinary incontinence after spaying. This is expressed in the fact that at any time of the day the dog will urinate on itself. In some animals, incontinence occurs sporadically. Other sterilized dogs suffer from this disease constantly.

• Obesity. As a result of hormonal imbalance, a sterilized dog's metabolism is disrupted. Estrus no longer occurs, and the animal becomes less mobile and shows increased interest in food. The risk of obesity in a sterilized dog compared to an unsterilized one increases by 1.5–2 times.

The listed disadvantages are only part of the consequences of sterilizing a dog. The body of each animal reacts to surgical intervention individually. However, even this information is enough to make you think: is it worth going to peace in the house at the cost of the health of your beloved pet?

Sterilization of a dog: advantages of the operation

• After the operation, the dog will not be able to become pregnant or give birth to puppies.

How is a dog sterilized? A few words about care after surgery

If veterinarian If you are satisfied with the results of the preoperative examination, he will set a date and time for the operation.

At the appointed time, you must come to the veterinary clinic; before this, the animal is kept on a starvation diet for 12 hours. Before the operation, the pet will be given sedative injection for relaxation. After this, the animal is taken from the owners and sent to separate cell. The owner will see his beloved dog after the operation.

Let us remind you that the operation is performed under general anesthesia. Sterilization lasts about an hour. After this, the dog is again sent to the cage and is under the supervision of a veterinarian for some more time.

The animal is given to the unconscious owner. Often a dog in this state has his eyes half-open and his dry tongue sticks out of his mouth. A surgical suture will appear on your pet's stomach.

After sterilization, the dog needs careful care. When you bring your pet home, the most difficult stage for her will begin - recovery from anesthesia. The dog will shiver (very cold is felt when coming out of anesthesia), it will be thirsty, and the animal may wet itself.

At this time, it is important to stay close to your pet and monitor its condition. If your dog gets worse, call your veterinarian.

To make your dog suffer less from the cold, place it on a bedding and cover it with a warm cloth. Do not place the bed on a sofa or chair. The pet, while under the influence of anesthesia, cannot control its movements. The dog is at risk of falling, hitting its head, breaking or dislocating a leg.

Sex Barrier is the most humane solution to problems of unwanted dog behavior. Instead of sterilization

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Even if the dogs were successfully sterilized, care after the operation must be thoughtful and thorough. Insufficient attention to the pet during the rehabilitation period can negate all the efforts of the surgeon. The owner should know what symptoms to consult a doctor for, how to speed up the recovery process, and what behavior of the dog after sterilization is considered normal.

Abdominal surgery under deep anesthesia - serious challenge for the body. In order not to undermine your pet’s health, you need to write down the doctor’s recommendations and follow them exactly, without trusting the advice of friends. A responsible veterinarian will tell you everything about caring for your dog after sterilization, based on specific case. The article gives only general recommendations, the last word for the doctor!

During anesthesia, all body functions slow down, so the dog can freeze, even if it is warm outside and indoors - you need to transport your pet in a box, on a bedding, covering the sleeping dog with a blanket. So that recovery after sterilization of the dog is not complicated muscle pain and general weakness, at home the pet should be laid on a flat surface, on a mattress, and also covered with a blanket. Do not place the lounger in a draft, on a bed, near a radiator, or use a heating pad - heating can lead to internal bleeding.

While the dog is sleeping, it may wet itself - use absorbent diapers and change them regularly so that your pet does not freeze. Switch your dog from side to side every half hour to reduce the risk of pulmonary edema and avoid numbness in the limbs.

During the period of anesthetic sleep, caring for the dog after sterilization is reduced to observation. It is important that breathing and heartbeat were smooth, without interruptions. Good sign– the presence of reactions to stimuli (if you tickle, the dog withdraws its paw or ear). The absence of reactions means that the level of the drug for induction of anesthesia is still quite high, and the pet will not come to its senses soon.

To postoperative period sterilization of dogs did not lead to a sore throat and pain in the eyes; you should moisturize the mucous membranes every half hour: drops of “Artificial Tears” in the eyes and a few drops of water on the cheek. But if the dog is already regaining consciousness, changes position during sleep, reacts to touch, or if the surgeon has treated the tailed patient’s eyelids with gel, these precautions are unnecessary.

