| Dogs > Digestive System > Is Dog Vomiting and Diarrhea Common After Surgery? | |
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also see Dog Vomit
also see Dog Tail Docking
also see Dog Lameness
also see Handicapped Dog
also see Bloody Diarrhea Dogs
Dog vomiting and diarrhea may occur following surgery as a side effect of any medications your dog may be taking. However, be sure to discuss the side effects of post-op medications with your vet, because vomiting and diarrhea are not common after dog surgery.
Post-op vomiting and diarrhea are usually not normal. Some pain medications and antibiotics may cause vomiting or diarrhea; make sure you ask your vet about the side effects of any medications, and find out if they include vomiting and diarrhea. Post-op vomiting and diarrhea could be a sign of serious infection.
Some of the common post-op complications your dog might suffer include:
It's natural for your dog to want to lick and chew at post-operative sutures, which is why your vet should give you a plastic collar to prevent this happening. Some swelling around the incision is also normal; however, excessive swelling, especially if accompanied by signs of infection such as redness and pussy discharge, is a danger sign.
Some clear or pink discharge is also normal. Cloudy or bloody discharge is never normal.
Missing sutures are not a problem, if they are not accompanied by redness or swelling.
If tissue is found protruding from the incision, cover it with a clean towel and seek emergency veterinary assistance immediately.
also see Inducing Vomiting In a Canine After Ingesting a Foreign Object
also see Canine Vomiting and Food: Controlling Your Dog's Intake
also see Dog Vomiting: How to Determine the Causes and Choosing a Cure
also see Dog Diarrhea: Prevention, Causes, Symptoms and Warnings