What are normal recovery signs to watch for after my pet's surgery?

Any time there's extreme lethargy and lack of appetite it's safest to go right in to the vet. This may be completely unrelated to the dewclaw injury, or it could have gotten infected making him feel sick. However, another (imperfect) guideline I'll use is if he can be enticed to eat a treat (such a bit of chicken), it can probably wait until tomorrow. If he turns his nose at even the tastiest treat, better to be seen right away. Hope he feels better!

Poor guy. The fact that he is producing urine and pooping means that he is getting something in his system. Is he getting people food instead? If he is eating some people food, try mixing the food in with his normal kibble. Or you can try another brand of dog food that is perhaps more palatable for him. Some good dog food brands to consider are: Royal Canin, Eukanuba, or Purina One. If he still doesn't want to eat his normal food after 2-4 days or starts acting abnormal or lethargic in any way, then at that point it is best to get him checked by your vet just to make sure everything is ok. Best of luck with your pet Shadow moving forward and I hope that he regains his normal appetite soon! Take care. : )

Typically with dehiscence, they will be lethargic, not eating, have a fever (over 103) and just not themselves. While it takes time to recover from a surgery like this I would recommend having your veterinarian just examine Patton. I rather be safe then sorry, especially if you are concerned with his behavior at home. It may be normal for him post surgery but it may also be that he is very stoic and there is more going on. As a veterinarian I rather my clients bring the animals in to get looked at and it be nothing then wait it out and it be serious. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I hope Patton feels better soon.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Lucy. Anesthesia will slow down the gastrointestinal tract and make bowel movements less frequent. Plus she was probably not eating well before surgery due to being ill and most patients are fasted for a bit after surgery. This means there is likely less food in her system to come out. Unless she is straining to defecate, it is typically not worrisome that she is not defecating regularly yet. As far as the drinking, she most likely received IV fluids under anesthesia and while hospitalized. This would have provided her with a large amount of fluids. Now eating the canned food, this is supplying her with moisture as well. As long as she is eating and is acting normally, then I suspect her recovery is going well. If you have any concerns though, I would seek emergency care this weekend just to be sure. I hope this information helps!

Hi. Yes this can be normal after surgery. It would be abnormal though if he literally can't walk. I am assuming he just doesn't want to. Lol. I would monitor a bit longer tonight. Make sure he is nice and pink in his gums, and that the incisions look ok. Call your local ER if anything else seems off.

If she has been like this for more than 24 hours, then it would be best to take her to the vet. She may be reacting negatively to her medication and need treatment to get better. If she is currently on medication, then it's best to stop it at this time until you are able to speak with your veterinarian, or have her seen by a veterinarian. If you have further questions or need further clarification, then you may consider having an online consult with one of our vets on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This way, you can send unlimited pictures and have a text conversation with a vet. I hope that helps and Molly gets better soon.

He should be rechecked by your vet or at the local veterinary ER today. He may be painful or still feeling the aftereffects of general anesthesia. This can last as long as 72 hours. If his bladder is full, the doctors can insert a urinary catheter if necessary to empty it. Medications can be administered or dispensed to alleviate pain which may make him comfortable. Supportive care can also be administered. SQ fluids may rehydrate him and perk him up.