Many owners do not know what to do after sterilizing a dog if the pet’s condition worsens. If signs of illness are noticeable, you should urgently contact a veterinarian without trying to help your pet yourself! In rare cases, after anesthesia, pulmonary edema develops, respiratory and cardiovascular functions are impaired, which can be noticed by the following symptoms:

• uneven breathing, intermittent, heavy, the dog is breathing open mouth. You can hear wheezing, squelching and gurgling in the chest;

• temperature is more than 1 degree above or below normal. A slight (half a degree) decrease in temperature during anesthesia and a slight increase in temperature during the first two days after anesthesia are considered normal;

• the heart beats frequently or rarely, intermittently. The mucous membranes are very pale or bluish. Short-lived slight trembling is considered normal, but if it does not go away within half an hour or turns into convulsions, consult a doctor immediately.

Often, recovery after sterilization of a dog, or more precisely, after recovery from anesthesia, is mentally exhausting for the owner. The dog, having already woken up, but still under the influence of the drug, looks very weak - it staggers, bumps into corners, freezes for a long time in one position, looks strange, and slowly reacts to the voice. Sometimes a dog’s behavior changes dramatically after sterilization: panic, aggression are possible, the pet crawls under the bed, does not allow itself to be touched, and does not recognize family members. This is all normal, don’t be alarmed. We need to wait until motor functions and other reflexes will be fully restored: calm your pet, sit next to her, caress her - let her sleep or just lie down.

If the dog does not allow you to approach him (in extremely rare cases, deep anesthesia causes hallucinations, which does not require treatment), there is no need to insist: close all the cracks where the pet can crawl, and leave it alone, observing the behavior and condition of the pet from the outside. .

Report any changes in behavior or any symptoms of illness to your veterinarian immediately. Do not hesitate to bother the doctor by calling - consultations during the postoperative period are included in the cost of the procedure.

Read also: Castration of dogs: general questions

Seams: processing and other precautions

If, after castration, stitches rarely bother a male dog, then with females it is more complicated. Some doctors prescribe painkillers right away, others only when necessary. This need occurs if:

• the owner knows that the dog does not tolerate pain well. You need to inform your doctor about this in advance;

• the owner notices that rehabilitation after sterilization of the dog is complicated severe pain. For example, a pet whines during defecation, moves with caution, whines during sudden movements, and gnaws furiously at the seam.

The use of painkillers can significantly speed up the recovery process, since, in pain, the dog is reluctant to move and constantly damages the suture with its teeth. In addition, many veterinarians prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the risk of inflammation. Do not neglect the recommendations, referring to the words of friends: “but we didn’t stuff the dog with anything!”

Whether the suture will need treatment after sterilization of the dog depends on the type suture material, method of suturing and method postoperative treatment. Those. in each specific case, drugs are prescribed only by a doctor. If the veterinarian said that there is no need to treat the seam, but the owner notices that the wound takes a long time to heal or suddenly becomes inflamed (swelling, redness, rash, discharge of any color), it is required repeat consultation. The seam after sterilization of the dog should be dry, without any crusts or ulcers, without scratching or other signs of inflammation. Normally changes in better side noticeable every day.

To protect the seam from bacteria and various mechanical damage, you will need a blanket for the dog after sterilization. Usually the dog is given to the owners already in a blanket, but one is not enough - the thin, breathable material quickly gets dirty and wet. It is advisable to change the bandage once a day, putting a clean and always ironed (even if it is new) blanket on your pet. There is no need to remove the blanket when processing the seam; just untie a few ribbons and move the material to the side.

Rehabilitation of a dog after surgery and proper postoperative care for the pet after it has suffered surgical intervention is of great importance for the health of the animal and its rapid return to its previous 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 remains in bed or at least is 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, therefore, you need to monitor not only the condition of the seam itself, but also the general well-being of the dog (for example, how it eats, whether it is vomiting, whether the temperature is rising, etc.).

