Depending on your goals prompt reception, radicality and even urgency of the operation, surgical trauma for the body can be different.
It is fair to assume that the greater the total impact, the more complications can be expected. Therefore, in humane veterinary medicine, preference is given to minimally invasive (low-traumatic, economical) methods, subject to technical feasibility, of course. This reduces the percentage of possible surgical complications. If it is possible to carry out a surgical procedure through a small access, this option is used. Thus, for example, sterilization of dogs and cats is carried out on modern stage minimally invasive methods. The uterus and ovaries are removed through a small puncture in the abdomen. Reducing the surgical approach and incision can significantly reduce both the operation time and the percentage of postoperative complications.
Actually, the main surgical and postoperative complications include:
- risk of bleeding;
- infectious risks;
- anesthetic risks.
Let's consider possible complications after sterilization of dogs and cats. Considering that such interventions are most often carried out using minimally invasive methods, all major surgical risks tend to zero. Only delayed problems are possible. We will not consider the tendency to gain body weight in castrated animals as a big difficulty - normal body weight in animals is easily maintained by a balanced diet without overeating.
After sterilization, foreign material remains in the animal's body - internal sutures. Under some circumstances, they may begin to become inflamed or rejected after some time. It all depends on the body and on itself suture material. Let’s say right away: there are no “good”, “bad”, “rude”, “gentle”, etc. thread Any material has its pros and cons. Namely, it has the properties of bioinertness, reactivity, biocompatibility, allergenicity, toxicity, teratogenicity, traumaticity, etc. There is simply no ideal material for everyone. In fact, any thread can fail to take root, be rejected, or become inflamed. To reduce the percentage of suture rejection, or ligature fistulas, it is imperative to use self-absorbable sutures in animals. Even in those rare cases when suture reactions occur, this phenomenon is temporary, since over time the absorbable material disappears on its own, and accordingly the source of the problem disappears and everything goes away on its own.
Reaction to an internal suture in a dog 3 weeks after cavity sterilization.
We look at suture rejection reactions in such detail that one might think that problems with internal sutures are a fairly common occurrence. Not really!!!
The failure rate of sutures after sterilization in dogs is no more than 1%, and in cats it is even less - only 0.1%. And even these rare cases are not a problem if the sutures are absorbable. Inflammatory reactions decrease synchronously with the process of thread dissolution and soon disappear completely.
So what to do if internal seams After some time, usually 2-3 weeks, did inflammation begin? First of all, don't panic! Nothing bad will happen. The process of the body's fight against foreign material is absolutely safe and resembles the fight against a splinter - rejection.
What does it look like?
At the first stage, redness and swelling in the suture area are observed.
At the second stage - focal darkening of the skin and the formation of watery blisters.
At the third stage there is a small tear in the skin. A ligature fistula is formed with fluid leaking from it.
Inflammation of the internal suture in a cat 2 weeks after sterilization.
It must be said that the process of suture rejection is safe at all stages and can fade out on its own at any time. Despite focal inflammation, this is not accompanied by pain or discomfort. Sometimes an animal can smell the inflammatory focus and begin to lick the area. In such cases, it is better to protect the inflamed area from access using a blanket or collar. So what should you do if there is a problem?
1. Treatments of the problem area are ineffective. But it won’t hurt to apply antibacterial ointment - for example, “Levomekol” once a day.
2. Antibiotics do not bring any results at all. Inflammation during rejection is aseptic. And reception antibacterial agents orally or in injections does not affect the process in any way. Nevertheless, for some reason many doctors still prescribe antibiotics when ligature fistulas occur. We repeat - there is no benefit from them, only harm. In the form of an unnecessary and unjustified load on the liver, again, for example.
3. Inflammation will not go anywhere inside. Even if the animal is allowed to lick the fistula, the maximum complications are skin eczema from irritation. There will be no peritonitis. There is no threat to life and health if the sutures are rejected!
And yet, what to do if the stages of suture rejection are on the face? You can’t just watch and do nothing? Yes. Right.
First of all, you should inform your doctor about the problem that has arisen. And he will already decide how to act.
