All along I've had a bad feeling!
 

My little girl 17months was 'spayed' Tuesday. Today diarreah, poor little thing and tonight shaking and peeing all over the bed and the floor.

Regrettably none of it her fault, but mine! Please beware all of you these things can and DO go wrong.

Strangely I had a dark feeling about this all along.

What went wrong? Anesthesia and pain meds can make them a little loopy and do those kinds or things as can pain. I am sure she will be back to herself in a few days.

Did you take her back to the vet? She might have an infection. Good point Taylor, is she on pain meds? She might be having a reaction to them. If you haven't already done so give your vet a call and see what they suggest. Keep us posted.

I wouldn't say anything necessarily went wrong. Is she on pain medications or antibiotics? If she is, she could be having a reaction to one of them. If she's not on pain medication, she might be in pain and that could be causing her symptoms. If you haven't already done so, you need to call your vet and let them know.

I took her off Rimadyl 10mg today, just in case! If she does have a urinary infection the Vet must have contaminated her, with unsound sterility?

I have an appointment tomorrow for the 3 day post op check. I know she's perplexed about wearing a onesie and having to sit on the couch or bed with me wearing a lead (so she doesn't jump) perhaps that's upset her peeing in her proper tray/place (she's so good normally). What worries me is the rejoinder passed by the receptionist (Doris Karloff), after we'd paid, who advised that 'as she gets older her bladder might get a little incontinent'. What have they done to her I wonder and all my fault. Wish I'd left her lovely little body alone and that's for sure!

That statement doesn't make any sense. I would definitely speak to your vet about that! Let us know how she does at the check-up. Poor girl :(

It is common to have a little urinary incontinence right after surgery but I would talk to your vet and find out why it was implied there would be long term because that is not ordinary after a spay

My heart really goes out to you. I definitely understand your worries; it really is heartbreaking to see our babies hurting. I believe in my heart that she's going to get better.

Thank you everyone for your support. It's 1.20am here and I won't get any sleep tonight, that's for sure. Right now she's in her little basket at my feet, dozing and watching my every move here. I suppose after a hysterectomy she's entitled to be a little erratic over peeing etc. She's also used to a couple of long beach runs a day too, chasing her ball like crazy for up to an hour each trip. So far we've not taken her out at all, in case of infection etc, maybe tomorrow a short walk on her lead maybe in order, just to break up her monotony and to hint at the return to pending normality? I've been scouring the net looking for other people's experiences and some do mirror Crystal's, so maybe it's just post op symptoms, or a mild urinary infection, but really I know I'm trying to justify causing her all this pain and worry. More than at any time since she died 9 years ago, I wish my Mom was here tonight, I'm sure she'd have found something positive and pragmatic to offer in the way of comfort:sad:

My heart goes out to you and your girl too! Please try not to think the worst. Stay calm and think straight. She's been through major surgery. Maybe it's the meds or the pain heck I don't know. I do know that if I had to pee and could only pee when someone said I could I would pee on myself or the bed or the couch. As far as her stool I'm not sure about that either. Hoping you get answers soon. Am thinking and praying for all 3 of you!!

What really helped me with all of my females through the years is remembering how much they love/loved their walks and playtime. The month that I was unable to walk them during their heat was really tough on us. It was really difficult for me watching my girls after their spay and having to limit their activity until they healed, but after that I never had to worry about limiting the walks or playtime again. I think you are going to love that freedom in the future. I know I do.

Sense the receptionist said that I would be checking with the vet to make sure something didn't go wrong because that would make me think it did.

Sending good thoughts and prayers for Crystal and for you. Hang in there, this too shall pass. I really believe she is having some post op reactions that will soon go away.

The alternative of not having her spayed, and potentially becoming pregnant in an unplanned incident that you might not have been able to save her from.... Or the possibility of her having to abort puppies or to carry and have them, plus risks of cancer etc if not spayed would certainly be much much worse than what she is experiencing now.

I'm sure the vet will know tomorrow if there is any little problem, and will treat if there is.

There would be no reason for her to have a UTI from a spay. Taking her off Rimadyl also has nothing to do with a UTI, would not cause a UTI and during a spay there is nothing inserted into the urinary tract that would cause a UTI. You are way over thinking this and need to take a deep breath. Why would you listen to the receptionist regarding your dog and incontinence? If you have any questions they should be addressed to your vet.

