Recovering from Surgery: I don't know what to expect
 

My 10 year old yorkie was attacked by a pitbull 4 days ago. No injury to vitals, just surgery on nerve that was damaged near armpit and puncture wounds in neck and back. He stayed overnight, came home with me next morning. He was given a 10-14 day antibiotic shot and Gabapentin pain med, and Meloxidil inflammatory.

It's been 4 days after the incident., and just starting to refuse food but got him to eat 1/2 can yesterday.

He is a little more lethargic than normal but he is in the kennel, basically getting much needed rest. Wounds and stitches seem to be healing, drying up, no oozing swelling or odor.

He doesn't want food this morning. He doesn't potty as frequent I think he is in pain and doesn't want to move much.

He's 10. I just don't know what to expect during this recovery.
I try to feed him and give fluids, and check on potty.

How long should I leave him alone and let him lie there? What to watch out for, how do I know he's not just going to slowly fade away or if he is just resting?

Please. Any and all ADVICE, WHAT TO EXPECT for after surgery wound care would be greatly appreciated. I would love to hear about your experiences.

Thank you so much

OMG a pit bull attack.

I have never experienced such a horrific ordeal. I offer up prayers for your baby. If it were my pup. I would speak to the vet and describe these symptoms.

Thank you for your kind words!

I would definitely let your vet know. Mine was attacked by a German Shepherd when he was 6. He nearly died from blood loss. His skin was ripped from his neck to his loins. He was depressed for a very long time afterward. He did eat food. But we offered anything he wanted including baby food beef and chicken. Potty breaks were the worst. We had to hold him. Up until then he would always “hide” when he pooped.

It’s been a while but it seems like we went back every few days for checkups after he was first sent home. He was on pain meds and antibiotics.

He finally came back to his playful self. It took a long time. But it was so heartbreaking to see him sad.

Praying for your pup. Barney will never be the same around other dogs.

I’m so sorry, how horrific. I’m wondering if maybe the pain medication might be causing an upset tummy. I would call you vet and let them know what’s going on and see what they say. Less drinking would mean less peeing but if he is still in pain he might not want to move much either.

Oh that sounds like such a horrible thing to go through.
Thank you for the encouraging word about your dog being better. I know its a long road, I will try my best to take care of him.

Update
 

Well my Augie had an infection, and a huge abscess that ruptured twice. He is healing from his wounds and seemed much better.

Today, I was washing his paw and he flailed so much he must have hurt the leg with the damaged nerve. He's been managing, no signs of unbearable pain, just minor pain as I can see. He wants to be held tight so he can fall asleep. It is so hard to keep a yorkie from moving around too much when they don't want to.

It's been a week and I want it to be over so he can be his old self again.
Thank you everyone.

I hate to hear about his abscess. Sounds like you are working hard to help him heal. Hang in there. It just takes time.

Oh dear so sorry to hear this.
Hope the recovery continues. Sending prayers and Yorkis good wishes!

My Yorkie was also attacked an year ago. He stayed overnight for monitoring and came back the following day. At first he was really scared of going outside and pretty much stayed indoors. It would take him a while to build up the courage. Hang in there.