When examining the seam, pay attention to discharge - in the first day a small amount of pinkish liquid may be released from the seam, but if you notice heavy 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 surgery it is necessary to limit physical exercise– 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 and do sudden movements. How quickly your dog recovers from surgery and returns to normal life will depend on how she behaves in the first days after surgery. 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"

Most owners get a dog as a friend and even a family member. As the pet gets older, if breeding is not planned, owners often decide to sterilize or castrate.

Sterilization of dogs involves ligation of the fallopian tubes/sperm ducts of the animal. That is, sex hormones continue to be produced and sexual behavior does not stop, but the chance of pregnancy is excluded. Castration is the removal of the main sex glands (ovaries and testes). However, at present, in order not to confuse owners, in veterinary clinics services often indicate castration of males and sterilization of females (although during sterilization the uterus and ovaries are completely removed).

For females, both castration and sterilization are abdominal operations; they are somewhat heavier than males. Therefore, you need to know how to care for your dog during the postoperative period.

Preparing the dog for surgery

As a rule, it is advisable to make an appointment for scheduled sterilization first. You can call by phone to find out if you need to bring anything with you (for example, veterinary passport or other documents) and whether it will be possible to leave the dog after the operation for some time in the clinic so that it is under the supervision of a specialist when recovering from anesthesia.

• Before surgery, the dog should not be fed for 12 hours. You should drink no later than 4 hours in advance. The point is that after introducing sedatives(anesthesia), most animals experience vomiting and the dog can simply choke on the vomit.
• You can and should walk before surgery, but you should not allow excessive stress. It is enough to wait for the dog to simply do all the “things”.
• It is not advisable to carry out sterilization during estrus, because During this period, the dog’s uterus is supplied with blood more intensively, the vessels approaching the uterus are filled with blood. Damage to the vessel during surgery is fraught with excessive blood loss in the animal. Therefore, before going to planned surgery, it is better for the owner to make sure whether the dog is in heat or not.

Every dog ​​owner must understand that anesthesia is the administration of sedatives and narcotic drugs that can cause allergic reaction in an animal, regardless of health and age. To reduce the risk of such a reaction, in many clinics, immediately before surgery, the dog is prepared with special medications (premedication). However, owners must be made aware of all the consequences and potential reactions to anesthesia!

The dog is the first day after surgery. Coming out of anesthesia

To perform the operation, 3 methods of administering narcotic and sedatives are usually used. After sterilizing a dog, the anesthesia wears off within a day or two. Naturally, animals depart differently from each one.

• Inhalation (gas) anesthesia. The most effective and relatively non-toxic method, which carries minimal side effects. The dog comes to his senses almost immediately after the gas supply apparatus is turned off. There is mild disorientation and decreased activity. The disadvantage is the high cost due to the special apparatus for anesthesia and the narcotic mixtures themselves.
• Analgesics + muscle relaxants. The most commonly used mixture, but it takes a long time for the animal to recover. Depending on the name of the drugs, the dog “wakes up” from 5-8 hours to a day.
• Epidural anesthesia + muscle relaxant. The mixtures are low-toxic and, as a rule, well tolerated. This is not done for small breeds due to the difficulty of insertion to the required depth in the epidural space. spinal cord. With such anesthesia, the qualifications of the surgeon are very important. The dog recovers from such anesthesia for a maximum of 6-8 hours.

Caring for the dog immediately after sterilization should be appropriate:

• The pet is placed in a low place. Coordination of movements is still impaired, and the dog may not be able to calculate the strength for a usual jump on a sofa, bed or any other height.
• The dog is protected from drafts and low temperatures(can be covered with a light blanket). All processes in the initial postoperative period are slowed down and thermoregulation is also impaired. Any anesthesia slightly lowers body temperature and somewhat inhibits thermoregulation processes, so all risks of hypothermia should be completely eliminated!
• Fasting diet 10-12 hours maximum. Access to water is free. Any food intake can provoke vomiting, and in such a weakened state the dog can choke on vomit.
• After 10-12 hours, you can start feeding the dog a little with small portions of food. In the first two days, vomiting to water and food is allowed, because The stomach starts working gradually after anesthesia, so you can’t overfeed.
• You need to be prepared for inappropriate behavior pets on the background of recovery from anesthesia. Disorientation, attempts to run in an unknown direction, sudden falling asleep while walking, whining, unsteady gait, possible involuntary urination. Doesn't always respond to nicknames. In this state, the main thing is not to let the dog hide somewhere where it will be difficult to get it out.

