Post surgery questions?!?

[Amy]

Marley had surgery today... for a sock that refused to come out either way!  She was completely lethargic this morning and I rushed her to the vet. He hoped that she would move it either way, but it was evident this afternoon that it wasn't going to happen, and she was 'not doing well'. He performed surgery about 3:30 pm and removed the sock. She is going to stay at the vet this evening and I will pick her up tomorrow. I am feeling like a bad mom for letting her stay at the vet, but I totally trust our vet, and he feels keeping her calm and immobile is best for Marley.

If any doodle parents have advice on how to take care of her when she gets home, I would greatly appreciate it! Her spay surgery/recovery was uneventful ...but this surgery involved removing an object from her stomach!

BTW: We have bought all new hampers and trash cans, and no longer let her in our closet! I am currently looking for a baby gate to block the hall to the back bedrooms...just in case a sock doesn't make it in one of the hampers!!!

 

 

UPDATE: Marley is home and doing very well! The vet gave me the sock and it looks like a sausage, YUCK!  The vet wants to increase her food (once she is back on her regular food), in hopes that maybe she will quit filling her tummy with socks...He says its worth a try! Thanks for all your advice and well wishes! I feel lucky to be part of this group :)

 

[Harper]

Since one of my dogs recently had abdominal surgery (to flip her stomach back), I wanted to chime in.  My vet gave me a post-surgery handout and medication information.  One big thing for us was that we aren't supposed to push exercise and you should let the dog tell you when he is ready.  Also, we are supposed to cook our dog a bland diet (not sure what your vet will recommend) of chicken, white rice, and cottage cheese for 2 days and then start adding kibble back into the diet by mixing it with the "bland" food.  

 

I'm glad you were able to get the sock removed!  Good thing you noticed your dog was acting "off."  

[Amy]

Thanks for the heads up on the diet! I will stop by the grocery store on the way to the vet :) Glad your dog is on the mend!

[Lindsey, Lee, Whopper and Simba]

Whopper had a brillo pad removed from her stomach last fall.  As far as the recovery, Whopper actually stayed at the vet for 2 nights after the surgery.  When she did come home, we did not let her do any stairs for the first several days because we didn't want her to stretch where the sutures were.  She was pretty mellow from all of the meds initially so keeping her calm wasn't an issue for the first 3-4 days home.  Most of the time we did not use the cone and just kept her in a t-shirt that covered the sutures.  For the first few days she didn't need anything because she really didn't try and get them.  As they healed and started to pull, the temptation was there so we kept her in a t-shirt unless she was particularly active and then we'd use the cone.  We spent a lot of time just relaxing with her and I remember she particularly enjoyed being given ice cubes.  If you have any specific questions that may jog my memory.

[Amy]

Brillo pad? OMG! That's crazy :) I love the idea of the t-shirt! Thanks for a great suggestion!

[Gail McHugh]

Oh my, poor baby. Yes we have replaced hampers, keep all bedroom and bathroom doors shut unless were in there with her. But we called her the "Sideler" from the Jerry Seinfeld show, she just appears out of nowhere. We think it's because she is our first little dog and we can't keep track of her like a bigger dog.

[Amy]

Marley has now gained the reputation as 'sock eater' at the vet! Not very flattering for a pretty little doodle! We have changed so much that my friend swears she has a stash :)

[Amy]

Marley's kennel is right beside my bed! I might actually sleep on the floor the first night ;)  I am glad you mentioned 'leash for pees'...that will avoid chasing squirrels before she is ready!

[Lauria Orr]

Oh dear...how quickly that can happen!  I am so sorry to hear about Marley, and also the rest who have had similar experiences.  These little guys are so swift!  I am so glad you were to get Marley the help she needed right away.  I don't have any advice, as I have not been through this particular thing, but lots of sympathy.  We just got baby gates...had to. The hampers and trash cans with lids sound like a good idea.  We have been elevating our trash cans lately due to Morgan's  expeditions. Get well, Marley!

[Amy]

It's amazing how you change your lives and house for these adorable family members! I hope you don't have to experience any of the above...but if you do, at least you know there are doodle lovers that are willing to help you through it with advice and positive thoughts!!!

[Deb, Connor & Simon]

None of my guys have had abdominal surgery, but I wanted to wish Marley a very speedy and uneventful recovery. I know this must have been really scary for you and I'm glad you were able to get her to the vet in time. :-)

Connor & Simon send Marley big doodles wags and kisses!

[Amy]

Thank you :) I can't wait to give her a big hug, myself!!!

[Julie, Boomer, Milo & Casey]

Sorry to hear about Marley.  Our 2yo doodle is a sock eater too.  He hasn't had one in a very long time but thats because of multiple baby gates and all bedroom doors being closed.  Just an FYI - those plastic hampers with the lids are not doodle-proof.   I was shocked to see Boomer sniff out a sock and pull it through one of the small holes on the side of the hamper.   Now the hampers are locked up too.   How old is Marley and has she done this before?   I feel your pain as its a challenge to constantly watch for socks falling out of baskets etc.    Hope her recovery is speedy.  

 

Julie