Canine Spay (Ovariohysterectomy) Aftercare

The surgery to spay your dog is a routine, but nonetheless,
major abdominal surgery. It involves removing the entire uterus
as well as both ovaries and requires a general anesthetic.

The night following the surgery, your dog may be sleepy and may
not want to eat or drink, or be uncharacteristically thirsty.
You can offer small amounts (approximately half of usual
offerings) of food and water after 6 PM this evening – large
amounts of either, on an empty stomach, may induce vomiting. If
your dog vomits, take away all food and water and try again in
the morning. Your dog should be able to return to her normal
feeding schedule in 1-2 days.

You may notice some redness, a small amount of swelling, even
some moisture along the incision line in the first few days.
This is normal and should resolve without treatment, though you
can gently cleanse the area with water or hydrogen peroxide to
keep it clean and dry. Keep your dog from licking the incision
line. If necessary, you can purchase an Elizabethan Collar to
insure that she won’t bother her incision when you are not at
home to monitor her.

Please monitor your pet’s abdominal incision for odor,
discharge, or any changes that seem unusual. Please call us if
you have any questions regarding your pet’s recovery. Your dog
may have external sutures. External skin sutures need to be
removed in 10-14 days. Please call to schedule a technician
appointment.

If your dog coughs a little during the first 24 hours, this is
probably due to irritation from the tube that was placed in her
throat to maintain the gas anesthesia. If coughing persists, or
you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call the
hospital.

We recommend that you restrict your dog’s activity (leash walk)
for at least 5 days.

The above is general veterinary information. Do not begin
any course of treatment without consulting your regular
veterinarian. All animals should be examined at least once every
12 months.