- Usually in the initial stages, when only redness and bulging in the suture area are noticeable, they are used antihistamines and compresses based on dioxidine-dimexide. You can do nothing. Observe. The process, we repeat once again, is safe for the life and health of the animal.
- At the stages of darkening of the skin and the appearance of bubbles, it is possible to open them in order to remove the irritating agent, namely the suture thread. Opening the bladder and removing the material is carried out without anesthesia. Granulations accompanying rejection are insensitive.
- If a hole has already formed in the skin, then through fistula channel The doctor can carefully remove the suture. The manipulation is also performed without anesthesia, but in compliance with all the rules of asepsis. If the irritating material is removed, the fistula completely disappears within 3-4 days, even without treatment.
What if you do nothing? Here are the options: if the suture material that caused the irritation is absorbable, then the rejection process will stop on its own after the threads are completely dissolved. This usually takes from 1 to 2 months.
But if the material of the internal sutures is not absorbable and the body has not accepted it, then the rejection process can take any amount of time. At least for the rest of my life. That is, at the site of the sutures, a non-healing fistula may form. And it will disappear only in cases of self-evacuation of the irritation factor, or its forced removal. In other words: either the body itself will push out the hateful splinter through the wound, or the doctor will use surgical techniques to remove the suture from the tissue. In mild cases, this can be done in just a minute with ordinary tweezers. But in severe cases, you have to do the operation again - cut everything under anesthesia and remove all the internal sutures.
From the above, it becomes clear how important it is to use internal sutures made of self-absorbable material. And how justified are minimally invasive methods of sterilizing animals when there are only 1-2 internal seams. For comparison: with cavity methods of sterilization of internal seams there are at least a dozen.
The use of minimally invasive sterilization methods and absorbable surgical sutures can reduce the already infrequent cases of unresponsive sutures to almost zero! And that’s why, among other things, we promote and use in our work predominantly minimally invasive methods of sterilizing animals. In simple terms: operations through a puncture.
Other complications after sterilizations are random, most often due to oversight, non-compliance with the postoperative regimen, violation operational techniques, or even just casuistry.
Here is an example not typical complication. After sterilization at a third-party clinic, a cat was left with an intravenous catheter in its paw, not isolated, and secured too tightly with an adhesive tape. As a result of insufficient blood supply, massive swelling of the limb occurred (tourniquet effect). The paw lost sensitivity for a while and the cat heavily licked the skin on her hand and forearm. I had to urgently remove all structures from the paw and prescribe decongestant therapy. Soon the swelling went away, skin recovered and everything returned to normal. But if all this had not been done on time, focal necrosis and death of a limb fragment could have developed. The case is, of course, rare and is associated with a violation technical specifications healing process.
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine M. Shelyakov
Sterilization is a common procedure that many owners of four-legged pets resort to if they do not plan to breed them. It involves removing the uterus and ovaries completely in order to eliminate the chance of pregnancy. One of the key stages of care upon completion is the treatment of the dog’s stitches after sterilization. The speed of the recovery process largely depends on how well it is carried out.
Dog on the first day after surgery
Strip surgery, performed under deep anesthesia, is a serious test for any living organism. Drugs that cause central inhibition nervous system and turning off pain sensitivity are eliminated from the body within 24 days. There is no need to treat the dog’s sutures after surgery on the first day. All your efforts should be directed towards restoring the animal’s strength.
In order not to undermine your pet’s health, it is important to closely monitor its condition and strictly follow the doctor’s basic recommendations:
- Choose a place for your pet to rest on a flat surface, devoid of changes and hills. In the first hours, the animal has poor coordination of body movements and simply does not have enough strength to overcome obstacles.
- In the room where she rests, provide a stable microclimate with optimal conditions and without drafts. IN postoperative period the dog's thermoregulation will be temporarily impaired and inhibited metabolic processes. You should not use a heating pad to warm a frozen and weakened animal - this can cause internal bleeding.
- Maintain a starvation diet for the animal. Even a small portion of food can provoke vomiting, masses of which can simply choke the dog due to its weakened state.
While the dog is half asleep, shift it from side to side at least once an hour. This will avoid numbness of the extremities and reduce pulmonary edema. If your pet urinates on itself, use moisture-wicking diapers.
