Something about sterilizing a dog: my experience in detail, my mistakes and recommendations. Possible complications after sterilization of dogs What is best to know at the preparation stage

Castration of dogs is a common, but not the simplest surgical intervention. It is performed under anesthesia and involves certain risks. One common complication is urinary incontinence.

Reasons

If a dog begins to pee after castration, then this is a signal of the presence of serious disorders in the animal’s body. The pet must be taken to the veterinarian and examined. To understand the cause of urinary incontinence, the specialist prescribes the following tests and studies:

• blood test;
• urine test;
• urine culture for bacterial infections;
• ultrasound examination of the genitourinary system;
• abdominal radiography;
• contrast study for congenital anomalies of the bladder.

A fully completed diagnosis will help in making the correct diagnosis. After all, a dog can pee for many reasons. Among them:

• age-related changes;
• weakness of urethral smooth muscles;
• nervous disorders;
• diabetes mellitus (the disease involves consuming large amounts of fluid);
• spinal injuries;
• genitourinary system infections;
• ectopia of the ureters;
• urolithiasis;
• prostate diseases (in males);
• weak bladder.

Clinical studies have shown that in unsterilized animals the risk of urinary incontinence is very low - only 1%. If the dog has been neutered, then the risk increases significantly to 5-20%. In some breeds (especially large ones) it reaches 60%. Presumably, this is due to congenital weakness of the urethral sphincter.

A pet begins to pee after castration not because the surgery was performed incorrectly. The cause of the problem is hormonal imbalance. It is the hormones (estrogen and progesterone) that influence the activity of the sphincter and the sensitivity of smooth muscles. At the cellular level, processes occur that lead to urine retention becoming impossible.

This pathology can develop immediately after the operation, or after a long time (even after 3-5 years). The fact is that the tone of the sphincters decreases gradually. Therefore, after castration, you should carefully monitor the condition of the animal.

Symptoms

Urinary incontinence can be easily identified by a number of characteristic symptoms:

• urinating at unexpected times and in inappropriate places (at home);
• leakage of urine, its partial release;
• wet wool;
• wet spots where the dog sleeps;
• excessive cleanliness;
• irritation and rash in the genital area.

What to do

If the dog is healthy and young, then there is a chance that the problem will disappear on its own. But this doesn't happen often. In all other cases, the animal requires medical attention. After diagnosis and exclusion of other possible causes of urinary incontinence, the veterinarian selects the optimal treatment regimen. Basic methods:

1. Prescribing medications to normalize hormonal levels. They provide a good therapeutic effect, but have a negative impact on the overall health of the pet.
2. Carrying out endoscopic intervention through the abdominal wall to introduce the drug directly into the walls of the bladder. A wide incision is not required; all manipulations are performed through a small hole. Therefore, the method is minimally invasive and is considered gentle. The rehabilitation period is minimal.
3. Open abdominal surgery to change the position of the bladder, restore muscle tone by suturing.

If the doctor suggests solving the problem surgically, then care should be taken to carefully select a clinic and surgeon. In the postoperative period, it is necessary to strictly follow all medical recommendations in order for the recovery to be successful. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask your doctor.

Often, neutered animals are prescribed Propalin for life. The main active ingredient of the drug is phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride. They are classified as sympathomimetics and have an effect on adrenergic receptors. Available in the form of a suspension for oral administration. The required dosage is calculated depending on the weight of the pet.

The drug does not cure, but only eliminates symptoms. It enhances the tone of the smooth muscles of the bladder and urinary ducts. After this, their work returns to normal. This medication has no side effects. It does not accumulate in the dog’s body and is eliminated naturally within 24 hours after administration. Even long-term use of Propalin does not harm the health of the animal. But there are also contraindications to its use. Here is their list:

• low blood pressure;
• severe cardiovascular pathologies;
• serious diseases of the digestive tract;
• organic lesions of the urethral sphincter.

If symptoms of urinary incontinence appear in your dog, there is no need to delay visiting a specialist. It is better to start treatment of pathology as early as possible in order to avoid negative consequences and serious complications in the future.

Useful video: caring for your pet's stitches after surgery

Castration is a type of sterilization in which an animal's genitals are surgically removed, thereby eliminating its ability to reproduce. Modern methods allow the operation to be performed painlessly and quickly, with virtually no harm to the animal’s body. The process is performed under anesthesia, which indicates a certain risk to the pet’s health. In this regard, every owner should know what measures to take and how to properly care for the animal in the first days after surgery.

