When to Be Concerned About Your Dog After Surgery
After undergoing surgery, your dog will need plenty of rest and attentive postoperative care. While some symptoms are expected, there are specific signs that indicate complications requiring immediate veterinary attention. Understanding these signs is essential for ensuring a smooth and safe recovery for your pet.
Normal vs. Concerning Postoperative Symptoms
It's normal to observe certain mild changes in your dog after surgery. However, some symptoms should raise concerns:
- Excessive Bleeding: Minor bleeding can occur for a few hours post-operation, especially in dental procedures. Nevertheless, persistent or heavy bleeding might be a sign of an underlying clotting disorder or dislodged clots.
- Swelling: Mild swelling is typical and should decrease within 48 hours. Persistent or worsening swelling can point to infection or fluid accumulation.
- Pale Gums and Weakness: These are signs of anemia and potential internal bleeding. If your dog shows lethargy or collapses, seek emergency care immediately.
- Delayed Bleeding: In breeds like Greyhounds and other sighthounds, delayed bleeding 24–48 hours post-surgery may indicate hyperfibrinolysis. Antifibrinolytic drugs like EACA or tranexamic acid are often used for prevention and treatment.
- Infection Signs: Foul breath, oozing pus, and increased redness or swelling around the surgery site suggest infection.
- Dehiscence (Wound Reopening): This occurs due to excessive movement, trauma, or licking the wound. Use an Elizabethan collar and monitor closely.
- Jaw Fracture (in Dental Surgeries): Particularly in small dogs, multiple extractions can weaken the jaw, necessitating careful postoperative handling.
Underlying Bleeding Disorders
Certain congenital and acquired disorders may increase your dog’s risk of postoperative complications:
- Von Willebrand Disease: This inherited disease commonly affects breeds like Dobermans and Scottish Terriers. Symptoms include prolonged bleeding after surgery and spontaneous mucosal bleeding.
- Platelet Disorders: Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) or dysfunctional platelets can lead to excessive bleeding and bruising.
- Factor VII Deficiency and Hemophilia: These clotting factor disorders can cause internal bleeding and prolonged clotting times, especially after routine procedures.
- Liver Disease or Rodenticide Ingestion: Both conditions reduce production of clotting proteins, heightening bleeding risk.
- Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC): A severe condition characterized by rapid clot consumption and widespread bleeding, requiring critical care.
Diagnostic and Preventive Measures
If your dog is a breed predisposed to bleeding disorders or has a history of unusual bleeding, diagnostic testing before surgery is crucial. Tests may include:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Coagulation profile (PT, aPTT)
- Specific clotting factor assays
- von Willebrand factor antigen measurement (VWF:Ag)
- Genetic screening for known breed-related mutations
Preventive strategies include:
- Administering antifibrinolytic medications starting the day of surgery for at-risk breeds
- Using plasma or blood transfusions in dogs with known clotting deficiencies
- Strict postoperative care with Elizabethan collars to avoid wound disruption
- Limiting activity and following post-surgical dietary and medication protocols
Red Flags That Require Immediate Veterinary Attention
Contact your veterinarian without delay if your dog displays any of the following:
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding from the surgical site
- Bruising, black stools (melena), or bleeding from gums or nose
- Lethargy, fainting, or difficulty breathing
- Abdominal swelling (indicating possible internal bleeding)
- Signs of pain, whining, or hiding behavior
- Foul-smelling discharge, pus, or fever
Timely recognition and veterinary intervention can prevent complications from escalating and save your dog’s life.
Summary
Monitoring your dog after surgery is crucial, especially in breeds prone to clotting issues like Greyhounds, Dobermans, German Shepherds, and others. Mild symptoms may be part of the healing process, but you should act quickly if you notice signs of excessive bleeding, weakness, or infection. Pre-surgical screening and preventive treatments greatly enhance outcomes for at-risk dogs. Always consult your veterinarian with any concerns during recovery.