The following signs will indicate that complications have arisen after sterilization:
- lack of urination or blood in the urine;
- uneven intermittent breathing with an open mouth;
- fast or irregular heartbeat;
- regular vomiting;
- increase in body temperature.
Over the next 2-3 days, the dog will gradually recover from anesthesia. Her motor functions will be fully restored, and her behavior will return to normal.
How to properly process seams
The seam in a bitch after sterilization is located from the navel line to the tail area. Its length, depending on the size of the body, can vary from 3 to 15 cm. The need to remove the suture is determined by the type of material applied. Some threads “dissolve” on their own, others are removed 10-14 days from the day of surgery.
Until this point occurs, it is important to ensure that your dog's incision is cared for after surgery. To do this, in order to protect the treated area of the abdomen from “licking,” immediately after removal, a blanket made of thin, breathable material is put on the still sleepy dog.
Advice: since in the first days the healing seam may bleed slightly, staining the blanket, you should take care in advance of having a replacement set.
There is no need to remove the blanket when processing seams. It is enough just to untie the tapes in the abdominal area and move the material. The procedure itself does not cause pain in the animal.
The treatment should be performed with gauze wipes or pieces of sterile bandage folded in several layers. To soak bloody crusts, the material is generously soaked in a solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide.
The procedure includes a number of main steps:
- Wipes soaked in the solution are applied alternately along the entire length of the seam.
- Exfoliated bloody crusts are carefully removed from the treated area.
- Use a new batch of wipes soaked in the solution to remove any remaining dirt.
- Wipe the treated area dry with clean, dry gauze.
- The cleaned seam is covered with a thin layer of levomekol ointment or treated with terramycin spray.
- A sterile piece of gauze is placed on top, the blanket is lowered and the fixing ribbons are tied.
Important point: before treating sutures after surgery on a dog medicine, it is important to assess the condition of this area of the body. With good healing, the skin will be dry and without redness, and changes will occur every day. better side. It will acquire a complete appearance in 7-10 days.
If the suture area is hot or has a swollen appearance, the edges of the wound diverge, and discharge leaks out of them - any of these signs indicate poor healing. The cause of this process may be infection or rejection of the suture threads.
In this situation, it is better to show the animal to a veterinarian. In severe cases, it may be necessary to perform a procedure to excise the edges of the wound and apply stitches again. Manipulations of this kind are carried out under shallow anesthesia.
As the surgical scar heals, it will begin to itch. The dog will try to remove the blanket to alleviate its suffering. At this time, try to distract her with latex “chews”. To avoid accidentally stretching the suture material, limit the animal's movement during recovery. Give preference to quiet games and leisurely walks on the street away from playful fellow tribesmen.
Do not worry if the animal cannot defecate within the first 3 days after surgery. This is due to the fact that the administered drugs inhibit metabolic and excretory processes, including intestinal motility. If constipation lasts more than 3 days, help relieve the condition by feeding the animal Vaseline oil. The serving volume is calculated depending on the dog’s weight and varies from 5 to 30 ml.
After sterilization: what you should be prepared for
Sterilization, like any other surgical intervention, may have its consequences. They most often appear when the animal reaches seven years of age, regardless of what stage life path sterilization was carried out.
- Kit excess weight. Changes in metabolism provoke the development of hormone-dependent obesity. To avoid this, following a diet developed depending on the breed, weight and age of the animal will help.
- Urinary incontinence. Lack of estrogen in the body causes relaxation Bladder. A course of drugs like Propolin will help normalize sphincter tone.
- Baldness. Changes in hormonal levels can also provoke the manifestation of alopecia. A course of taking female sex hormones will help correct the situation.
In general, the sterilization procedure does not change the individuality of the animal. Although it stops sexual cycles, it does not deprive the darling of her “feminine traits.”
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, nowadays, in order not to confuse owners, services in veterinary clinics more 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. By calling, you can find out whether you will need to bring anything with you (for example, a 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 will be under the supervision of a specialist while 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 for a planned operation, 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 of your pet while recovering 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. The general course is prescribed 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, and the general condition should visually improve. 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 of the 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.
