Post Op Spayed Maltese

Question
My 18 month  old Maltese was spayed this week.  She has hidden all week and shakes constantly.  I am frightened I have ruined this delightful animal. She does not want to interact with us any more. The vet, unfortunately, is of no help.  Please help me. We are very distressed.  Thanks so much.

Answer
Don't worry.  I have never heard of a long term problem.  Not even with all the dogs I see in the guide and assistance dog programs.  I did notice last year my Holly was confused and slower to recover after being spayed than Pepper was 3 years ago.  Most of my puppies aren't spayed until after they go away to dog guide school.  If spaying them caused a personality change, they would give them back to me if they behaved like your dog is now.  My vet is very good at answering my questions.  When I asked him about Holly, he explained he is using a different anesthesia now.  It is safer, but the dogs take longer to recover.  It is tragic, but any time a dog is anesthetized, there is a chance it won't recover.  I think you will agree, better to take a day or 2 to get back to normal than to lose the dog.  

Just give her time.  Be available for her, but don't force yourself on her.  Try to relax.  She will sense any tension you have and it will make things worse.  If she hasn't warmed up to your by Monday, you might call the vet.