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Recovery after surgery

Several factors influence rehabilitation after anesthesia. Initially, the pet will sleep under the influence of anesthesia. It is necessary to provide the animal with maximum peace: it is advisable to cover the dog with a blanket or blanket while sleeping. It is strictly not recommended to use a heating pad or place your dog near a hot radiator: this can cause bleeding. Drafts should also be avoided.

To facilitate care during the postoperative period, you must first purchase special absorbent diapers, since the dog will most likely involuntarily pee at home even while sleeping. To prevent numbness in the limbs, you need to periodically turn the dog over - about once every two hours. In the first days after castration, you should make sure that the dog does not experience pain in the eyes and throat. Drops that moisturize the mucous membrane will help with this.

During recovery, it is necessary to monitor the dog during sleep. Rapid breathing, rapid and uneven heartbeat are signs that a return visit to the veterinarian is needed. There is no need to panic if the dog is just trembling slightly and yelping faintly.

All of these symptoms disappear immediately after the anesthetic drug wears off or within a few days after it.

Features of behavior

If a castrated dog whines, is afraid of others, and breathes frequently, you need to calm him down, scratch him, and pet him. The operation greatly affects the animal’s body, therefore, immediately after it, the dog’s anxiety with any movement or external stimulus is normal, as it experiences severe pain, as a result of which it behaves nervously. Also, males and females often gain weight and become apathetic.

Often, after castration, an animal’s behavior changes: at first, they may not recognize the owner and family members. Sometimes this causes the pet to become aggressive. In this case, you should not come close to the dog and observe his reaction from the side. If there are small children in the family, care must be taken that they do not touch the dog for several days while it behaves this way.

Possible complications

Among the undesirable consequences after castration, the following symptoms may be noted:

• Constipation in the first few days after surgery. To correct the situation, you should review the animal’s diet, giving it more fluid.
• Disorientation. This symptom usually resolves within a day after sterilization and does not require special intervention other than observation and assistance with movement.
• Mild nausea at the stage of recovery from anesthesia.
• Decreased appetite.
• Lethargic state.
• Drowsiness or anxious behavior during sleep.
• Redness and inflammation seam.
• Frequent breathing of the pet.

Such symptoms are not something supernatural and normally disappear on their own within 1-2 days.

Rare cases of complications

Sometimes a dog or bitch develops a pus or lump near the suture or on the belly. This indicates an inflammatory process or an unprofessionally performed operation. In this case, you should contact the veterinarian again to carry out a procedure for cleaning the festered tissue.

If the dog recovers from anesthesia for a long time (more than a day), he is constantly vomiting and shaking with small tremors, the stitch is red and bleeding, it is necessary to consult in detail with a professional so as not to harm the pet through inaction.

Other rarely seen side effects of neutering that occur during the healing process in large and small breeds include:

• Increased body temperature and pain while walking. Similar symptoms may occur as a result of incomplete removal of the scrotum. In this case, immediate re-intervention by the surgeon will be required.
• Seam divergence.
• Swelling or swelling around the scar.
• Changes in the pet's character. For example, a dog, already stronger after sterilization, began to pee systematically at home.
• Constant vomiting and tremors.

If there are serious complications, immediate veterinary examination and subsequent treatment are required. If possible, call a specialist to the house so as not to disturb the wound and the dog does not die on the road.

Care

Caring for a pet after surgery has its own nuances. It is necessary to ensure that the seam looks dry and clean, does not bleed or become inflamed. Often the dog tries to lick or break the threads that bind it. To prevent this, she needs to wear a blanket, which will protect the problem area from mechanical damage and pathogenic bacteria.

If the dog tries to forcefully get rid of this element, a hard high collar is additionally used.

Even with a successful operation, caring for the dog after sterilization is extremely necessary. If the animal is treated incorrectly during the period of its rehabilitation, all the efforts of the surgeon will be nullified and the dog will definitely need the help of a veterinarian. The pet owner should keep in mind those symptoms that require contacting a specialist. It is important to know how to speed up the animal’s recovery process and what dog behavior can be considered normal.

Transporting a dog after sterilization

Caring for your dog begins after leaving the veterinary clinic. Serious anesthesia and abdominal surgery are real stress for the animal. To keep your pet's health safe, write down all the recommendations at the doctor's appointment and follow them strictly as written; do not trust the advice of friends who do not have a medical education. The veterinarian prescribes a course to restore the animal, according to its specific case and on an individual basis.

A dog is released after sterilization only when it is able to stand on all four legs and walk. However, this does not mean that you can walk home. If the dog is small, you can carry it home in your arms, but for large dogs, you need to organize transportation by car. The doctor may leave your pet overnight at the clinic if she is unable to move on her own or appears unresponsive after being given painkillers.