On long distances The dog still can’t walk - we went outside, relieved ourselves, 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 normally, without involving 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. This is considered normal for up to 3 days (even with a good appetite), since anesthesia slows down intestinal motility (see). If the dog has not passed 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, 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 hygiene The wound suture is treated with any wound healing and anti-inflammatory agent (see section Drug postoperative support).
Levomekol ointmentThe ointment is applied to the cleaned seam 1-2 times daily. A sterile gauze pad is applied to the seam on top and a blanket is put on top. A 40 g tube of ointment costs 110 rubles. |
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Spray Terramycin
Aluminum sprayAssessing the condition of the seam
Normally, with good healing a few days after surgery, the suture:
- dry;
- skin without redness;
- swelling gradually disappears (exceptions may include dogs with thick skin (Shar Pei, Chow Chow, Pugs, Bulldogs) or overweight);
- 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, repeated suturing may be required (in this case, the dog will most likely be under anesthesia again, but not as deeply). The edges of the wound are excised for better healing and treated 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’s not for nothing that dog owners are required to measure the first few days general temperature bodies. If the readings are below 37°C, this is a reason to immediately wrap or cover the animal with any natural fabric or a blanket, placed 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 of internal bleeding. If the fact is confirmed, a repeat operation will have to be performed, 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 be is a local postoperative swelling or abnormal growth of 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 after surgical wound. There can be many reasons for suppuration, but main factor– this is bacterial contamination of the seam. 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 there is more pain, go to the vet.
- 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 change in 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
Is it necessary to develop postoperative complications in dogs?
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.
Castration is one of the most common operations in a veterinary clinic. Doctors constantly repeat that this is an easy, low-traumatic procedure that will not cause any trouble to the dog. But how does a male dog actually recover after castration? Do I need to leave my pet in the hospital and for how long?
I personally encountered the fact that owners were ready to stay at home on their next vacation to care for their pet after surgery. They were very worried whether there would be complications. This couple called me almost every day to tell me how Tyson ate, pooped, took off his collar, and walked. This began to irritate me, because the dog was young and healthy, the operation went perfectly, I gave detailed written recommendations. Now I'm ashamed of myself. The owners of that Chihuahua were puzzled by one thing - the welfare of the dog. And how do they really know what is normal and what is not? General anesthesia and stitches can be scary and confusing when you've never experienced it.
Therefore, in addition to the article about it, I wrote this “guide”. How should the dog’s recovery proceed, and what complications are possible.
The technique of castration of male dogs differs from the castration of rabbits or cats; these operations cannot be compared. There is only one general point: if both testicles are in the scrotum (the male is not cryptorchid), then castration is not an abdominal operation.
Why, why are we going to the clinic?
Very important point: The surgeon should not cut the skin of the scrotum. There are many nerve endings and even more blood vessels. The incision is made “along the white line” in front of the scrotum, and both testes are brought out through it. A ligature is applied to the feeding vessel and the spermatic cord, and it slips into the pelvic cavity. The skin wound is sutured.
The suture can be cosmetic (all the threads are inside the skin, gradually dissolving) or removable, external. This depends on the qualifications of the surgeon, the availability of suture material, and also on how will undergo surgery. I never tell owners in advance what exactly there will be “cosmetics”. It happens that the skin is too loose and separates; sometimes it is necessary to “press” the bleeding vessel of the skin with the external sutures. If removable sutures are placed carefully, they will not create any problems.
The entire operation lasts about 15-20 minutes. But the dog will stay in the operating room longer. This is due to the fact that you need to shave, wash, disinfect the skin, isolate this area surgical field, do local anesthesia. After the operation, wait until the patient begins to wake up. Only then is the pet taken out to its owners - or placed in a cell in a hospital. How is it accepted where?
Coming out of anesthesia: what to pay attention to
You will have to write a separate article about the types of anesthesia. Therefore, there are no uniform recommendations. After gas (inhalation) anesthesia, the dog will be given to you almost fully conscious. If intravenous anesthesia (propofol) was used, then the animal also comes to its senses within half an hour.
Intramuscular anesthesia is another matter. If you do not use a special drug that brings the dog out of anesthesia (Antisedan, Antimedin, Alzan), then the animal will be “drunk” for a long time. Exactly for this unconscious patient requires constant supervision.