Over the next 2-3 days, the dog gradually completely recovers from anesthesia after sterilization, comes to its senses and behavior becomes normal. This period may proceed differently for each pet.

• The dog must be prescribed an antibiotic by injection. It is most effective to use ceftriaxone or sinulox– intramuscularly once a day, 1-5 ml per animal, depending on the size and intensity inflammatory process(1 bottle is diluted in 5 ml of 0.5% novocaine). Course – 5-7 days. The diluted solution is good for 24 hours. Sometimes used Amoxicillin 15% at a dose of 0.1 ml/kg subcutaneously, 1 time per day or every other day (a 10 ml bottle costs 165 rubles), but its power is often not enough and inflammation still breaks through.

Medicinal postoperative support

How can you relieve pain (usually it takes a day - maximum two and strictly as prescribed by the doctor, because there may be a conflict with the remains of anesthesia in the body):

• Meloxicam - intramuscularly at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg on the first day, then 0.1 mg/kg for another 1-2 days.
• Tolfedine – 4 mg/kg orally with food or water once a day (how much in tablets will depend on the dosage component).
• Rimadyl (carprofen) - administered subcutaneously at the rate of 1 ml of the drug for every 12.5 kg. Once a day. No longer than 3 days.
• Ketanov – 1 ml/13 kg maximum up to 2 times a day.
• Ketofen (ketoprofen) – 0.2 ml/kg once a day for no longer than 4 days.
• Travmatin - calculation 0.1-0.2 ml/kg, but not more than 4 ml per injection.

Treatment of seams (according to the instructions for the preparations):

• Vetericin spray;
• Chemi spray;
• Aluminumspray;
• Horhexidine;
• Betadine + sea ​​buckthorn oil or rosehip oil;
• Levomekol ointment;
• Terramycin spray.

General strengthening agents:

• Vitam - from 1 to 4 ml subcutaneously, depending on the size of the dog, twice a week until the sutures heal.
• Gamavit - if for general preventive therapy, then 0.1 ml/kg is enough, if the dog is weakened, then 0.5 ml/kg. General course signed by the veterinarian, because can be administered daily or at intervals of several days, depending on the condition of the dog.

If the stitch is bleeding:

• Vikasol – 1 ml/5 kg intramuscularly twice a day at regular intervals. Can be used separately or together with etamsylate.
• Etamsylate – 0.1 ml per kg of body weight twice a day.

One week after surgery (day by day)

1 day

Depending on the anesthesia used, the dog remains in narcotic sleep from 2 to 12 (14 hours). “Awakening” begins with lethargy, disorientation, and unsteadiness of gait. Hallucinations are possible. 1-2 involuntary urinations are allowed, because... the dog will not be able to immediately find the toilet (if the breed is small and it is in the house) and does not have the strength to go outside for this.

It is prohibited to administer any medications on your own without the consent of a veterinarian to speed up recovery from anesthesia!

It is advisable to stay close to the dog during these days. If you need to leave, leave it somewhere in a small enclosed area where the dog cannot injure itself if it tries to move.

During the first day, do not limit access to water and do not need to feed. If the animal does not drink, forcefully pour it into the mouth from a syringe or rubber bulb through the toothless edge, not very quickly, so that it has time to swallow. Start doing this when the first signs of coming to your senses are already noted.

When observing prolonged narcotic sleep, you should close your eyelids to prevent drying out of the cornea.

On the first day you need to be prepared for inappropriate dog behavior. The pet may jump up, try to run in an uncertain direction, fall, suddenly fall asleep, whine or bark, etc.