It is better to ask one of your friends or relatives to go get the dog with you. Often, owners, due to their excitement, forget everything the doctor tells them. A friend in this matter will become your spare ears, who will listen carefully, and most importantly, remember everything that the specialist will talk about. A partner will easily hold the door for you to leave the clinic, open the car door and help load the dog. During anesthesia, all the animal's organs begin to work much more slowly, and it can freeze, even in the summer. Therefore, it is better to transport the animal in a box or cover it by placing it on the car seat.

When you arrive home, write down any questions you may have so you don’t forget to ask your doctor at your next appointment. Most clinics provide not only verbal recommendations, but also write everything down on paper so that you can clearly follow the instructions. After asking questions and receiving answers to them, you will become as prepared as possible and will know how to care for your dog after sterilization.

First day

When you arrive home, give your dog as much attention as possible. To prevent your pet from suffering from muscle pain and general weakness beyond what he already experiences, place him on a flat surface or mattress and cover him with a blanket. The dog's bed should not be located in a draft, but it would also be unwise to place it near the radiator. Under no circumstances should you warm your dog or use a heating pad; this method can cause internal bleeding. In a dream, a dog can urinate, so it is better to put a diaper under it, and do not forget to change it on time so that the animal does not freeze.

Once every half hour, the dog should change its position, shift it from one side to the other. This way you will eliminate the possibility of numbness in the limbs and pulmonary edema. When the dog sleeps after anesthesia, all care consists only of your observation of it. Smooth breathing and heart rate will be important indicators of normal condition. A good sign is a reaction to any irritants. For example, if you tickle its paw, the animal will pull it back. If such a reaction is absent, this means that the level of the drug for inducing anesthesia is still quite high and the animal will not wake up soon.

Restoring a dog after sterilization is a rather difficult process. To prevent pain in the animal’s throat and pain in the eyes during this period, you need to moisturize the mucous membranes once every half hour using “artificial tears” drops. If the animal is already reacting to stimuli, moving and shifting from side to side, and the surgeon has treated its eyelids with a special gel, then such measures will not be necessary.

Actions to take if your dog's condition worsens

Most pet owners do not know what to do if their pet's condition begins to deteriorate after surgery. If you notice signs of illness, contact your doctor immediately and do not try to help the animal yourself. In rare cases, complications after castration of a male dog of a general nature are noted in the form of pulmonary edema and disorders of the cardiovascular system. This situation is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• the dog breathes with an open mouth, its breathing becomes intermittent, heavy and uneven. You can hear squelching and wheezing in the chest;
• the temperature may rise or fall below normal by 1 degree. A slight increase or decrease in temperature by half a degree during anesthesia or in the first few days after surgery is considered normal;
• the heart rhythm becomes confused, the heart either freezes or begins to beat too quickly. The mucous membranes become pale or acquire a bluish tint. Minor trembling may occur, but if it does not go away within an hour or turns into seizures, go to the doctor immediately.

The dog’s recovery after surgery and recovery from the state of anesthesia often exhausts the owner himself. From the outside, the behavior of a dog after recovering from anesthesia looks very strange and frightening. She bumps into corners when walking, can freeze in one position, staggers, and reacts poorly to her owner’s voice. You should not be afraid of such behavior, because it is considered the norm.

The pet's behavior can change dramatically: it becomes aggressive, panic is possible, the animal can hide under the bed and not allow family members to approach it. When motor functions are restored, try to calm the dog down, sit next to it, let it sleep or just lie down in a state of rest. If your pet doesn’t allow anyone close to him, don’t insist, close all dangerous places where he can get into and just watch the situation from the outside.

Any change in the dog's behavior or condition should be noted by you. If necessary, call your doctor and clarify your concerns. Don’t be shy about distracting the doctor from work with your calls, because such consultations in the postoperative period are included in the cost of treatment.

Seam processing

The discomfort of sutures after surgery varies between males and females. Caring for a male dog after castration does not require as much effort as the rehabilitation of a female dog. Some surgeons prescribe pain medications right away, others only as needed.

The acceptance of such funds is due to the following:

1. the owner knows that his dog cannot tolerate pain, the specialist should be notified about this immediately;
2. The dog owner sees that the rehabilitation period is complicated by severe pain. For example, during defecation, the dog whines, moves with extreme caution and cannot make sudden movements.

The use of painkillers can greatly speed up the recovery process, then the dog will not damage the suture with its teeth, and will also move normally without resting. Many specialists immediately prescribe a course of antibiotics to prevent the occurrence of an inflammatory process.

