Set up a warm quiet place for your dog to recover in.
The liver is the largest gland in the body. Part of the digestive system, the liver has several key functions in maintaining the health of your dog. It converts simple nutrient molecules into larger compounds that the body will use for energy, it stores vitamins and minerals and detoxifies waste. When the liver becomes distressed, diseased or damaged and surgery is needed the remaining healthy portions will continue to work harder to compensate. Following an appropriate post operative care plan will ensure your dog's recovery will be safe, comfortable and successful.
Instructions
1. All questions should be addressed before bringing your dog home.
Ask for a print out of your veterinarian's preferred after care instructions. These should include warning signs, feeding instructions, medications and incision care. Take care of all paperwork, payments and prescription fills prior to release of your dog.
2. Your dog will be thirsty, but allowing him to drink too much too fast will make him sick.
Give your dog a 1/2 cup of water one hour after after arriving home. After 20 minutes, if no vomiting has occurred, offer another 1/2 cup of water. Continue giving water in this fashion until your dog is no longer thirsty. If vomiting does occur wait another 20 minutes and try offering the water again. Stomach upset can be common in the first 24 hours after anesthesia; however, vomiting is a concern and if it continues into the next day your veterinarian should be notified.
3. Ask your vet about administering Femotidine 0.5mg orally to help with upset stomach.
Start introducing food two hours after the water has been tolerated. Offer small amounts in one or two tablespoons at a time, hand feeding if necessary. Always monitor for vomiting. Most likely your dog will show little interest in eating for the first and second days following surgery. To entice him use a highly palatable and aromatic food. You can also increase the flavor by heating, adding garlic powder or broths.
4. Space medications out to avoid upset stomach.
Follow your veterinarian's recommendations on pain medication. Do not give over-the-counter human medications such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen, these can be lethal. The height of pain will be during the first two to three days. Your vet will most likely prescribe a narcotic and or anti-inflammatory medication that you will give orally. The dosage instructions will be on the vials. In addition an antibiotic, a Lactulose will be prescribed due to the nature of liver surgery. These should be started the next day.
5. Too much cleaning can lead to skin irritation
Clean the incision once a day starting the day after surgery. Moisten the square gauze liberally with Hydrogen Peroxide and gently dab the sutures and surrounding area. Take note of any excessive redness, swelling or drainage with an odor. These could be signs of an infection and your veterinarian should be notified.
6. Keeping your dog comfortable and calm will help him not scratch at the healing incision.
Use the Elizabethan collar to prevent your dog from licking the sutures. A veterinarian's assistant should have one sized and put together so you can just slip it over the dog's head, larger diameter out. Thread your dog's collar through the loops at the base to secure comfortably around his neck. Alternatively a tee shirt can be used. Wrap waist of the cotton shirt around the abdomen and secure with a soft elastic band at the back.
7. You may have to crate your dog for periods if he has a hard time remaining calm.
Restrict your dog's exercise and activity for 10 days after surgery. He will then be ready for a recheck and suture removal.
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