If it becomes clear that the dog is in pain when recovering from anesthesia, you can give an anesthetic injection with the drug recommended by the veterinarian.

Day 2

The dog is becoming more and more adequate. On day 2, you can start complementary feeding with easily digestible food, often, but in very small portions - about 1/4 of the usual. It is better not to give dry food, it is harder on the stomach than wet food. The gastrointestinal tract works slightly inhibited, so it should not be overloaded. Regurgitation is allowed in the first day or two after drinking water and/or food - this is an indicator of a slow acceleration of gastric motility. There is no need to be afraid.

If coldness of the extremities is noted, it is necessary to warm them - with a heating pad or rubbing. There are risks of hypothermia due to a slowdown in metabolism after anesthesia.

The dog should always be within sight, especially small breed who always tries to hide. On this day, all your needs are still managed indoors.

On the 2nd day the dog should relieve itself, there should be an appetite, general state should be visually improved. Body temperature should be within normal limits (37.6-39°C). Painkillers are injected on demand, but usually by the end of these days the pain subsides on its own.

Day 3

The dog is fully conscious, reacts adequately and with interest to what is happening, asks to go to the toilet outside (if it is large) or consciously and promptly goes to its home toilet (if it is small).

On day 3, severe postoperative swelling usually appears in the suture area. If there is no additional pain syndrome, nothing additional is required, processing is carried out as usual.

If by this day there have been no acts of bowel movement, you should give the pet a microenema once - 1 or 2, depending on the size of the dog (Microlax, up to 80 rubles / piece) and inject a cerucal to stimulate gastrointestinal motility (0.5-0. 7 mg/10 kg) twice a day. As an additional laxative, you can give lactulose or drugs based on it (Duphalac, Lactusan) for several days. The dosage is calculated by weight according to the instructions.

If there is no urination, the dog is given a No-Spa tablet or an injection, after 15-20 minutes the belly is gently massaged in the area Bladder and it is expected that urination will still occur. If not, you need to go to the veterinary clinic; you may need to insert a urinary catheter.

Body temperature must be measured. If two readings are too high within 24 hours, you should start taking or injecting an antibiotic if this was not done immediately after the operation, or replace it with a stronger one if you did. If after starting a course of antibiotics the temperature does not return to normal, you need to take your cat to the veterinarian; it may be a viral infection.

At low temperatures (below 37.5°C), consultation with a veterinarian is also required.

The dog is still not allowed to walk long distances - they went outside, relieved themselves, and went home. If the housing is located in multi-storey building, then it’s better to take your pet outside in your arms so that it doesn’t jump up the steps - it’s too early.

4 day

The dog is active, general health is satisfactory, there is adequate interest in food and drink, the intestines and urine are emptied in a timely manner.

5 day

Starting from this period, you can not be afraid to leave the animal on its own and allow you to walk around the apartment a lot, you can let it out for a walk in the yard (if there was previously free access to the street), you can allow it to climb onto low surfaces, and not run up the steps for long.

By this time, postoperative swelling in the suture area usually subsides, redness disappears, and in some places traces of the first scarring of the wound may appear. The blanket has not yet been removed, and the belly cannot be licked.

6-7 days

The dog practically does not pay attention to the blanket, is active, with a good appetite and adequate thirst, runs, jumps a little, sleeps in its sleeping or favorite place. There is no more pain, that's it physiological needs cope naturally and in the usual way without attracting special attention owner.

Externally postoperative wound the same color as the skin of the abdomen, fur begins to grow, and the scarring process is visible. There should be no redness, bleeding, swelling, etc.

The sutures are not removed yet, it still lasts for 10-14 days, depending on the suture material. Dogs are very active animals; the risk of sutures on the skin coming apart still remains.

What should you be wary of?

As with any operation, some complications may arise after sterilization. It is better to call a doctor if you notice in your dog:

If the dog does not go to the toilet "in a big way", it is not so dangerous. Up to 3 days this is considered normal (even with good appetite), since anesthesia slows down intestinal motility (see). If the dog has not left for more than 3 days, it can be given Vaseline oil from 5 to 30 ml, depending on the size of the dog. The oil is sold at the pharmacy and costs 60 rubles per 100 ml.