I feel confident your little girl is just having a normal post op course....some have more pain than others, some have more nausea than others, some react differently to pain meds than others......please take a deep breath and realize that the majority of serious complications/adverse reactions occur whele the pup is on the table or immediately post op....like within the first 12-24 hours.....throwing off anesthesia can be an issue for some....I think you are sooooo worried about all the "maybes", you are talking yourself into becoming the blame for some adverse issue that really does not exist! And as far as getting some incontinence when she ages, WE ALL DO THAT!!! I sneeze or cough and pee all over myself!....and it has absolutely nothing to do with my hysterectomy back in '86!!! Dont worry about your little girl being mishandled during her surgery....or some damage done during her surgery....you take all your concerns to your vet and ask him about anything that worries you....and be SURE to mention the RECEPTIONIST mentioned something about your little girl possibly being incontinent when she gets older....ask if she means the surgery or SOMETHING DONE during the surgery will result in your little girl being incontinent......he needs to clear that up for you! Relax and breathe deeply.....you have not been responsible for any injury or devastation you are conjuring up in your imagination!

We all have our inner demons...
 

As ever thank you all, the summary of advice and good will has really bolstered me this end. She slept well, even if my own slumbers were fitful and tablet induced! This morning (very early) she was licking my face and pawing my nose to wake me up and has peed in her tray too! She was also trying hard to coerce me to take her out for a walk, even bringing her lead and dumping it down in front of me, tail awagging like mad, you can't get more suggestive than that! Now half an hour on, she's sleeping in her little basket again (a favorite haven during this saga by the way). Last night I dreamt about my late mother - auto suggestion (see post above), I suppose. In this very lucid experience, she said very clearly, 'Well dear she's gone through a procedure similar to childbirth and I wasn't too regular for a bit either! How strange, as consciously I would never have conceived the comparison!!!

Yes I'm sure I over-reacted, but my wife is terribly worried and disagreed with my decision from the start. And late at night and perplexed I suppose those dark fears that lurk within us all surfaced. By the way I am a Doctor, but unfortunately in these circumstances my PhD in Economics is of no help!

Each day will get better, and soon you and Crystal will barely remember this.

It will be difficult to keep her calmed down for another week or so.... good luck with that.:)

Martin, please let us know what the vet has to say. Most of all clear up what that loony receptionist said. Some think they are the vet with the options they offer. When I first got Sissy (she was a rescue) I found little white things in my bed. I put them in a bottle and took them to the vet and asked the receptionist to ask the vet if they were tapeworms. She looked at them and so no "dear" that's rice. I ask her to have the vet look any way. Later in the afternoon the vets office called back and asked that I come pick up medication for tapeworm.

It may just be because of swelling from the surgery. She has had major surgery and as your Mom said it takes a while to get back to normal.

I hope she is back to her normal self soon. It is so hard for them to change their routine. It has been very hot and humid here the past few days and I have opted not to take mine to the dog park. Every afternoon there is serious pacing and whining around two in the afternoon.

I remember when I was dropping off Lexi for her spay just a couple weeks ago the doctor when over all the possible risks and complications. I remember one of them was urinary incontinence, but she sais it was very uncommon. Hopefully it is nothing and she is back to normal soon. Keep us updated on what the vet says.

It's understandable you are second guessing yourself, when it comes to our babies, we can feel so guilty, that we are making the right choices. You did make the right choice.

Now that receptionist, tell the vet what she said. I've been told some really stupid and wrong things by receptionist, both at the vets and human Dr's. It's worth checking.

As for the op, I've had the human equivelant and it's GREAT lol. My pippi's having her first season, and she's miserable and moody, needs a lot of cuddles (which I love) Even at one week, seemed to be in pain at times.
It might be natural, but as she's not being bred, I think for her to be so desperate to get to a male, and not be able to, twice a year would be unkind.

I've read the bitch can have incontinents if they are operated on too soon after a season, that it's best to wait 3 months, but have not read anything about it being the norm or happening other wise. Our male was incontinent in his old age, nothing to do with neutering or spaying. It's probably the meds and just due to the op,

Our thoughts are with you all and hoping Crystals back to normal soon.

I am glad that you and your little one are feeling better after being so stressed yesterday. Let us know what the vet has to say today after you speak to him. Yes, the first day or so might be a little worrisome but each day will get better. Be sure to ask about discontinuing the Remadyl. :(

Just checking in Doc to see how you and your baby are doing this morning? Will come back for update!