Labrador recovers from anesthesia
Do not try to immediately pick up your pet. If the dog is still sleeping, it is much safer to lay it on a flat surface, on its side. Doctors pull the tongue out of the mouth, hanging to the side. It can be moistened with a wet hand to prevent it from drying out. When waking up, vomiting may begin, although with a proper fasting diet it almost never happens.
The dog should breathe evenly and deeply. Breathing should be monitored especially carefully in brachiocephalic breeds. In a bulldog or pug, a long velum palatine may block the entrance to the trachea. A half-asleep pet will quietly gasp, and only by the purple color of its tongue will the owner understand that it’s time to sound the alarm.
Waking up from anesthesia, the dog may behave absolutely inappropriately - not recognizing the owner, biting the hand that strokes his face. Some dogs begin to bark and whine, not because they are in pain, but because the nervous system is excited.
The dog will try to get up, fall, and kick its legs. It is very important to prevent injury. Do not place your pet on a slippery floor and encourage activity. The dog is calmed with a voice and sat down, not allowed to rush around. Decorative dogs are carefully picked up.
Large dogs are laid to sleep on the floor
If the clinic's capabilities allow, owners should not be left alone with a pet that has not fully recovered from anesthesia. He must be supervised by staff.
The first day after surgery
Regardless of what anesthesia was used, the dog's body temperature decreases during the operation. The smaller the dog, the more it cools down. If the clinic uses special heating pads, that’s wonderful, but even after waking up, it’s very important to make sure your pet doesn’t get cold. Be sure to bring a warm fleece blanket to wrap or cover your dog. Feel your paws and ears - how cold are they?
Make a cozy nest at home and eliminate drafts. Warmth and peace - Better conditions for the recovery of a male dog after castration.
You cannot leave your dog on the bed/sofa! Coordination of movements after anesthesia may be impaired, which can lead to injury. Only on the floor!
Labrador recovers after castration
There is no need to rush to water or feed your pet, and even more so, you should not force something into the mouth. Let the water be freely available, if he wants, he can drink. Your doctor will tell you when you can feed; recommendations differ depending on what kind of anesthesia was used. Minimum fasting diet – 4 hours (after inhalation anesthesia), 6-8 hours after intravenous, and 10-12 hours after intramuscular.
Give your pet no full portion, and a quarter. If he doesn't vomit within an hour, feed another quarter. It's enough. You can give a full portion at the next feeding.
The main rule is no exotic delicacies. Wanting to console or pamper the dog, owners sometimes buy expensive canned food or allow him to eat a piece of sausage. The only thing you will achieve is a breakdown digestive system. Food should be familiar. If he ate dry food, let him eat it, there is no need to soak it. The pet's testes were removed, not his teeth.
On the first day, walks are purely sanitary in nature. We peed and pooped and went home. Until the stitches heal, the dog is kept on a leash. Games with other dogs and active games needs to be postponed.
Scrotal swelling
If there are no medical indications, then the scrotum is not removed during castration of a male dog. Immediately after surgery, this leather pouch remains empty. Doctors may briefly apply a heating pad with ice to the scrotum to cause the blood vessels to constrict.
Don't worry about the aesthetic side of the issue - in a few months the skin will magically tighten. There will be a smooth place where the testicles were.
Bulldog after castration
True, this takes time. But the body does not tolerate any emptiness and strives to fill it. Therefore, lymph can accumulate in the scrotum. On the third or fourth day, it looks as if the testes have returned to their place! This is fine.
Sometimes the swelling can be too strong and painful. This happens in several cases:
- Blood clots had accumulated in the scrotum because a vessel was damaged and not ligated.
- The wound became infected and inflammation began.
- Rejection of the suture material occurs (the latter situation is extremely rare; usually the problem is a violation of sterility).
In which case should you see a veterinary surgeon as soon as possible:
- the scrotum is purple or bluish in color;
- the swelling is so strong that the scrotum is larger in size than before the operation, the skin is stretched;
- discomfort when walking in a dog, signs of pain.
The doctor may prescribe novocaine blockades with an antibiotic or systemic antibiotics, sometimes surgical revision of the wound is required (under local anesthesia).