Whether a suture needs to be processed after it has been applied depends on the material of the sutures themselves, the method of its application and the method of processing after the operation. In each case, the drugs will be prescribed or not prescribed by the doctor. If the doctor says that there is no need to treat the suture, and you notice inflammation, swelling or redness in this area, make an appointment with a veterinarian. After sterilization, the seam should be dry, without redness, crusts and other growths. With normal healing, the appearance of the seam will become better and better every day.

The need for blankets

To protect the seam from bacteria and mechanical damage, the dog will need a blanket. In modern clinics, a blanket is put on the dog immediately after surgery. One copy will not be enough, because the thin material quickly gets wet and dirty. The bandage should be changed once a day and be sure to pet it before putting it on your dog. When processing seams, you should not remove the blanket; you can only untie a couple of ribbons and move the material to the side.

If the dog constantly strives to remove the blanket to get to the seam, put an Elizabethan collar on it or constantly monitor it so that it still fails to get to the seam. To prevent the seam from unraveling, make sure that the dog does not play outdoor games or jump; it is better to give preference to light and quiet walks. If it is difficult for your dog to climb stairs, then it is better to set up a toilet at home for the first few days. Whether suture removal is necessary will depend on the suture material and how it was placed. In some cases, removal of sutures is not required, because the threads will dissolve and dry out on their own. The veterinarian will tell you whether the suture needs to be removed and when it needs to be done. On average, sutures are removed 2 weeks after the operation.

Nutrition

Compliance with diet during the rehabilitation period is an extremely important aspect on the path to full recovery of the four-legged animal. After recovery from anesthesia, the cardiovascular and respiratory systems are the first to return to normal function; the digestive system joins a little later. A dog is quite capable of starving for 3 days without harm to its body. If you rush and feed your dog ahead of schedule, there is a chance of causing vomiting or, even worse, causing the development of pneumonia due to food particles getting into the lungs, and this is extremely life-threatening.

You can give your dog water when it can stand on its feet normally and can walk. If the dog has not yet recovered from anesthesia, then water is poured into the cheek in small portions. The animal should be fed correctly so that the seam does not come apart during defecation, which can cause constipation. To avoid such unpleasant situations, you should start feeding the dog only when the signs of anesthesia completely disappear.

In the first week, give preference to canned food, mousses, and dry food, which is pre-soaked in water. After a week, you can return to your normal diet, but make the portion 20% less than usual. Dry food is available for sterilized dogs, which should be fed to the pet after its recovery. This will help avoid excess weight gain, which often accompanies spayed bitches.

Consequences of spaying and neutering a dog

Like any other surgery, sterilization has a number of complications that can arise. Typically, such complications accompany bitches who have reached the age of 7 years.

The dog may begin to gain excess weight due to changes in metabolism. To avoid this problem, you should reduce each serving of food and review your diet. Neutered dogs often suffer from urinary incontinence. In this case, it is important to find the true reason. It is likely that the dog had urinary tract problems before surgery. Hormonal levels change, which leads to a weakening of the bladder. Lack of estrogen can also cause incontinence. Lack of estrogen often leads to baldness in female dogs. There is no prevention for this problem. Treatment is taking female hormones.

Knowing everything about complications in the postoperative period, you will eliminate the likelihood of developing a serious condition that could threaten the animal’s life. To summarize, we note the most common complications that should not be left without your attention:

1. urinary incontinence;
2. inflammation of sutures;
3. seam rupture;
4. addition of infection;
5. internal bleeding;
6. the appearance of a postoperative hernia.

How does a dog behave after castration and is it necessary? The animal may be lethargic, have no appetite, and may experience chills, but not for long. At first after anesthesia, the dog will not be able to walk, roll over, or drink. This may scare you, but it’s completely in vain, this condition is considered the norm. You will have to help her with this in order to prevent the development of complications, and simply speed up the recovery process of your pet.

When is a veterinarian needed?

It is important to call your veterinarian promptly if the following situations occur:

1. 2 days after the operation the dog refuses to eat and drink. Usually by this time the animal should be eating and drinking normally, and if this does not happen, it means that he is worried about painful sensations, do not hesitate and urgently call the doctor;
2. discharge began from the wound. When the wound heals, it is dry. If you see pus or blood oozing, consult a doctor immediately;
3. nausea and diarrhea. Often, anesthetics can cause nausea or diarrhea, which occurs as a result of stomach irritation. However, if your dog is vomiting after surgery, you should consult a doctor;
4. swollen belly, lethargy and weakness. If your dog's shape changes, weakness increases without regaining energy, and the stomach becomes swollen, do not hesitate to call your doctor and make an appointment.

