Dog getting worse after spay: lethargic, not eating. What's wrong?

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.

The incision looks normal. Her behavior is not. I recommend a recheck exam. She could be painful or could have a urinary infection. If the doxycycline is causing a stomach upset they may be able to switch antibiotics. They can put her on pain medication also to make her more comfortable. I recommend feeding wet food with added water in it so she doesn't get dehydrated. Again most dogs are back to normal in a day or two after the surgery so please bring her in for a recheck to make sure there is no complication. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Luna.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Luna. I do recommend that she sees a veterinarian today. Her incision appears to be healing well. I do not see redness, swelling or discharge draining out. However, pictures can be deceiving. I am more worried that she is not eating. The diarrhea needs to be addressed as well. The veterinarian will examine her and take her temperature. A fever, for example, can indicate an infection. If you stopped her medications, which is reasonable given the diarrhea, she may be very painful now though. This too can affect appetite. The veterinarian will guide you on any testing or treatment options. In the meantime, keep her quiet, encourage her to drink so she doesn't become dehydrated and do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. I am sorry to hear that Stella is not feeling well. It is common for animals to experience nausea post-surgery, especially if it is an abdominal surgery or strong pain medications are used. If you are giving any medications, I would stop for 24 hours and notify the veterinarian that you are stopping the medications to see if Stella improves. If you are giving something such as Buprenex for post operative pain control, this particular drug can cause nausea, vomiting, shaking, lethargy, etc. If she is not improved within 24 hours, then I would recommend having her examined by your veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope Stella feels better soon! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Hi. It sounds like Molly is pretty sick and weak. She should be checked out immediately. She could be constipated, have eaten something she shouldn't have, or have a severe kind of infection making her not feel well. With her being unspayed, we worry about pyometra. This is a life threatening infection in the uterus due to hormone changes that causes lethargy, vomiting, weakness, increased water drinking, and even death if not intervened quickly. The treatment is to spay her on an emergency basis. You diagnose it by history, bloodwork, x-rays /- an ultrasound. Get her in right away.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Boo. Poor girl! While you can see a decrease in appetite and potentially drinking after a spay, her appetite should have been back to normal or close to normal by now. It's very serious she hasn't eaten or drank in 48 hours, and that suggests something is quite wrong. I would take her into a vet immediately, as she may have a post-surgical complication. I hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Lena needs to have an examination by a veterinarian as soon as you can to ensure the incision remains closed. In the picture, it appears there is some inflammation next to the incision. This is likely due to irritation to the area, and she may be licking at the incision and making the inflammation worst. If she is licking it, it could even cause infection or make an existing infection worse. I would recommend an Elizabethan collar to be fitted on Lena to make sure she is not able to lick the area until fully healed. The lack of appetite is very concerning which makes her case in more urgent need of attention by a veterinarian. It may be nothing serious yet, but it is better to get on top of these things early to keep them from becoming a larger issue. Hope this helps and that Lena gets better!