This Labsky (Labrador and Husky mix) was neutered at 7 months.
Caring for sutures after castration of a male dog
I do not prescribe any suture treatments after castration of a male dog. The less people go there, the better. This statement is true for a cosmetic seam. It should not be filled with iodine or brilliant green, so as not to burn the edges of the skin. The maximum that can be recommended is to apply an antiseptic spray that creates a protective film (Aluminium, Alu-spray, Second Skin) once every 2-3 days. But it is not advisable to buy it for two or three treatments.
Dalmatian recovers after surgery
If skin sutures are applied, they need care. But also careful, without fanaticism. The owners' task is to ensure that the threads do not stick to the skin or to each other. To do this, it is enough to wipe the seam once a day. aqueous solution chlorhexidine, removing crusts.
Sometimes treatment of the seam with iodine is prescribed, but then 5% alcohol solution diluted 1:1 with boiled water or saline solution.
Before removing the stitches, you do not need to apply any ointments to them, unless you have prescribed an ointment. veterinarian. You can be confident in the healing properties of panthenol or levomekol, but the ointment base itself is not suitable for treating seams.
While the skin is healing, you should not bathe your dog. If your pet splashes into a puddle while walking and dirt gets on the seam, you need to thoroughly rinse it with chlorhexidine or an aqueous solution of furatsilin (a tablet in a glass of boiled water).
When can you remove the collar after castrating your dog?
Not allowing the seam to be licked is the most important recommendation, which you will receive from your veterinary surgeon. After castration, it is enough for bitches to wear a blanket. But the area where the seam is located after castration of a male dog is almost impossible to cover with cloth. The panties are instantly removed and also interfere with the need to relieve oneself.
The Pomsky looks amazing in these briefs, but they won't help protect the seam!
There are special post-operative tights - they fit tightly to the body and have an opening for the penis. But the collar remains the most reliable means of protection.
Special blanket for male dogs
Collars vary in quality and materials. Before planned operation you can choose the appropriate model and size yourself. Plastic cones are not expensive, but large dogs can break such a “decoration”.
This beagle looks very unhappy in his collar.
Padded collars are more comfortable for the dog, but are rarely found on sale.
Postoperative pad collar
The collar must be on the dog 24 hours a day! Myths about the healing properties of dog saliva sometimes cause owners to ignore doctor's instructions. They feel sorry for the dog. But after the licked seams fester and fall apart, the “pathetic” instantly moves into the bee’s ass. After all, then the wound will take several times longer to heal; daily treatments and a course of antibiotics will be required.
Double protection: collar + tights
If after castration the doctor applies skin sutures, then the collar must be worn until the sutures are removed (usually 10-12 days). After the doctor removes the threads, he will assess the condition of the seam and tell you how many more days to wear the cap. Usually it takes another 1 day for the holes from the threads to heal.
If the stitch is cosmetic, then in the absence of inflammation, 7-10 days are enough for complete healing.
The collar must not be removed until the stitches are removed!
I often hear “he doesn’t lick there at all”, “he can’t reach it”, “I’ll look after him”. As much as veterinarians like to prescribe the wearing of a protective collar, owners resist it just as stubbornly. No need. Be patient for a week of strict regime and then forget about it forever.
If you are not assigned readmission, then you decide for yourself when to remove the collar. Shoot when you see a pink one healthy skin at the seam site. The seam should be dry and clean, and the fur should already begin to grow back.
The doctor examines the postoperative suture
You need to look after your pet most closely for 3-4 days after surgery. At this time, the shaved areas of the skin begin to itch, the seam itself itches as it begins to heal, plus the scrotum swells.
Do you need medications and what kind?
Only the doctor who performed the operation can prescribe drug treatment male dog after castration. Sometimes I don’t prescribe anything - if the dog was young and the incision turned out to be tiny. At the clinic, the dog receives a painkiller that lasts for 24 hours and a long-acting antibiotic. If the operation was performed in a sterile operating room, this is sufficient.
If castration was performed for medical reasons (for example, prostatitis), or there was an intervention in the abdominal cavity (cryptorchid), a course of antibiotics may be required.
