New puppy just spayed. Questions.

mizmichelle73 · 01-28-2007, 07:36 PM

Hi! We just brought our 3 month old puppy home from the rescue center yesterday. She was just spayed on Thursday. Other than telling us when to have her stitches removed, they didn't give us a whole lot of info.

My question is, every once and a while when she's walking she'll "yip" and stop and lick her stitches. Is this normal? Do they usually give any pain medication?

I'm definitely giving our vet a call tomorrow to make an appointment for her stitches and a check-up, but sometimes it takes a while for the vet to call back when I have questions. So I would love it if some of you experienced dog owners could fill me in until I hear from him.

Thanks!
Michelle

DogAdvocat · 01-28-2007, 07:43 PM

Yes, it's normal, though some pups have less problems with it than others. Unfortunately, most shelter clinics are working on a shoestring budget and don't offer pain medications. Your vet can help there, but there's also a school of thought that says that if they are given pain meds, they won't self limit their activity. If they don't feel the pain, they are likely to do something that would injure themselves. But please talk to your vet.

And thank you for adopting.

Alpha · 01-28-2007, 08:58 PM

As mentioned, I'd see the vet right away.

Is she licking often? If so, BE CAREFUL! I know it's hard to watch them all of the time, but my girl removed her own stitches merely days after her surgery. She ended up being fine, but she could've gotten seriously infected.

mizmichelle73 · 01-29-2007, 07:36 AM

Thanks! I'm calling the vet as soon as they open. She's not licking the stitches a lot and I've checked to make sure they are still in and the incision isn't red. We'll see what the vet says.

Thanks again!
Michelle