Your pet has just undergone a surgery involving the removal of a foreign body in his stomach and/or small intestine. To perform this, we had to apply incisions at certain areas along the inner lining of the intestinal tract (enterotomy). Due to possible extensive damage to the small intestine, a portion of the small intestine might have been removed (enterectomy). A variety of complications can result from such a procedure: endotoxic choc (due to bacterial invasion of the circulatory system and/ or production of bacterial toxins), leaking of gastric and/or intestinal liquid in the abdomen with subsequent development of peritonitis (infection of the peritoneal cavity), rupture of the wounds of the intestinal tract, necrosis (death) of an intestinal segment i.e. ileum (which can lead to stopping of intestinal peristalsis), stenos (diminishment of the intestinal tract diameter) with consequential obstruction (rare) along with `Short intestinal syndrome` (mainly malnutrition, diarrhea, and loss of weight) when more than 70-80% of the small intestine has been removed. The above complications can lead to the death of the animal at hand. A long term effect includes the formation of adherences in the abdominal cavity, which depending on their localization can inhibit the proper movement of intestinal flow. Concerning the prognosis, it is generally good in absence of peritonitis and if no extensive resections were performed.
Your animal is now ready to return home! To ensure the best healing process possible, we strongly encourage following the recommendations below:
- In order to control and prevent infections, we have prescribed an antibiotic.
- In order to control any post-surgical pain or discomfort, we have prescribed a pain-killer.
- In order to assure an adequate regime limiting the tension that can be imposed on the wounds of the intestinal tract, it is recommend to feed your animal special diet. It is important to effectuate a gradual transition period of about one to two weeks.
- In order to control gastric acidity and/or vomiting, we have prescribed an anti-acid.
- The stitches or surgical staples must be removed within 10 t0 14 days. Up until their removal, it is important that your animal wears its Elizabethan collar at all times.
- It is extremely important to keep your animal at rest, at least until the removal of the stitches or surgical staples.
- Keep an eye out for any of the following symptoms: apathy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort and/or pain. In any of the above cases, contact-us immediately.
- Keep an eye out for any signs of redness, swelling, seeping, and appearance of pain and/or discomfort on the wound.
There is no need to worry if your animal doesn`t pass a stool throughout the first few days following the surgery; this can be due to the effects of the general anesthesia and/or due to the fact that he hasn`t eaten very much in the last few days. If many days pass, and your animal still hasn`t produced any stools or if your animal is having trouble (i.e. forcing) to produce stools, please contact us.