Painkillers are also prescribed at the discretion of the doctor for the first 1-3 days after surgery.
Most dogs show no signs of pain after surgery
Diet after castration
After removal of the testes, the level of hormones in the body changes gradually. Therefore, for 1-2 months after castration, you can feed your pet the same as you fed before the operation. And in the future you won’t have to change your diet radically. Your job is to monitor total number calories, since after castration the risk of obesity in males increases.
A castrated male dog can be fed as follows: natural food, and high-quality dry food.
Conclusion: how do male dogs cope with castration?
If you read an article like this, you may change your mind about taking your pet to the surgeon. But the truth is that normally a male dog’s recovery after castration occurs quickly and unnoticed. The dog is sad just as much as he is forced to wear “this shameful thing” (I mean protective collar). Already 2-3 days after the operation, the dog should eat, drink, sleep, and play as usual.
The pet will not require any specific care, only restrictions physical activity and wearing a collar. There is no need to take a vacation; you can leave the dog at home, as you do every day. There is no need to buy your dog diapers, soft food, or a pack of absorbent diapers. Your dog is not disabled.
I am a strong advocate of neutering non-breeding pets. You can read about the pros and cons of castrating a male dog HERE
Unfortunately, our four-legged friends sometimes they get sick and are forced to undergo operations of varying complexity. To completely cure your beloved pet, it is not enough to entrust it to a competent veterinarian. After qualified medical intervention, the owner must independently care for the sick animal properly. We'll tell you what it means a suture in a dog after surgery, how to properly care for it during the rehabilitation period.
Photo: Rehabilitation of a dog after surgery
Remember the most important things: always follow your veterinarian's advice. Strictly follow the recommendations of the doctor who performed your pet's surgery. In each specific case, dog care may vary, so it is possible that your pet will be prescribed, for example, a special diet.
Do not doubt the doctor's words. And if you are still not sure about the recommendations, consult not with friends or Internet users, but with another veterinarian who is able to assess the animal’s condition, its tests, and prescribed medications.
There are also general rules caring for a sick pet.
Photo: Wounded dog Usually rehabilitation period after surgery it lasts about 10-14 days. Only after the most difficult surgical intervention special care for the animal can last up to two months. This primarily applies to older dogs, in which the recovery of the body occurs much more slowly, and complications may arise.
Some inexperienced owners remember the well-known saying “it will heal like a dog” and think that a couple of days after a complex procedure their pet will be able to overcome high barriers and run in the morning with ease, just like before. But you shouldn't count on it. Even if your pet appears completely healthy, do not rush to return him to his usual lifestyle, as this can lead to complications. If the doctor prescribed two weeks of “bed rest,” it means that these recommendations must be strictly adhered to, even if you feel so “uncomfortable” and it seems that your pet is “still a big guy.”
Walks
It is better not to walk the dog for the first 24 hours after a complex operation, so as not to disturb it again. Moreover, at this time she is unlikely to want to go to the toilet, since the animal does not eat before and after the operation. Take your pet outside only if he asks, and do it very carefully.
To recover after surgery, your dog needs rest and minimal physical activity, but this does not mean that the pet should only be outside for 5 minutes. Give him longer walks, but don't force him to run and jump. Walk slowly, in familiar areas, and at the same time avoid the company of dogs, so that the animals, when starting a game, do not harm the sick pet.
Photo: long walks Carefully observe the dog's behavior on the street: if he shows with all his appearance that it is difficult for him to walk for a long time, do not force him to do it.
Take your pet outside for a short time, but more often. Please note: if during rehabilitation you give your pet medications with a diuretic effect, he needs to be walked at least 4-5 times a day. And, of course, you can’t scold him if, without getting outside in a timely manner, he defecates at home.
Do not force your dog to endure it for a long time, as bladder pain will negatively affect general condition animal and will slow down the body’s recovery process.
If you have small children, be sure to warn them that the dog should not be disturbed for play. Firstly, the animal needs to be provided with peace, and secondly, a sick pet that experiences discomfort can become aggressive. To protect both the dog and children from injury and stress, it is better to ask little fidgets not to disturb the animal for at least two weeks after the operation.
