Post-operative Care for Canine Mammary Surgery159

Mammary gland tumors are common in dogs, and surgery is often the recommended treatment. While the surgery itself is typically successful, proper post-operative care is crucial for ensuring a smooth recovery and minimizing the risk of complications.

Here are the key steps involved in post-operative care for canine mammary surgery:

Pain Management

Dogs will experience some pain after surgery. This pain can be managed with pain medication prescribed by your veterinarian. It is important to give your dog the pain medication as directed, even if they appear to be comfortable. This will help prevent them from experiencing unnecessary discomfort.

Rest and Activity Restriction

Dogs need to rest after surgery to allow the incision to heal. They should be kept in a quiet area where they can rest comfortably. Activity should be restricted for the first few days after surgery. Gradually increase your dog's activity level as they start feeling better.

Incision Care

The incision should be kept clean and dry. Do not allow your dog to lick or bite at the incision. You will need to check the incision daily for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or drainage. If you notice any signs of infection, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Feeding and Watering

Your dog may not have much of an appetite after surgery. However, it is important to encourage them to eat and drink as soon as possible. Offer your dog small, frequent meals of their regular food. You can also offer them water or broth to keep them hydrated.

Bathing

Your dog should not be bathed until the incision has completely healed. This usually takes about 10-14 days. Once the incision has healed, you can bathe your dog as usual.

Follow-up Appointments

You will need to take your dog to the veterinarian for follow-up appointments to monitor their recovery. These appointments will typically occur 3-5 days after surgery, 10-14 days after surgery, and monthly thereafter until the incision has completely healed.

By following these post-operative care instructions, you can help your dog recover from mammary surgery and minimize the risk of complications.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips for post-operative care of dogs after mammary surgery:
Do not allow your dog to run or jump for the first few days after surgery.
Use a leash when walking your dog for the first few weeks after surgery.
Avoid exposing your dog to other animals for the first few weeks after surgery.
If you have any concerns about your dog's recovery, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian.

With proper care, your dog should make a full recovery from mammary surgery.

2025-01-08

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