Processing the seam

After sterilization, the suture is located on the dog’s underside of the abdomen, along the so-called white line - from the navel to the tail. The length of the suture depends on the size of the dog and can be from 2 to 10-15 cm. Doctors recommend removing the sutures 10-14 days after the operation. In some cases, removal is carried out earlier (if healing is good or, conversely, if the suture material is rejected). The seams are treated daily 1-2 times a day.

As a rule, dogs do not benefit from seam treatment. discomfort. On the contrary, some pets enjoy having their belly scratched, especially after a few days when the stitch may itch a little as it heals. Cats, for example, endure this procedure much more painfully, because... their groin area is “inviolable” for strangers.

Immediately after the sterilization operation, the dog is put on a special blanket so that it cannot lick its stitches. You should immediately purchase a second blanket to replace it, because... the first days after sterilization from the suture may be short bleeding. In addition, the blanket will become dirty during the walk.

It is most convenient to treat the seam with sterile gauze wipes. Ready-made napkins are sold in packs of 10 pieces at the pharmacy (price 10-15 rubles). You can use a sterile bandage and simply fold the piece into several layers.

The napkin is generously moistened with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and applied along the entire length of the seam. It is preferable to use peroxide because... it will well soak up the bloody crusts, which must be removed. Use a second napkin along the seam to remove all dirt so that the seam is clean. Then blot dry.

After general wound hygiene, the suture is treated with any wound-healing and anti-inflammatory agent (see section Drug postoperative support).

Assessing the condition of the seam

Normally, with good healing a few days after surgery, the suture:

• dry;
• skin without redness;
• swelling gradually disappears (an exception may be dogs with thick skin (shar pei, chow chow, pugs, bulldogs) or with overweight body);
• after 7 days, the wound gradually heals and the skin becomes intact.

A poorly healing suture can be caused by infection or rejection of the suture material.

• Outflows (possibly purulent) are observed from the suture;
• the seam area is hot;
• the treatment causes pain to the dog;
• the suture is swollen, red;
• the edges of the wound may diverge.

In severe cases it may be necessary re-overlay stitches (in this case, the dog will most likely be under anesthesia again, but not so deep). The edges of the wound are excised to better healing, process antiseptic solutions and the suture is applied again (in case of rejection).

All possible postoperative complications

• Any deviations in body temperature: prolonged hypothermia (decrease) or hyperthermia (increase). It is not without reason that dog owners are required to measure their general body temperature during the first few days. If the readings are below 37°C, this is a reason to immediately wrap or cover the animal with any natural fabric or blanket, placing it on a heating pad (if the size of the dog allows it), and contact the operating or duty veterinarian. If during the first 3 days the temperature remains above 39°C, especially despite the antibiotic being administered, then no measures can be taken on your own. Go to the vet immediately!
• Intra-abdominal bleeding. If traces of fresh blood leaking from the suture or genitals were found, the suture itself is clearly painful, swollen, but the dog has pale mucous membranes, then a visit to the veterinary clinic should be carried out immediately. These are all signs internal bleeding. If the fact is confirmed, it will be necessary to carry out repeat surgery, because there is a risk that the dog will die from blood loss.
• Cones or protrusions in the area of ​​the suture wound should always be on your guard. Consultation with a specialist is required. The most harmless thing that can happen is local postoperative swelling or abnormal growth granulation tissue(“young” skin). These changes go away on their own. But if it is an abscess or tumor, only a surgeon can help.
• Decay of a postoperative wound. There can be many reasons for suppuration, but the main factor is bacterial contamination of the suture. If topical medications do not eliminate this, you need to contact a veterinarian. It may be necessary to clean the edges of the wound, removing purulent signs and re-stitching.
• Swelling, swelling and redness of the suture. These phenomena, without significant pain, normally appear on the 2-3rd day, and disappear on the 5th day. If it takes longer and pain increases, see a veterinarian.
• Urinary incontinence in dogs. In some cases, 3-7% of small breeds and 9-13% of large breeds develop urinary incontinence after spaying. It is important to understand that the reason is not an incorrectly performed operation or postoperative infections, but an individual adjustment hormonal levels when the sensitivity of the smooth muscles of the bladder decreases, which, in turn, affects the activity of the sphincter. The period during which the complication develops ranges from several days to several years. Treatment is medicinal or surgical.

