Dog had surgery: panting, shivering, sleeping. Is this normal?

From your description it sounds like she is in pain. By now, Thursday this should have gotten much less (not knowing what surgery she underwent I cannot give you an exact time frame). By now she should also eat again. You should take her back to the vet for a recheck, as this is not normal and she would at least need more pain medicine to make her more comfortable.

Panting can be a sign of pain or discomfort. I would recommend calling your vet and letting them know about the panting. If she isn't on a pain medication then she may need some, or need additional medication. Also be sure her gums look nice and pink. If they are pale in color then she needs to be seen right away. Other signs to watch for would include lethargy, decreased appetite, heat or swelling or discharge around her incision, or fever (rectal temperature over 102.5). If these occur, she needs to see the vet ASAP.

He may be dysphoric from any narcotics that may have been used. It is also possible that he is painful, would he let you try to ice pack the area? Lastly a fever can also cause shivering so you could take a rectal temperature to be sure he is not febrile. A normal temperature is 100-102 F. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

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.

Yes panting and licking can be signs of pain and nausea. I'd get him to an emergency vet tonight if possible, or to your regular vet tomorrow if tonight isn't an option. This could certainly be nothing more than needing a bit more time and medications, but with his recent history, I would take the more cautious route.

Poor Abby! Discharge is not common from surgical incisions, but a very small amount of clear discharge can still be within normal limits. However, if the discharge is bloody or pus-like, this could be indicative of an incisional infection or suture reaction. Regardless, since Abby is panting and acting abnormally, I do recommend taking her to the vet for evaluation since this could be a sign of pain. Until you take her to the vet, be sure to keep an e-collar (cone) on Abby to prevent her from licking at her incision, as this would likely make matters worse. I hope this helps and that she feels better soon!

Hello. It can take up to 24 hours for all the sedation to work through her system, so she is very likely still a bit under the influence. I would like for you to look at her gums, the tissue just above her canine teeth, to see if she looks nice & pink. If her color is pale, greyish or bluish, get her back to your vet immediately. You can certainly lay with her, & if she is just on a cold floor, I would try to get her on something warmer. The pain medication is just indicated for once a day, so you can not give her any more just yet, nor can you give any aspirin, Tylenol or Alleve. Your veterinarian may have something else on hand if it looks like she needs more, but most patients are feeling much, much better by the next day. Keep her warm & in a quiet place, & she should do just fine. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.