Neutering Dilemma

[nicmicwil]

I am wondering how most puppies deal with get neutered. My vet said that it takes 14 days for them to completely heal. I work and I can't take 14 days off to make sure he doen't open his stitches. How long should I stay home with him? Also, what about the cone they put around their heads? If he is crated - I can't imagine putting that cone on him. Anyone have any suggestions or advice on what I should do?

 

[nicmicwil]

Scheduling it for a Wednesday is a good idea. I can't imagine keeping him calm for 14 days. As soon as he comes out of his crate, he jumps and runs all over the place - sheer excitement!

 

[diego's heart]

I also share(d) your concern. Diego was 7 mos old when neutered on Thursday and I took Friday off. It was absolutely necessary for him to have the e-collar on because he wanted to mess with his incision. At first he wore the cone only when I wasn't home, but he actually licked it open in seconds when it was off just before getting into bed. In fact, I posted that fiasco on a post last year :o!

He was fine with having the e-collar on while in his crate. At the time I was 15 min away and was able to go home during lunch. In fact, he's using it again right now so he won't bother his stitches on his head. I don't like the idea either, but the alternative can be very dangerous if he were to bump into or get into anything. He can move around without any problem.

Fourteen days is a long time, but I think by day 5, I allowed him to run for 5-10 min max. He did okay. These boxers are pretty resilient, both physically and in character ! Best of luck...

Lisa

 

[None-removed]

See if your vet can recommend another vet that does laser surgery. My 14 month old was nuetered at 6 months, by laser and his recovery time was only three days. It's much easier to keep a dog calm for three days rather than two weeks.

 

[SuzanneC]

Speak with your vet about your concerns. Even if you don't opt for laser surgery, there's a good chance your vet can do something to ease your mind. S/he may be able to use internal sutures and/or surgical glue, which would lessen the possibility that your pup would mess with the incision. Also, there is a spray called Banguard that can be sprayed on to discourage licking. It is absolutely DISGUSTING-tasting, I can understand why a dog would avoid licking it.

 

[YourFriendDeb]

I agree with Cubby. Legend was neutered via laser, and you couldn't even see the stitches. He didn't bother them and he didn't have to wear the cone on his head. He came running out of the vet's office when I picked him up that day and was running and jumping the next day (even though we tried to keep him from doing it! You know how boxers are!)

It was very uneventful and thank goodness!

Good luck to you and your pup!

 

[exk23]

Ruby got the surgical glue for his stiches when he was neutered. He was a bit groggy for 2 days and then he was back to his old sef again. He didn't bother with the stiches for those 2 days. When he got better he did licked them for a bit, but I think it was because it was healing so I kept it clean by cleaning the area with a warm towel several times a day. He did not need the e-collar.

E

 

[dempseybeau]

We just got Dempsey neutered last a couple of weeks ago, he just got his stitches out 2 days ago. The first few days after he had it done he was very mopy and sad and didnt want to come near us. But after those 2 days he was his normal happy self. He tried to lick it a couple of time but was told NO, then he stopped doing it. We didnt take any time off of work and left him in the crate when we went to work, he didnt wear the cone and was fine. The vet took out his stitches and said everything looked great. It wasnt as bad as I thought it was going to be, I was very worried about the whole thing.
Dempsey's parents

 

[nicmicwil]

Thank you for all your advice. I am going to look into Laser surgery. If that doesn't work out; I'll just keep my fingers crossed and hope Willie and I can get through the traditional method without messing his stitches.

 

[shaun64]

Zeus was doing better after day 2-3, we kept the collar on until he had his stiches out (10 days), because I didn't want to take any chances. Let me tell you that cone didn't slow him down one bit. The only thing was, we couldn't put him in his crate, but with the cone on he couldn't get into anything anyway.
Good luck :D
Shaun