Veterinarian McKinney TXWhen your pet is hospitalized after a surgical procedure by a veterinarian in McKinney, TX, it can be stressful, especially for animals predisposed to separation anxiety. This can actually be enough to cause nausea, diarrhea, and loss of appetite after hospitalization for some pets. The effects are not longstanding, but can last for a couple of days after hospitalization and surgery. We try to give thorough instructions to owners when their pets are released after surgery, but questions sometimes still come up. Two common questions are: why does my pet have a decreased appetite and lack of bowel movement? Here are some answers to these questions that may arise after a hospital stay for surgery:
LOSS OF APPETITE
Remember that many pets will not eat the first day or two after they get home from surgery. Here are some guidelines to follow:
Offer a small amount of their regular food the first night home. If they eat and have no vomiting, feed another small meal later.
Do not allow free access to water. Some pets will drink excessive amounts, which can stimulate vomiting. Offer small amounts of water and watch for any signs of nausea. Usually by the next day you'll be able to offer more.
If they refuse the regular food, offer small amounts of canned food, which is often tastier.
Try feeding small amounts of canned food by hand; many find that this personal attention will get their pets eating again.
Microwave the food to bring out more aroma and flavor.
Add chicken or beef broth to the food to spike their interest.
Taking them outside can stimulate the appetite when they come back indoors.
YOU MAY NEED TO ASK YOUR VETERINARIAN IN MCKINNEY, TX ABOUT LACK OF BOWEL MOVEMENTS
Food is withheld before surgery and some patients don't eat soon after procedures either, so in these cases there is simply no formed stool in the colon. It is not uncommon for pets to have no bowel movements for up to 5 days after surgery. These pets simply don't try to defecate, which is far different than straining to pass stool without production.
Constipation can happen when stool remains in the colon for longer than two days; moisture is withdrawn and the stool becomes hard, and is more difficult to pass. Certain pain medications, especially those containing narcotics, can cause constipation; examples include medications containing codeine and morphine. Observe your pet outdoors; look for signs of straining to defecate without stool being produced. If your pet is straining to defecate, call your veterinarian in McKinney, TX. For answers to these and all other post-op questions, contact Stonebridge Animal Hospital at 469-507-2433.
Veterinarian McKinney TX
Stonebridge Animal Hospital
5913 Virginia Parkway
McKinney, Texas 75071
469-507-2433
