Spay next week for Tucker's mom, Abby

[PupsnPonies]

Tucker's mom, Abby, came to live with us about a month ago. She is 5 and does not need to produce any more litters so we are taking her to be spayed the end of next week. We are also going to have them clean her teeth at that time as she has tartar like barnacles all over. I've never seen anything like it!
I've had male dogs for the last 20 years, any advice, suggestions for the spaying and after-care?

[glencorgi]

Just keep the incision area dry and clean, watch that she doesn't chew at the stitches. If she won't leave them alone you may need to use an e-collar. And try to keep her quiet.

Debbie

[Jane Austen]

Besides what Debbie said there is a lot of past information posted on after spaying in the archives. Some people use "onsies", the snap crotch outfits for babies, in order to keep the dog from getting at their stitches.

[colbycorgi]

Thats a good idea about the onesies to keep in mind when it becomes Cammie's turn....as she seems to have her own mind about just about everything, i am sure she will want to bother with the stitches...ill have to remeber that....thanks Jane

[Beano]

I was going to post about aftercare following spaying, I'll do a search for previous posts.

I don't think my husband will be too keen on putting "onsies" on our dog, I don't see Cassie being keen either, it took a long time for her to get used to a collar! (onsies are called babygros in Ireland, it took me a couple of minutes to figure out what they are).

Hum, how to ensure Cassie rests for the next few days - thats the big question seeing as she barks at leaves blowing, birds landing on the house, grass growing etc ................

Beano

[glencorgi]

Originally Posted by Beano

Hum, how to ensure Cassie rests for the next few days - thats the big question seeing as she barks at leaves blowing, birds landing on the house, grass growing etc ................

Well keeping you informed of the grass growing, birds landing and the leaves that just fell isn't a big problem. She can carry on with those duties. <VBG> You just don't want a lot of physical exertion where she might pull or tear the stitches. The stitches need to be kept clean and dry. After the "newness" of them being there wears off, she likely won't pay any attention to them and she'll be fine. The initial irritation of being shaved and the stitches being is usually what triggers the licking and messing with the stitches and that's when things such the Elizabethan collar (or e-collar) and the onesie type things can come in handy. Some dogs don't ever bother them at all. Just keep an eye on her and if it looks like she might be one that is going to not leave the stitches alone, then ask about an e-collar from your vet. She won't like it, but it is only going to be for a short while and can be used only when you can't keep a close eye on her.

Debbie

[Beano]

Thanks Debbie

Its now 4 days since Cassie's operation and she's doing really well, I don't think that she will need the collar, she doesn't bite/pick at the stiches, just licks them, very occassionally.

She is very active though, its hard to make her understand that she needs to take it easy - even though she is the 5th corgi I've ever owned I can't believe the strength of the breed, so much for them being small dogs

Beano

[glencorgi]

Originally Posted by Beano

Thanks Debbie

Its now 4 days since Cassie's operation and she's doing really well, I don't think that she will need the collar, she doesn't bite/pick at the stiches, just licks them, very occassionally.

That's pretty much my experience and good to hear.

She is very active though, its hard to make her understand that she needs to take it easy - even though she is the 5th corgi I've ever owned I can't believe the strength of the breed, so much for them being small dogs

Welllllllll, they aren't really "small" dogs - just short ones. <LOL> Glad she's doing so well.

Debbie