[Ellie May]

1. What do I do if she has problems going pee/poop?
She should pee by the next day and poop within a couple days. If any of it is bloody or she isn't going, call the vet. I wouldn't expect a problem though.

2. What food is better, wet or dry to assist above question?
Probably not much difference. If she isn't used to canned, it may give her loose stools. I would feed her regular food but you can entice her with dog-friendly people food if you want or you can try canned.

3. I've heard that dogs hide their pain and try to make you think they have bounced back after a couple of days?
Could be but she should be on pain meds, so you can just continue giving them for a few days.

How will I know when she's ready to have normal activity (play, fetch)?
Seven to ten days or whenever the vet says. No running, jumping or playing until the vet gives the okay. No bathing until after suture removal unless the vet says otherwise.

4. Do all yorkies have problems with taking pain meds due to "liver"?
Any dog with a liver functioning problem can have problems processing anesthesia and pain meds. Not all Yorkies have liver problems though. Those dogs who do not have problems can still have a hard time because of the things their livers are being asked to process but that is rare. Preop blood work will check her liver enzymes to make sure everything is normal. You can take that a step further and do the bile acids test to check liver function (very good thing to do) but if the dog is asymptomatic, the vet may make you feel like it is a waste of time. In my opinion, if is best for all Yorkies to have it done after 20 weeks old and before surgery. If there is a problem (which isn't too likely), anesthesic and pain medication protocol may be changed.

5. Do I put the onesie on after she comes home or take it to the vet and have them put on before I pick her up?
You can put it on but she can't be allowed to get to her incision on the way home. If she tries to get to her incision through the onesie, she will have to wear an e-collar. Some vets may prefer that you just use the collar to start with so that clothing doesn't irritate the incision. Two vets were just fine with Ellie wearing the onesie though.

6. Is a onesie better or should I use a diaper incase she can't go outside to eliminate cuz she is so druged, especially on the first day?
A diaper won't keep her away from the incision. It has to be a onesie. You can carry her outside if she is too drugged.

7. If she doesn't eat the first day or two, is that bad and should I still give her nutri-cal for nurishment?
She will likely be interested in food by the next day. If you want to give nutrical, I don't see a problem with that.

8. Is it better to leave her in her playpen while recovering for a couple of days to prevent jumping? Thank you so much for your help.
You can put her in a crate or playpen but I held Ellie a lot of the time. She would've peed on herself and I couldn't bathe her.



Preop blood work should be done (that is before surgery).
Surgery should be done on a heated surface.
An IV should be placed before surgery.
Isoflurane or Sevoflurane anesthesia should be used for maintenance.
It isn't safe to leave her overnight if nobody is there to watch her.
Pain meds should be given.