If your dog has a catheter on his paw, keep it and the protective bandage clean, regularly treat the area with an antiseptic, and wrap it with plastic wrap before each walk to prevent dirt or water from getting into the catheter. Try to clean your home more often.
Photo: Dog food Follow the feeding recommendations your veterinarian gives you. Even if the new dog diet is too troublesome for you, be patient at least during the rehabilitation period. Your care will allow the dog to recover faster.
The diet may vary depending on the type of surgery. But there are also general rules. The dog should not be fed or watered for several hours after surgery. This is especially important if the surgery was abdominal cavity or the animal suffered a difficult one.
Then you need to give food in very small portions and often (3-4 times a day). In addition, food should be fresh, light and preferably liquid.
If you give it to your pet, soak it in warm water so that he does not have to chew and also to ease the digestion process.
If this does not contradict the veterinarian's recommendations, you can use special canned food, but it is better if they are dietary. Foods that are unfamiliar to the dog should not be given. Many animals already have no appetite after surgery, so they are unlikely to want to try new food.
Photo: broth If you usually feed your pet natural food, give him broth for the first post-operative meal, and then feed him porridge with minced meat, cottage cheese, and kefir. Unless, of course, the veterinarian gave other recommendations.
In addition, the dog should always have access to clean drinking water. However, in the first days after surgery, it is better to slightly limit the amount of fluid consumed. And do not forget to regularly change the water to fresh water. If the animal cannot stand up on its own, carefully feed it from a syringe without a needle, because a dehydrated body will not be able to regain its strength.
Return your dog to its usual diet gradually: over the course of a week, add a little regular food to the medicinal food. And with each feeding, increase the portion of your usual food.
Attention! If your dog has any digestive problems, consult your doctor. Under no circumstances should you give your animal any medications without your veterinarian’s knowledge, as they may not be compatible with the medications you are using to restore your pet’s health. Don’t be lazy to consult your veterinarian once again, even if you think that alarming symptoms you might have dreamed it. It's better to be safe than to miss the deterioration.
Photo: Chlorhexidine for treating sutures in a dog after surgery To prevent the dog from licking the seams, you need to put a special blanket or Elizabethan collar on it. Postoperative sutures you need to treat it with an antiseptic 1-2 times a day. It is better if it is alcohol-free, so as not to provoke additional discomfort in the animal. For example, chlorhexidine is ideal for this purpose.
After treatment with an antiseptic, it is necessary to carefully lubricate the seams with antimicrobial and healing ointment. The drug levomekol has proven itself very well. You can find these simple and inexpensive medicines in any human pharmacy.
If the animal is prescribed any medications, they must be given strictly according to the instructions. If the schedule is not followed, treatment may not be effective and you will have to repeat it. Any deviations from the recommendations must be agreed with your doctor. Don’t hesitate to ask again and clarify: you are not a doctor, you are worried about your animal and may not figure it out the first time. The veterinarian must explain his instructions so that you can follow them.
Photo: Place to relax Provide the animal with the most comfortable conditions for recovery. Make sure that the place where the dog rests is dry, comfortable, warm, but not hot, and always without drafts.
If the house is cool, cover your pet with a blanket to prevent him from getting too cold. To prevent your pet from falling, do not arrange a bed for him on a hill.
Please note: When recovering from anesthesia, the animal will move awkwardly and its limbs will be flaccid, so make sure that it does not climb onto the sofa or chair. In this case, falling even from such a low object can be dangerous.
If a dog experiences problems after surgery involuntary urination or any heavy discharge, lay down a waterproof oilcloth and well-absorbent diapers. Don't worry, this is normal after anesthesia. And, of course, do not scold your pet for this.
In the first 3-4 weeks, constantly monitor the animal’s health. Daily examine his lips and gums. If their color has changed (become bluish or white), take your pet to the vet as soon as possible.
Also keep an eye out so that there is no blood in the animal's excrement. Intense bleeding from the surgical wound, inflamed appearance of the suture or bad smell from a wound is also a sign that the dog is not recovering.
Video
Watch the video: Postoperative care behind stitches on pets
Watch the video: Caring for dogs and cats after sterilization (also used for castration, laparoscopy)
