Pegasus Posted April 18, 2019 Share Posted April 18, 2019 (edited) My elderly dog (almost 15) had soft tissue surgery yesterday morning and we just brought him home. His discharge instructions include giving him a medication for pain as needed. They did not give him any this morning at the vet hospital. He is not panting or shivering but seems "out of it" and not sure what to do with himself. He is normally "over the moon" happy to see me but was very low key when he saw me upon getting home. So is he in pain or simply still feeling the after effects of the anesthesia. I don't want under medicate the poor fellow but also don't want to keep him doped up if he is feeling ok. Thanks. Edited April 19, 2019 by Pegasus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted April 18, 2019 Share Posted April 18, 2019 What is the medication? It is likely an anti inflammatory that won't dope him up, and won't hurt to give. And yes, older dogs can take 24-48 hours to fully get rid of the effects of anesthesia. Eating helps. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegasus Posted April 18, 2019 Author Share Posted April 18, 2019 Well, its gabapentin which I looked up and seems to be an odd choice for post-surgical pain. DH did give him a dose and the dog has been sleeping the past couple of hours. Thanks for the info on the anesthesia. Maybe he will start feeling a bit perkier tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted April 18, 2019 Share Posted April 18, 2019 6 minutes ago, Pegasus said: Well, its gabapentin which I looked up and seems to be an odd choice for post-surgical pain. DH did give him a dose and the dog has been sleeping the past couple of hours. Thanks for the info on the anesthesia. Maybe he will start feeling a bit perkier tomorrow. That one can make them feel sleepy. Signs of pain are slow moving and tense, panting, etc. Definitely make sure he's eating and drinking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MercyA Posted April 18, 2019 Share Posted April 18, 2019 If I'm not sure if pain medication is needed, I'd rather err on the side of giving it. Hope your pup recovers quickly! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegasus Posted April 19, 2019 Author Share Posted April 19, 2019 Update on the old pup. He's doing really well. He is eating and drinking like normal and finally moving things out in the other direction (sorry!). He is perkier and happier. . .unless we have the cone of shame on him, which he must have if we can't sit right by him and watch every move he makes to keep him from chewing out the stitches. Trying to give him time with Kongs and chew bones while he is being supervised so he can get some breaks from the cone. Thanks, everyone! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MercyA Posted April 19, 2019 Share Posted April 19, 2019 Sometimes you can have your dog wear an old t-shirt instead of the cone of shame to cover up the stitches, depending on where they're at! So glad your pup is feeling better. 🙂 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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