If you notice one of the symptoms that indicates that the dog is not going well through the rehabilitation period and is not recovering, call your veterinarian and tell him about it. Surround your pet with maximum care, monitor its condition and prevent its health from deteriorating. A dog, just like a person, experiences a difficult postoperative period, so do not skimp on attention and resources, follow all the doctor’s recommendations. After recovery, the dog will definitely thank you for your efforts and care with its affection and friendliness.

About the author: Ekaterina Alekseevna Soforova

Any person who has a dog is faced with this phenomenon when the dog begins to pee at home. This problem is especially acute for city residents, where the dog is kept in an apartment and there is little time for adequate walking.

Everyone copes with the physiological needs of their animals in their own way, but let's figure out why dogs defecate and urinate in the wrong place, and also try to find ways to correct this behavior.

It is worth noting that for a dog, performing natural functions is never inappropriate; it is inconvenient for the owner, and not for the animal. Therefore, in order to achieve our goal, we need some knowledge of zoopsychology and dog physiology.

The main reasons for unclean behavior in the home

Please note that in this article we will look at situations in which unwanted behavior appears in an adult dog, and you can read how to toilet train a puppy in the next article.

So, why does a dog shit at home:

1. Marking the territory. It has been noticed that a dog has a strong desire to leave its mark in the following cases:

– sexual stimulus, at this time the animal shows that it is ready for mating (expressed not only in males, but also in females during estrus, when they often urinate in small portions). It has been proven that the smell of urine contains a large amount of information, for example, it can be used to identify an individual, its gender, physiological state and much more.

- the appearance of something new in the house. Let's say you bought new furniture, got another pet, or had a small child. New objects bring unfamiliar smells that need to be made familiar - “your own”.

– social status. The dog is a pack animal, so if there is a decrease in the hierarchy of the pack (family), this may be a reason to leave feces on the bed or urinate on the furniture. This often happens when a new pet appears or an older child takes on raising an adult dog.

2. Incorrectly installed reflex. As an example, consider a situation: a person is in a hurry to go to work - there is little time for walking, and as soon as the animal has done its job, it quickly takes him home.

In this case, if the dog loves to walk, then it will endure until the last minute in order to prolong the walk and then relieve itself at home.

A negative reflex is also reinforced when punished incorrectly. Often the owner pokes the dog's muzzle into feces or a puddle of urine, but in this case he will only achieve fear; the animal will be afraid to defecate in the presence of the owner and will not understand why he is being scolded.

The appearance of a phobia can occur when an emergency event occurs during the process of defecation: a firecracker exploding or a tree falling, then the dog will be afraid of the place where it happened.

3. Health problems and old age. Many diseases can lead to uncleanliness, for example, with pain in the joints, a dog will not be able to take a normal position for defecation or go for a walk painlessly, so it will endure it and then defecate reflexively at home. We will not dwell on this point for long; here we need to find the cause and treat it.

4. Increased anxiety and urination as an expression of submission. The causes of this problem must be sought in puppyhood. The fact is that until 2 weeks of age, the bitch stimulates urination and defecation by licking the puppy, and he gets used to urinating, exposing his belly to the dominant creature - the mother.

In some individuals, this reflex does not fade and is transferred to a person, most often to a man, because he has a lower timbre of voice. Dogs with this disorder begin to pee when people try to pet them or encourage them with words.

Of course, the reasons discussed above that lead to unscrupulous behavior in an adult dog are not all, but knowing some of them we can understand why our pet behaves this way. Now let's look at the basic techniques that will help us correct the animal's behavior.

Treatment

Several methods on how to teach your four-legged friend to perform physiological needs on the street.

1. We organize the correct walking regime; if the dog does not have health problems, then it needs to be walked at least 2 times a day, preferably more. During a walk, you need to visit places where the animal prefers to defecate and immediately after the job is done, you need to praise the dog and give a treat. And we repeat this every day for several weeks, which will allow us to establish the correct reflex. After using the toilet, we continue to walk for at least another 10 minutes.
2. Confinement in a cage. This method is not suitable for everyone; if the animal reacts inadequately to confinement, then it is better to use another method. When restricting freedom, the pet should not be left alone; it is advisable for him to see people, and he also needs to go for a walk regularly. The method is based on the fact that the dog will not defecate when in a confined space (naturally until the moment when it can no longer endure it), the main thing is not to allow defecation in the cage, otherwise it will get used to the smell of excrement and the method will stop working. This method should be used together with the recommendations from the first point, that is, regularly walk your pet.
3. "Binding with the umbilical cord." The owner ties the dog to himself or to furniture on a short leash and, when signals appear, leads the animal outside. Characteristic signs that it’s time to walk your pet:

– heavy breathing appears due to the fact that a full bladder puts pressure on the diaphragm;

– periodic touching of the owner with his paw and gaze;

– position, standing, not lying down.