Result of the operation

After castration ( complete removal uterus and ovaries) estrus in dogs stops. After sterilization, dogs remain in estrus, matings may even occur, but pregnancy simply will not occur.

Incontinence in dogs is a common consequence of sterilization. On average, it develops 3 years after the intervention, but there are cases where urinary incontinence first appeared only 10 years after the operation.

A dog's behavior usually changes slightly after sterilization. Some owners note that the dog has become much calmer, aggression (if any) has decreased, and the level of activity in general drops somewhat.

Metabolism also changes. Dogs prone to obesity should receive dietary food, or there are food lines designed specifically for neutered animals. Their calorie content is lower than for regular dogs.

Question answer

Do dogs necessarily develop postoperative complications?

No, not necessarily, everything is individual and depends on many external and internal factors. It is important to follow your veterinarian's recommendations for post-operative care to minimize risks.

Do dogs still go into heat after sterilization?

After true sterilization - yes, it is preserved, because... the ovaries remain in place. After sterilization, which is called castration surgery for convenience, no, there will be no more heat. During this operation, the ovaries, the main reproductive organ that produces sex hormones, are removed. Therefore, always clarify what the veterinary surgeon means by sterilization to avoid misunderstandings.

In modern practice, anesthesia for dogs often has to be used. It can be used not only for surgical reasons, but also for other types of diseases. At least, for example, take a visit to the dentist, where it is necessary to remove tartar from the animal’s teeth. Or in other similar situations.

When is anesthesia used for dogs?

Dogs, although they are domestic animals that know their owner and his family members well, are at the same time quite unpredictable and can even be aggressive. Therefore, in order to alleviate the animal’s condition, and sometimes to protect the actions of the medical staff examining the pet, they are put to sleep. The animal's body, being under the influence of the drug, loses sensitivity and becomes immobilized. This condition allows veterinarians to carefully carry out the operation and bring the pet back to life as quickly as possible.

In modern veterinary medicine Anesthesia serves not only to calm down or simply relieve pain. This is a whole complex of actions designed to protect the animal’s body from the consequences of the disease. And in the postoperative period it extremely reduces the likelihood of complications. Anesthesia is used in the following cases:

• When the patient is undergoing strip surgery.
• When to operate on limbs.
• When carrying out certain cosmetic procedures or individual diagnostic ones.
• If the animal does not hear and does not follow the commands given by the owner, and the dog is large enough and there is no confidence that the pet can be fixed in the desired position if necessary.
• When a dog can show or is already showing obvious aggression.
• When using various manipulations.
• When the animal is already in a stressful state or such a state may arise as a result of manipulation.

Types and stages of anesthesia

So that the animal can survive the operation, undergo stressful state, to survive certain unpleasant procedures for him, doctors resort to the use of anesthesia. Today in veterinary medicine they use

1. intravenous,
2. intramuscular,
3. gas or, as it is also called, inhalation anesthesia.

With inhalation anesthesia, the drug is introduced into the animal's body by inhaling air. This type of anesthesia has its advantages:

• It has minimal effect on the body.
• There are no side effects.
• Convenient to use.
• After the dog stops breathing the drug mixture, it wakes up within two to three minutes.

You can use this anesthesia for dogs during surgery for no more than two hours.
Veterinary practice today uses inhalation anesthesia quite widely. This anesthesia is used for operations involving varying degrees difficulties. Intravenous anesthesia is mainly used. With this anesthesia:

• The body quickly shuts down.
• There is excellent control over the depth of anesthesia.
• The cardiovascular and respiratory systems are amenable to minimal effects of anesthesia.

