Post-Mastectomy Care for Dogs134

Mastectomy, or the surgical removal of one or more mammary glands, is a common procedure performed in dogs to treat mammary tumors. While the surgery itself is typically successful, it is important to follow proper post-operative care instructions to ensure the dog's comfort and recovery.

Immediate Post-Operative Care

Immediately following surgery, the dog will be groggy and in pain. They should be kept in a quiet, comfortable place where they can rest. The dog should be monitored closely for any signs of bleeding or infection.

The dog may have a drain placed in the surgical site to help remove excess fluid. The drain should be kept clean and dry, and should be removed according to the veterinarian's instructions.

The dog's incision will need to be cleaned and bandaged daily. The veterinarian will provide specific instructions on how to clean the incision.

Activity Restriction

It is important to restrict the dog's activity after surgery. This means no running, jumping, or playing. The dog should be kept on a leash when outside, and should not be allowed to roam free.

Activity restriction helps to prevent the incision from reopening and allows the wound to heal properly.

Pain Management

The dog will likely be prescribed pain medication after surgery. It is important to give the medication as directed by the veterinarian. Do not give the dog any over-the-counter pain medication, as this could be harmful.

Pain management is important to keep the dog comfortable and prevent them from licking or chewing at the incision.

Feeding

The dog can be fed a normal diet after surgery. However, it is important to avoid giving the dog any hard or chewy foods, as this could irritate the incision.

The dog may have a decreased appetite after surgery. This is normal, and should improve as the dog heals.

Bathing

The dog should not be bathed for at least 10 days after surgery. This allows the incision to heal properly.

After 10 days, the dog can be bathed using a mild soap and warm water. The incision should be gently patted dry.

Follow-Up Care

The dog will need to be seen by the veterinarian for follow-up appointments. These appointments will allow the veterinarian to check the incision and make sure the dog is healing properly.

The veterinarian may also recommend additional tests, such as X-rays or blood work, to monitor the dog's recovery.

Prognosis

The prognosis for dogs after mastectomy is generally good. Most dogs make a full recovery and live a normal life.

However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks of surgery, such as bleeding, infection, and wound dehiscence. These risks can be minimized by following proper post-operative care instructions.

2025-02-12

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