Warning Signs to Watch for in Your Dog After Surgery
Caring for your dog after a surgical procedure is crucial to ensure a smooth recovery. While mild discomfort, some swelling, or mild bleeding may be expected, there are specific signs that warrant immediate attention. Recognizing these can mean the difference between a routine recovery and a life-threatening complication.
Common but Non-Serious Postoperative Reactions
- Mild bleeding: A small amount at the surgical site is usually normal within the first few hours.
- Swelling: Especially around the incision area, typically subsiding within 48 hours.
- Pain: Manageable with prescribed medications and rest.
However, when these signs extend beyond the expected timeline or intensify, it may indicate a more serious issue.
Signs That Require Veterinary Attention
- Prolonged or excessive bleeding: Especially more than a few hours post-surgery, or if blood pools or oozes at the site.
- Pale gums and weakness: Indicators of internal bleeding or severe blood loss.
- Persistent or abnormal swelling: Could point to infection or seroma formation (fluid collection).
- Offensive odor or discharge: Suggestive of infection at the surgical site.
- Delayed wound healing or dehiscence (wound reopening): May occur due to excessive activity or licking/biting at the incision.
- Black stools (melena): A sign of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Recognizing Bleeding and Clotting Disorders
Some dogs have underlying bleeding disorders that may not be evident until after surgery. These conditions can be
congenital (present at birth) or
acquired (developed later in life).
Congenital Disorders Include:
- Hemophilia A and B: Common in male dogs, causes prolonged bleeding and joint hemorrhages.
- Von Willebrand Disease: Especially prevalent in breeds like Dobermans and Shelties. Results in prolonged bleeding post-surgery.
- Dysfibrinogenemia: Common in Borzois; even minor trauma or surgery can cause life-threatening bleeding.
Acquired Disorders Include:
- Liver disease: Affects production of clotting factors.
- Rodenticide poisoning: Interferes with Vitamin K-dependent clotting factors and can lead to delayed bleeding.
- Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC): A life-threatening condition requiring emergency care.
- Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia: The body destroys its own platelets, resulting in nosebleeds, gum bleeding, and bruising.
High-Risk Breeds
Some dog breeds are more susceptible to postoperative bleeding due to inherited conditions:
- Greyhounds, Irish Wolfhounds, and Deerhounds: Prone to delayed bleeding (DEPOH), especially 24–48 hours post-surgery.
- Dobermans, Corgis, Scottish Terriers: Prone to von Willebrand disease.
In such breeds, **preventive treatment** with antifibrinolytic agents like EACA or tranexamic acid is often recommended after surgery.
Preventing Postoperative Complications
- Restrict activity for the prescribed recovery period.
- Use an Elizabethan collar to prevent self-trauma and licking of the wound.
- Feed a soft diet after orofacial surgeries to reduce jaw stress.
- Finish all prescribed antibiotics and pain medications.
- Schedule follow-ups and diagnostic tests as recommended.
When to Contact Your Veterinarian
Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog exhibits any of the following:
- Bleeding lasting more than a few hours or spontaneous bleeding.
- Signs of internal bleeding, such as abdominal distension or rapid breathing.
- Fever, vomiting, or lethargy following surgery.
- Signs of infection around the wound, including increased redness, swelling, or pus.
Diagnostic and Treatment Options
Diagnosis may involve:
- Blood tests (CBC, clotting profile, vWF assay)
- Imaging (X-rays or ultrasound for internal bleeding)
- Genetic testing for at-risk breeds
Treatment options may include:
- Fresh or frozen plasma transfusion
- Vitamin K1 therapy for rodenticide toxicity
- Immunosuppressive therapy for autoimmune platelet destruction
- Antifibrinolytic medications
Conclusion
Post-surgical monitoring is essential to catch complications early. Knowing your dog’s individual risk, especially in susceptible breeds, can help guide preventive care. Don’t ignore signs like excessive bleeding, swelling, or weakness—timely intervention is crucial to safeguarding your dog’s health after surgery.