My Gina did have a small incontient problem a few years after her spay. I was told that this is normal for some females. She was given a med (liquid drops) and this stopped the dripping. It was never a big deal. If she was asleep on our lap she would leave a small wet spot when she got up.
I have had other females that never had a problem. I would not worry about this, Martin. Your baby girl will be just fine.

Doc, you are probably at your vet or on your way home, I never remember which way the time differences go.

As others have said, don't get too stressed out, and I know you will mention to the vet all her symptoms. I also would mention what the receptionist said to you on the way out last time you picked her up from surgery. If you forget just give them a ring back and ask the vet to call you.

There is something called spay incontinence, but is more frequent in very young spayed females - juvenile puppies under 3months old. It does happen in older females too, just not as often. Right now it is way too early to tell if your pup has this.

I have some knowledge of the European mind-set around s/n, but still in England I thought there was a continued push to s/n, as opposed to other European, Asian etc countries.

It is truly for the average pet owner to, more easily care for a spayed female. In all likelihood she will recover very well, and lead a happy life with you and your wife. Before you know it she will be able to chase balls, and splash in the water.

Good luck today at the vets!

It's five hours ahead of EST in England, I think. I agree with Gemy that urinary incontinence is usually associated with very early sprays.

It took a lot of love and courage from you to have Crystal spayed, trying to do what would be best for the overall health and happiness of your little girl. Since Irina is from Belarus where sprays are less common, I can understand why she was so hesitant

I get this wonderful image of you and Crystal running freely by the seaside. When Crystal is feeing better, I'd love to read more of your stories.

It's not uncommon to have a bit of urinary incontinence or diarrhea after a surgical procedure. For lack of a better term, anytime a surgeon goes rummaging around near the intestines (as with a spay), the intestines react. Sometimes they speed up and cause a bit of diarrhea, other times they slow down from both the manipulation and anesthesia and cause vomiting or constipation. This should settle it's self in a day or two.

Same thing with the bladder. It might become a bit over active at first. But it could just as easily be from the pain medication they gave her... Crystal can get so relaxed that she doesn't realize that she needs to urinate until it's too late.

The first 24 hours with my girls after their spays were just pathetic. I felt so guilty for putting them through all of that. But by the second, and definitely by the 3rd day, they were back to their normal selves. We haven't regretted it since.

Just want to check in and see how your kiddo is feeling/doing. Hope things are getting better.

Update after Vets
 

Well everyone, we're back from the Vets. Different staff on the front reception today too. 'Ol Doris Karloff' was nowhere to be seen, probably hanging in a nearby cave somewhere no doubt.;)

While we were waiting to be seen, Crystal was secure in her little carry box with zipper opening meshed windows all round - I thought! Sat in reception I looked away for a second and a little furry head was suddenly sticking out of the top, like a periscope. Two little Yorks were in for a check up and had come to say hello. One had the shortest diddliest little legs I've ever seen on one of our kind and was up on my lap in two shakes, exchanging kisses with Crystal, closely followed by her sister, not wanting to miss out on the felicitations. I'm sure they recognize each other!

We saw a lovely young woman, who turned out to be the practice owner's daughter and also their top qualified surgeon, who'd operated on her Tuesday.

I quickly gained confidence, as Crystal was so relaxed with her. I mentioned the receptionists reference to 'elderly incontinence post speying' and the lady surgeon gave me a querulous look and said she wasn't familiar with that advice (English for - what the heck!). Anyway my little soul has a top bill of health now, no bumps, etc. and the wound is healing beautifully - but what a game is now developing, stopping her wanting to jump around like an Olympic gymnastI

Since this morning her motions are nice and firm. No more peeing on the floor, back in her large 'de-luxe' tray as per normal. In fact a totally different creature from about 7 hours before? She's returns to the Vet's in ten days time for the 'external' stitches (2) to be removed.

Finally, I stopped briefly to chat with a neighbor in our ground floor reception area and 'alley oop' she'd learnt how to open the side zip too and was free - jumping up at him (one of her favourite people). The whole building has been worried about her apparently, as being the only pet here, she seems to be quite a celebrity!:)

So glad to hear Crystal is doing better! :)

See, just like I said before, each day will get better :D I am so happy you had a nice reassuring visit with the vet, and hope the confidence gained will help you relax a bit.

It will be good for Crystal's recovery for you not to worry so much.... you know doggies are psychic and she will know what you are thinking, so keep it as upbeat and happy as you can.