[Gingersmom]

Hi everyone. Ginger was spayed today and my husband went to pick her up for me this afternoon because I had to work. My question is in the past if I remember right the vets I used always sent a little bit of pain meds home with the dog after surgery but the one the shelter used did not send anything home with her. Is there anything I can safely give her to help with the pain? I called to check on her when I was on break and hubby says she has slept almost all afternoon but that she was shivering like she was cold so he moved the kerosene heater that we use a little closer to her bed. I think I read somewhere that the shivering could be a sign of pain but I am not sure what I can do to help her. Its been over 3 years since I have had a dog and the last one was a male that I got neautered as a puppy and I had him for almost 13 years so I have forgot somethings.
Kindest Regards,
Amanda

Edit: Just wanted to add I plan on calling the vet tomorrow I was just trying to find something to help her through the night.

[CorkyMax]

The shivering is more than likely a sign of pain. But please do not use Rimadyl: Please Do not Give Rimadyl (carprofen)--CAN KILL Please read all on that! I think you do not have a regular vet yet. If your dog continues to shiver (in pain) I would get a prescription from the vet who did the spaying. I would ask for Tramadol and make sure he knows the weight of the dog! I just had my rescue girl operated on and my vet would give Rimadyl if I hadn't said NO WAY!!! I've had experience with that killer before. I have found that my dogs (neutering and a mammary gland operation-cancer) were not in that much pain esp. after the 1st day or so--so I did not use too many pain pills.--But both times I used Tramadol! Hope your Ginger is like my 2 and doesn't need much! Let us know how she is doing!

[terrier]

I've heard that shivering could be a reaction to the anesthesia. I had my female Jack Russell spayed a few months ago and she was shivering too after I picked her up. The vet gave her some pain meds just before we left and all she did was sleep the rest of the day. The next morning she was just fine and acting normal. I think your Ginger will be just fine. Let us know how she is doing.

Eric

[Gingersmom]

Thanks everyone she is doing much better today she ate and is not shivering anymore and she's following me around the house. She still is a little uncomfortable but nothing like last night. I could not get her an appointment until next week because tomorrow is new year.

[terrier]

Glad to hear she is doing well.

[CorkyMax]

Although I have already sent you 3 private messages before you posted this. Want to say I am happy to hear she is doing so well and hope she continues to do so. Another cautionary word --I have posted this a couple times recently in this forum--It may be a good idea to put a 'body cover--something to protect the stitches' on her when you take her out in the cold, snowy, icy, slippery weather in case she should slip and fall on the stitches. And I guess you already know not to exercise her too much until the healing process is over.

[Gingersmom]

Thanks everyone. Forgive me for takeing a while to reply to your post but I work second shift and I can't always play on the computer at work then this morning I had to go to physical therapy and did not have time to get on until I did. I only walk her right now enough for her to potty and we only go were my hubby shoveled the snow away.

[CorkyMax]

I just got a dog newsletter that I subscribe to and it had this info about spaying. Thought you might like to read it:
How can I help my dog once she comes home?
Keep her quiet and restrict unnecessary activity
Prevent excessive licking of the incision
Monitor food and water intake according to your veterinarians instructions

What symptoms should prompt me to call my veterinarian?
A reopened incision
Abnormal swelling of the incision area (some swelling is normal)
Dark red or purple discoloration
Bloody or thick discharge from the incision
Foul odors from the incision area, which could indicate an infection
Continued lethargy or if your dog doesn't seem to get better after a few days

When can my dog resume normal activity?
Most dogs are awake and alert soon after surgery
Some will eat the same day as surgery
Most resume normal activity within 3 days

[Gingersmom]

Thanks Cory/Max for posting that it was very helpful I also went to the website of the place the shelter uses to do the spaying and printed of the after care instructions that were on there. So far she is doing well the incision looks ok and shes not bothering it. I am going to try to find her a rain coat today because we are suspose to have alot of rain this weekend. The weather is so crazy here last weekend and the weekend before really really cold and lots and lots of snow now this weekend its going to be in the 50 degree area and lots of rain. I am so ready for summer time and winter just started. LOL