so I appreciate the advice too! I am so nervous about the anesthesia! She can not reach her belly to lick at the stitches, so I am not worried about her licking them out, but do the stictches need to be covered? Like with a t-shirt or something soft?

Cathy

They should not be covered. You want to not only be able to see them easily, the warmth and moisture (perspiration) would be a feeding ground for possible infection...best to just wipe her with a clean damp cloth after she comes in from peeing, or use a babywipe if you must, but generally keeping the belly clean and dry is best (no powder either).

What type of pain med they'll give for her post-op. Kano got tramadol (we avoid rimadyl with her because she has lupus). She was pretty stoned the first day, pretty uncomfy the second day, and difficult to keep calm after that! lol I gave her pain med on day 3 and 4 more for me than for her.
Good thoughts for your girl.


Olivia/Kano/Q-Ball

here's a few things to keep in mind. Only feed small meal (1/2 or less if she wants to eat at all)that first night after surgery and limit water to small amounts at one time also that first day. Afterward, feed normally, and give pills with food which may slow down absorption but also make it easier on her stomach. Avoid stairs for the first week, and only out to pee/poop and lots of rest, no jumping around. Check incision site for any unusual redness/swelling/odor. Some minor leakage is possible but it should end within 48hrs. Remember that her belly may look "healed" but it takes a bit longer to heal on the inside thus no roughhousing/wrestling for 10-14days minimum or until sutures are removed (if they do need to be removed).

Be sure that she has no food late this evening and nothing tomorrow. Less food/water in her now means less possible vomit. It doesn't hurt to remind the technicians, when you take her in the morning, to watch her closely when recovering from anesthesia as she may want to vomit...be sure she doesn't inhale any vomit...needs to be wiped out of her mouth immediately and ideally have her head tipped forward/downward so it runs "out".

With good care and good luck she should be fine.