Is Dog Vomiting and Diarrhea Common After Surgery?

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

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.

Common Post-Op Complications

Some of the common post-op complications your dog might suffer include:

  • Excessive licking and chewing at sutures
  • Swelling around the incision
  • Discharge from the incision
  • Missing sutures
  • Tissue protruding from the incision

Knowing When Complications Are Serious

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.

 

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