Dog Spaying Complications
Spaying your female dog is an efficient method for keeping your dog from reproducing and experiencing reoccurring heat cycles. This minor surgery removes the uterus and ovaries and can be done in a small veterinarian's office. Although this procedure is extremely common, there are complications that can arise during and following the operation.
Anesthetic Complications
Before your pet goes into surgery, she will be given an anesthetic to shield her from pain and put her to sleep for the duration of the operation. Unfortunately, dogs can have abnormal reactions to anesthesia but there is no way to determine this prior to administering the drug. Your dog may develop low blood pressure or stop breathing in response to the anesthetic or the combination of an underlying health problem in correlation with the drug. In some rare cases, the heart rate can drop or completely stop. Although the breed of dog will be considered to determine dosage, it's tough for a veterinarian to predict your pet's reaction.
Bleeding
Your dog will be stitched or stapled to close the incision following the operation. She will be unaware that her days immediately following the surgery should proceed with caution. Therefore, limit your pet from rigorous exercising or straining activities. This will help to avoid a complication that can occur if stitches or staples fall out and result in bleeding.
Infection
If the sutures remain intact for the duration of the healing your dog may still suffer from an infection. Because dogs tend to use their mouths for exploratory purposes, they can often house many germs and harmful bacteria. By placing a cone around your dog's neck, you can help to prevent her from licking the incision area and causing an infection.
Follow-up Care
Creating the proper environment for your pet following the operation will be vital to her healing process. Select a warm place in the house to set up a padded bed that she can use for resting during the day and at night. The cushion will provide a soft surface for the wound and limit hard objects from interfering with the incision site. If she appears extremely lethargic during the day, you may want to bring food and water to her. This will restrict her movements so that she has less of a chance of tearing her sutures. If you notice vomiting closely following the procedure, contact the veterinarian to decide if you should temporarily withhold her meals.
Long-Term Effects
Once your pet's wound has healed, she may not be completely out of harm's way. The hormonal changes that stem from the removal of the reproductive organs can cause physical and mental changes. Your dog may experience the inability to withhold her urine. This can be a temporary or long-term effect. She may also encounter weight gain regardless of the amount of exercise she receives. If you notice a decrease in stamina or desire to play don't be alarmed because it may also be related to side effects of her surgery. Creating new games and introducing exciting exercise environments may help entice your pet to regain control of her active lifestyle.
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