You are here:

Ask the Veterinarian/Post pyometra ovariohysterectomy questions

Advertisement

Expert: - 4/25/2011


Question
Post pyometra ovariohysterectomy, my dog was given a 10-day supply cephalexin, then switched to augmentin. It is now day 17 & she still has an infection, abdomen is swollen worse than ive seen it; i.e. Her ribs arent showing, there are problems sitting & defacating, still has a fever, & the clinic who did the surgery refuses to address this.
What is normal post surgery recovery? Should blood tests have been performed to check both levels & type of bacteria? What are complications to look for after surgery?

Answer
I don't understand why "the clinic who did the surgery refuses to address this." What is the reason they give? I would have that dog on their doorstep and be demanding that the vet take a look and feel this dog's abdomen. There is obviously something wrong or the abdomen wouldn't be swollen.

What is her temperature? Are you taking it rectally? Is she eating? In what way is she having problems with defecation?

If her surgery went as planned then there shouldn't even be an infection in the abdomen. If there is one, then this can become fatal very quickly. She wouldn't last 17 days if she has an infection inside.

Regardless, she needs to be seen again by the vet and have these issues addressed. If they refuse to see this dog then there is a problem I am not being told.

Get her to your vet and have them take care of this dog. Lawsuits are ugly for everyone.:-)

Ask the Veterinarian

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.