Recovering from Pyometra Surgery at Home

Recovering from pyometra surgery at home requires some TLC, but with the right knowledge, you'll be back on your feet in no time.

It's essential to monitor your dog's incision site for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge.

Keep an eye on your dog's appetite and water intake, as a lack of interest in food or water can be a sign of pain or discomfort.

Your veterinarian will likely recommend a bland diet for the first few days after surgery, so be sure to stick to their recommendations.

Rest is crucial during the recovery period, so try to keep your dog calm and quiet to prevent any complications.

Your veterinarian may prescribe pain medication to help manage your dog's pain, so be sure to follow their instructions carefully.

If you notice any unusual symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, be sure to contact your veterinarian right away.

In the first 24 hours post-surgery, it's essential to give your pet a quiet and safe space indoors to recover. This means no stressful interactions or activities that could delay their healing process.

Allow your pet to rest, but also encourage frequent movement indoors to help them recover from the anesthesia. This will speed up their healing and prevent potential complications. If you let them rest too much, they may take longer to recover.

You may notice some unusual behavior in your pet, such as being glassy-eyed, sleepy, nauseous, wobbly, vocal, shivering, or irritable. This is normal in the first 24 hours after surgery.

Here are some specific signs to look out for in the first 24 hours:

To help your pet feel more comfortable, offer small amounts of their regular food and water later in the evening. They may feel nauseous, and it can take up to 48 hours for their appetite to return to normal.

The first 24 hours post-surgery are crucial for your pet's recovery.

Your pet needs to recover in a quiet, safe place indoors. This will help them feel more comfortable and reduce the risk of complications.

You may notice some unusual behavior, such as glassy eyes, sleepiness, nausea, wobbliness, vocalization, shivering, or irritability. These are normal side effects of anesthesia and will subside with time.

Encourage your pet to move around indoors frequently to help them recover from the anesthesia. Allowing them to rest uninterrupted can lead to a longer recovery and potential complications.

Offer small amounts of their regular food and water later in the evening, as they may feel nauseous. It can take up to 48 hours for their appetite to return to normal.

You may notice a small green tattoo on your pet, indicating they've been sterilized. This tattoo is not an extra incision and does not require cleaning.

The Elizabethan collar, also known as an E-collar or cone, is a must-have for your pet's post-surgery recovery. It prevents your pet from irritating the incision with their mouth.

These cone collars are the most effective protection against your pet causing trauma to their incision. They should be worn for 10-14 days following surgery.

Recommended read: What Is an E Collar for Dogs after Surgery

You can purchase an E-collar from AHS or at most pet stores. It's essential to get one that fits properly, as an improperly fitted cone can still allow your pet to reach their incision.

The cone should go past your pet's nose by two inches to be effective. If it's any shorter, they're likely still able to reach their incision.

During the first few days after pyometra surgery, you can expect your pet to experience some normal reactions. A small amount of bloody discharge from the surgical incision is common, as is redness or a small amount of swelling or bruising at the site.

It's also normal for your pet to whine or cry the first night after surgery due to pain and discomfort. Their energy level may decrease during the 24 hours following surgery, and they may not urinate or defecate on their normal schedule.

If you notice significant swelling at the surgical incision, colored discharge from the incision, pale gums, or your pet is not returning to eating or drinking days after surgery, seek veterinary attention immediately. Intermittent vomiting for days after surgery can also be a sign of a problem.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Discharge Pyometra Symptoms

Here are some signs to watch for and what to do about them:

If you notice any of the following signs, seek emergency treatment right away: consistent flow of blood from surgical incision, consistent vomiting that won't stop, difficulty breathing, not waking up or inability to stand, or the spay incision is completely open.