– walking with hind legs slightly apart and sniffing the floor.

If the above signs appear, then we take him for a walk and reward him after each bowel movement.

4. In the case when a dog urinates when the owner meets after separation, then you need to:

– ignore the animal until it calms down;

– teach the dog the command to fetch a toy and, when entering the house, distract the animal by asking him to find his favorite object.

5. It is probably the most difficult thing to wean off marking, because in this case strong natural instincts are involved. You can try the following method: keep your dog on a leash at home and ignore all attempts to attract attention.

When you need to approach your dog, demand that it unquestioningly follow the commands “Lie down!” or “Sit!” During a walk, prohibit your dog from marking vertical objects, especially in areas where other animals are walking.

The ability to leave a mark increases your pet's self-confidence. If the dog stubbornly refuses to be trained, then it may be necessary to resort to castration, which will significantly reduce the manifestation of instinct.

Of course, the article does not list all the ways to solve the problem when a dog began to pee at home and the author did not pursue the goal of publishing all the methods, but wanted to draw attention to the fact that behavioral problems can and should be solved. In conclusion, I would like to say that any sick animal requires an individual approach and for proper therapy it is necessary to identify the causes, especially if the disease is associated with behavioral disorders.

Actually, the operation was largely due to these upcoming changes.

The post will be of interest to those who want to read in detail about sterilizing a female dog “from start to finish.” And this is an experience of exactly two weeks, not one or three days.
I would immediately ask people who are not interested in the topic not to bother reading these memoirs.

I’ll try to write without unnecessary emotions and without mistakes, even though I’m writing on the run. There won't be any action-packed photos either, they are left for home archives :)
I think my story will be especially useful to those who are not sure whether they have enough time and energy to care for their dog after this difficult abdominal surgery.

Conventionally (not medically, but as a business owner), I would divide my experience into several stages.
More about them below.

Why did I decide to sterilize Uma?

I was convinced by the arguments and links to the publications that you left under the post. The key thing is that the vast majority of nulliparous bitches suffer from uterine cancer.
Who knows how many more years my dachshund would have lived if not for the emergency surgery that I already wrote about. Although, yes, after the operation she lived for a couple more years.
Gru's recovery process was very difficult. Because she was a girl with character.
Looking ahead, I admit: even Uma, with her golden psyche and complete focus on people, gave me heat. Which for the first time reminded me of the vengeful manipulator Gru :)

Preparation

Two weeks before the operation, a rabies vaccination was given (it is given no later than two weeks before the operation).

Within a week, Uma had her hair cut for the second time this year. For those who don’t know, I cut it every spring to 0.5. By autumn, she again turns into a fox. The first photo is three months after the clipper haircut.
This decision was correct.

A couple of days later, we arrived at the veterinary clinic, whose services we always used, for an examination before the operation.

Why is an examination needed?

This is “recommended”, but no one will force you to do it. Everything is at the owner's discretion.
An ultrasound of the heart makes it clear whether the animal will withstand anesthesia and whether there will be complications. And this is really not a joke.
A blood test (general and biochemistry) will show whether there are hidden infections, inflammations, or abnormalities.

If some indicator is not normal, no one will perform the operation.

The results of tests and ultrasound are ready the next day, so you can be examined the day before.

What is better to know at the preparation stage

The dog must be brought for examination (and surgery) on an empty stomach.

If you have a large dog, it is advisable to come to the examination with help.
For example, an ultrasound goes like this: the owner holds the dog by the front legs with one hand and the hind legs with the other. And with its own weight it presses it to the table with its left side down. The table underneath the dog extends, allowing the doctor to move the probe across the chest.
The procedure lasts half an hour. About half of this time the dog will kick as hard as he can. It’s not easy to hold even a baby.

The same applies to the procedure for drawing blood from a vein - here, too, you cannot do without violence :)

It is always better to make an appointment at the veterinary clinic.
But my experience shows that in half the cases you have to wait about half an hour, or even more. This is the only drawback of the hospital, to which in all other respects I have no complaints.
Be prepared that resolving issues with the animal may take a long time, and you will be late for everything that day.
It doesn't hurt to always have a phone charger with you.

If you decide to give your dog a sedative (like natural Kot-Bayun), start giving it about four days before surgery and do it regularly, three to four times a day. Then it makes sense.