The drug begins to act within thirty to two minutes. Based on the dose and condition of the animal, anesthesia lasts from ten minutes to two hours.
Intramuscular anesthesia is used mainly for aggressive individuals. For this type of anesthesia, certain drugs are suitable, during the action of which we also monitor how dogs tolerate anesthesia. The action occurs within ten to twenty minutes. And it can last up to three to eight hours.

Local anesthesia relieves pain spinal nerve and his roots soft fabrics, organs oral cavity. There are stages of anesthesia: superficial, pronounced, deep, overdose, agonal.

Monitoring before and during surgery

If your dog is sick and surgery cannot be avoided, then your pet will have to undergo an examination. For this you need:

1. blood analysis,
2. electrocardiogram,
3. x-rays and
4. ultrasound examination, if required by the doctor.

Before surgery, the doctor must have permission from the dog's owner to administer anesthesia to the dog. At the same time, the owner of the animal should be aware that in the postoperative period his pet may experience complications, and quite serious ones. The owner is required to sign such a document.

The veterinarian may prescribe additional examinations to select the required anesthesia and in the required dose. This may take some time, which can last from several days to several weeks. In preparation for such a difficult life test, the owner himself must prepare psychologically. The dog owner should know that twelve hours before surgery the pet cannot be fed.

Just before the start of the operation, premedication is carried out by an anesthesiologist, and then anesthesia is administered. During surgery, breathing and pulse rates, blood oxygen saturation are constantly monitored, and arterial pressure, ECG.

If the operation lasts more than ten minutes, then a special tube is inserted into the trachea and the dog breathes pure oxygen, fed through the apparatus artificial ventilation lungs.

Anesthesia drugs used

To perform surgery on a dog, the doctor mandatory conducts examinations in the form of blood tests, ECG, ultrasound, x-rays. If any acute or chronic illness, then the animal is treated, and only then prepared for surgical intervention. During the entire preparatory course, the doctor carefully approaches the selection of anesthesia. In this case, the dog’s age, weight, and health condition are taken into account. The diagnosis itself determines what anesthesia the doctor will use.

A drug called Rometar is often used. It works well as a pain reliever, which does not have a hypnotic effect. The drug Propofol is very close to it in purpose, use and composition.

This drug is administered intravenously. It has short action. When using it, the animal's sleep comes quickly. And just as quickly the dog wakes up. From his action the cardiovascular system practically does not suffer. If it is necessary to examine the oral cavity, perform an endoscopy, ultrasonic cleaning teeth; to remove foreign objects from the mouth or throat, then use this particular drug. The drug "Zoletil" has a strong analgesic effect. This is a modern, high-quality, combined drug.

Dog after anesthesia

After the operation, the dog needs maximum rest as it recovers from anesthesia. Quite often in this regard you can hear the question: how long does it take for a dog to recover from anesthesia? Under such circumstances, they work purely individual characteristics body. There are dogs that manage to recover from the state of anesthesia in a few hours, while others need the whole day. When recovering from anesthesia, the dog may experience complications:

• Waking up after surgery is delayed.
• The animal may vomit.
• The dog is trembling after anesthesia.
• Your pet's breathing becomes slower.
• Your pet's heart rate may weaken.
• The dog begins to breathe rapidly and wheeze. This danger may arise if the animal has problems with cardiovascular or respiratory system, or there is some kind of pathology.
• Possibly a drop in temperature.
• Allergic irritation on the stomach is possible.
• The dog is shaking after anesthesia.
• There may be problems with the toilet (constipation, urine does not flow on its own).

The owner should know that the dog needs to wet his lips and tongue with water in cases where the pet is not able to quickly recover from anesthesia. It is necessary to place water next to the place where the operated animal lies. You can start giving your dog water five to seven hours after it comes out of the anesthesia state. But with feeding, you should wait. Food can only be offered to her after ten to twelve hours.

At a later stage, postoperative stroke or pulmonary edema may occur. This development can occur in weakened animals or animals that have prerequisites for these diseases. High-quality and timely diagnosis by a doctor can reduce unwanted consequences for your pet to a minimum.
For advice, contact your veterinarian. At the same time, carefully weigh the pros and cons before you agree to administer anesthesia to dogs, unless this is an urgent life necessity.

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