[BertieBasset]

Hi everyone, i am new to this forum and i would like a little advice if possible. A few days ago my bitch went completely off her food, starting drinking gallons of water and was extremely lethargic. She was also licking at her bak end a lot and was very swollen, almost as if she were in heat. Suspecting pyometra, i whisked her off to the vets this morning. One ultrasound and two blood tests later it was confirmed - the tests were checked immediately to see if her kidneys and liver were OK (they were, thank god).
I was offered a choice between spaying and hormonal injections - i opted for spaying because i dont intend to breed the dog and i thought it was the safer option. Long story short, the op was a success - the uterus weighted just under 2 kg when they removed it
She is home with me now but, having never kept bitches before, i dont know what to expect. i dont expect her to start eating again immediately but she is still drinking a lot of water - is this normal after a spaying? How long do i need to keep the cone collar on her for - she really doesnt like it! And, finally, are there any special things i should look out for or do for her - i know that a pyometra spay holds a bit more risk than a "normal" spay.
I have antibiotics for her, to start tomorrow and she has to go back in 10 days to have the stitches out, unless her condition does not improve, in which case, she is to go straight back.
Sorry for rambling but i jsut wondere what to expect in terms of recovery.
thanks for any advice anyone can give me

 

[annageckos]

I've had cats go through pyo spays, never a dog. I've had normal spays for dogs though. Drinking a lot is normal, her body needs water to heal. I'd treat her like any other female getting spayed more or less. Give the antibiotics and make sure to have plenty of fresh water available. Some dogs are better than others about leaving the stitches alone. But you should have the cone on her when ever you can not supervise her, at least until you are sure she'll leave them alone. Keep an eye on the stitches and make sure the incision doesn't get infected. Good luck and I hope your girl feels better.

 

[BertieBasset]

thanks. she threw up twice after drinking water - real projectile vomiting and its concerned me that she might be doing some damage. She has come through the night ok, i'll take the cone off later while i,m here and see how she does.

 

[lzrddr]

She is drinking a lot of water because of the toxic influence on her kidneys from the severe uterine infection... but that should subside with time. If there are external sutures, there is always the chance she could chew them out (pretty rarely done, though) so if you think she might, I would keep the cone on. Pyometra is a very serious condition which involves a horrendous infection that can affect nearly all the organs in the body... so dogs vomit, drink a lot, are lethargic and can easily die of the infection, hypoglycemia etc. But if you puppy is able to keep food and water down soon (if not, see your vet again immediately) she should be OK soon.

 

[BertieBasset]

they checked all her internal organs, said they were in good condition, thank god! she has drunk this morning and kept it down, but hasnt eaten yet, she's not interested. If she hasnt eaten by tomorrow i will take her back. I'll keep the collar off while i;m here to keep an eye on her and put it on at night and when i go out.
I am definitely having my other bitch spayed before her next season, not going through this again!!