Recovery from Surgical procedure? from a worrywart
 

Hi everyone,

Sunni had to have a surgical procedure this morning. She's actually doing way better then I am,lol. She's walking and wanted to eat as soon as we got home. I'm curious about the donut thing around her neck. The vet said to keep it on for 10 -14 days, which seems pretty long to me. The surgery was to correct a problem she had at birth and already had a surgery on. This poor little baby has really been thru some awful stuff. It was lower abdominal surgery and she has 4 stitches. She came through beautifully, Thank God. None of this was ever necessary to put her through the first time, but the breeder must have wanted to correct this issue and hoped to be able to sell her, but after the job they did she would never have gotten away without admitting she had surgery and would never be able to breed. Thats why she was being surrendered in the first place and how I ultimately adopted her. So, being the major worry wart I am, I wondered if the vet is being overly cautious because of me? or the puppy. I didn't leave until the surgery was finished and she was in recovery, lol. I know they didn't really love that, but too bad too sad. Vet hospitals aren't happy places for me these days. But bad things can happen at them, so I am neurotic with my baby. I can't believe how much I've fallen in love with her in just a matter of weeks.

I'm guessing it's to keep her from licking and messing with the stitches it that right?

Yes, thats why. 2 weeks just seems so long. I guess there may be more internal healing going on.

I would think if you are watching the pup and making sure she is not licking it could come off for a little bit. You could always call and ask you vet.

You could also try a onesie type thing and see if that works in place of the donut...

I did call the vet and they said 10 - 14 days, as noted on her discharge paper..lol. She's fine today. The way this donut is made is kind of dumb actually. If I put it so the hole where you blow it up is on the under side, then the tag for the velcro is on the top!! Either way she has figured out that persistent tugging can get it off, lol. I've opted for the blow up thingy underneath, but its just deflated at this point. Its wide enough and not so flexible that she still can't reach the wound. Yet! She is so feisty, I can't believe she just had surgery. If it were me I would definitely be milking it way more then she is, lol.

I think I will try the onesie with a diaper once the wound starts healing..for now we are just joined at the hip.

You don't have to use a diaper just the onesie

Why not use a cone?

I think the cone is even worse…they are so awkward for the dog to move around in. I'd be happy to never see one on a dog again. She's doing great today. I'm going out for my kids birthday, so I'll pick up some onesies on the way….ty for the advice.

Donuts
 

My miniature poodle Enzo did well with the donut. It is soft, and the dog can still eat and drink normally. I used one of my husband's old tee shirts on a greyhound, and that worked well, too. I've never tried a cone, and I sure wouldn't want one on me.

I hope your baby heals fast and comfortably.

Thank you all for the replies. The donut is off! Yay. It wasn't the greatest success, but it served the purpose. I've had to watch dogs with cones on them and they can barely see, eat and rest properly. They just look horrible to me. The donuts is a great concept but they need to work on the design a bit more. At least the company I got mine from. If I ever have to use anything again, I will definitely start with a onsie.

I'm happy to report Sunni is great! She is a wild woman today….running, chewing playing…and then does it all again, lol. No doubt she's feeling good:) Thank God!!:):aimeeyork

I am glad she is healing well! It is so stressful when our fur babies need to have things done.

I hope everything heals up nicely for her!