Bring tissues, wet wipes, and a bowl of water to each appointment.
I once bought a very convenient thin and light silicone dog bowl that folds into a flat “pancake”. Easy to carry in your bag.
Buy large diapers, they will be useful at home after surgery. It is also better to buy hydrogen peroxide, Levomikol cream for treating stitches, gauze or bandages in advance.
The doctor prescribes the rest later.

Day of surgery

We signed up for 15.00, but spent a whole hour walking down the street and sitting in line. I was lucky: Uma behaves calmly, almost does not react to other animals and does not whine. But there is little pleasant in this expectation.

Finally, we were invited into the office and were told about the results of the examination (everything was normal). Uma was placed on the table and examined. They described how the operation would go, recovery from anesthesia, and postoperative care.
A surgeon came and once again noted some of the features of sterilization. For example, that the top seams are the tip of the iceberg. Behind it, inside, there are several more sewn layers. This knowledge helped me not to freak out with horror when our “resilient decibels” show started :))

Then they let me read and sign the documents. There, among other things, it was stated that I was aware of the risk of death (probability - 10%).
A minute later, the first stage of anesthesia was injected into Uma’s vein, and she went limp right on the table, hiding her muzzle in my armpit. I fell asleep. At that moment a speck got into my eye (in both eyes).
The doctors picked Uma up and carried her away.
We left to have tea, waiting for a call from the clinic.

The operation lasted an hour and a half. After which Uma was transferred to the hospital.
They called me and said that everything went well. And that she is gradually being taken out of anesthesia.

Why did I think it was the right decision to leave the dog in the hospital after the operation?

After the operation, Uma was there for two hours. This service is not included in the cost of the operation.
Personally, I felt calm knowing that she would spend the most critical hours under the supervision of professionals who could help at any moment.
When we returned to the clinic, I was immediately taken to a large “ward”, where some boxes were occupied by sleeping animals. Some were pumped with oxygen.
Uma was quietly dozing in a large open cage on a large, clean diaper. I went to the paw from the droppersaline solution to alleviate her condition. Seeing me, she sluggishly raised her head, but reacted only with her eyes.

Uma was also given an injection to “start” her kidneys. They showed the seam. Once again they told us how to process it. They tied it up with a blanket.
They also explained to me that a catheter would remain in the vein for a day. It is worth it so as not to waste time if the dog becomes ill. They also asked that if anything happened, I would immediately take the pet to the second clinic in the network (it is open 24 hours a day).

The next day it is recommended to bring the dog for examination and tests.
We signed up immediately and then went home. On the street, an attempt was made to put the dog on its paws, but it resembled a newborn fawn. It was difficult to stand.

The hind legs (and the entire back part of the body) worked poorly for two days.
So the diapers came in very handy :)

My biggest mistake

After the operation, I did not buy a plastic “collar”. I felt sorry for the dog. Because it is a torture design.
I recommend not to tempt fate. And learn from other people's mistakes.
In my case, Uma had to put the collar on later, for a whole week. It would be better if I did it right away, on the day of the operation. I would have saved myself (and the dog) a lot of problems.

A scary story with a catheter (do not read for the faint of heart)

It happened late at night after this difficult day.
Uma was asleep, tightly bandaged with a blanket, like a caterpillar, and was not interested in what was happening below her navel.
But she began to pay attention to the catheter, which was tightly taped to her paw with a bandage.
As soon as I was distracted for five minutes in the shower, the catheter was disassembled into parts by my teeth. And it was hanging on a piece of plaster.
That night I became a Darwin Award laureate in the “Dr. Pipyulkin” category. Because I took the catheter out of the dog’s vein without tightening the rope around the paw. Well, I have never encountered this device.
At the moment when a long tube (unexpected) extended out of the vein following the catheter, a scarlet fountain covered me. Fortunately, there were bandages at hand. Tourniquet, peroxide. The blood stopped immediately, but an unpleasant aftertaste from this situation remained. Along with knowledge of how a catheter works :))

The first day after sterilization

Uma slept peacefully, drank and even ate a little - it made her happy.
While processing the seams (twice a day), I counted 12.
They say that the first two or three days are the most difficult; the dog should not be left unattended. But in my opinion, the first days are the most comfortable. The dog is calm, like a boa constrictor.
The hottest time just begins about three days later, when the animal begins to be interested in the seams. And feel that something is wrong there. All the efforts of her life boil down to getting out of the blanket and dealing with her sewn-up property.

The next day after the operation, we came for an examination and tests.
Uma went to the office by herself and was happy to meet with the doctors, as far as her health allowed :)

A little later, our doctor called and said that, based on the test results, Uma would have to undergo a little treatment for her liver, and explained the dosage.
I also had to inject my dog ​​with antibiotics for a week. Intramuscularly, into the thigh, for five days in a row. This was my first experience of giving injections to anyone. Also useful, whatever one may say.

Day six.... (again not for the faint of heart)

When you get ready to sterilize your dog, think about who in your family will be the person who won’t take his eyes off the animal for ten days? This is exactly how long it should take before the stitches are removed. Or a sadistic collar.

I repeat, starting from the third day, the dog begins to be interested in the site of the operation. Very intrusive. She almost stops eating and drinking, is very offended by you, and and stands for a walk like an idol. Because she is forbidden to do what she wants most.
Namely, to finally tear apart his seams like Tuzik’s hot water bottle. She's not interested in anything else. Well, I still have to feel sorry for my hands.
This happened to two of my dogs who had similar surgeries.
Both became capricious, like children, complained, whined and blackmailed with a hunger strike.

I was at home for six days. And she did not leave the dog unattended even for an hour. Six.
Yes, it wasn't easy. We only went out with Uma. Everything was on pause, absolutely.

On the sixth day, I still couldn’t stand the captivity.
Having made three protective layers (a bandage, a blanket for sea knots from head to toe, and on top - wide tape for the whole dog, so that the blanket would not fidget if the dog began to squirm like a snake), I left home for a couple of hours.
The blue caterpillar made it clear with a glance that we didn’t agree that way :)

When I returned, she had no blanket or stitches. But there was a happy face and a scarlet belly.
She pulled out every single thread from herself. Eleven. I left one.
It all looked like complete p-a. And I received another Darwin Award. In the category for weaklings: “they gave up halfway.”

Again a taxi, again a veterinary clinic.

“It’s good that we came - it turned out that irreversible processes could have begun.”
The wound was treated and a bandage was made. They made a collar.
Uma had to wear this collar for another week, and I had to deal with the collapsed disgrace.
After which it was advisable to come for a final examination and new tests - final.

+ a week in the collar

“Oh, that’s how you are, right?!” - the dog decides. And he begins to behave (to put it mildly) inappropriately.
Because he doesn’t see anything around, and when he tries to move even along familiar routes, he bumps into furniture and door frames, gets scared, and cries. And as a result, he lies down on his bed and falls into a vegetative state.
The collar is such a torture. No one can convince me otherwise. It is psychologically very difficult for the dog in this spacesuit!
For a week, Uma still didn’t get used to the collar.But this thing gave me the opportunity to finally leave the house and not flinch in my sleep.
During the day, when the dog was nearby and during walks, the collar was removed.

A collar from day one is the only sensible solution. Even if a dog tantrum awaits you. She is still waiting for you, but without force majeure.

14th day after surgery

I saw that everything was healing and that Uma was feeling well.
But we still went for final tests and examination. Because I wanted complete confidence.
A day later I came back for the test results. This time everything was fine, even the liver biochemistry.

I hope everyone understands that you have to pay separately for each appointment (or consultation on tests) at the veterinary clinic?

Curious to know the total cost?

Everything described, the full complex in total (examination, surgery, hospital, appointments, tests, medications, and so on) is about 200 euros at the current exchange rate. This does not include costs such as taxis.
And personally, I don’t see a single case where admission was unjustified, or when tests could have been dispensed with.

If someone chooses a “home-based” doctor, it is his choice. But I didn’t want to risk my dog.

The operation is not easy, but the clinic still has an oxygen supply system, anesthesia, and so on.
Whether a private doctor will provide examination before and after is also a question.

You can, of course, write to me that I was simply too confused by the question, and with you everything was much simpler, that the dog was alone at home and did not pull any clues out of itself. But all animals are different.

I realized once again that everything has its time. With my previous regime, I would not have been able to pay so much attention to the dog.

Now everything that happened no longer seems as difficult as in those days. So, everyday affairs. Everything can be solved, everything can be fixed, that’s life.

Don't ask for the name of the clinic, please. On principle, I won’t say it, because I’m tired of reproaches for advertising where it exists and where it doesn’t exist.
Moreover, this is a very delicate issue, and I would not want to be responsible for other people’s animals.

The day before yesterday we received a certificate for importing dogs into the EU. The international passport was made a long time ago, two years ago, at the same time Uma was microchipped.

But this is a completely different story, which I also promise to tell if you are interested :)
I hope I'm not too boring? :)

UPD We are already there!

In the comments you can ask questions about the topic of the post and share your stories.

Health to your little brothers! Take care of them!