Oh how I can relate!
My toy fox terrier, Madeline, was spayed yesterday. And not only was I a nervous wreck for the entire weekend leading up to her surgery, but I am still completely overwhelmed.
Maddie is 3 years old and is rather mature considering most female dogs that are spayed are under a year of age. I would've had her spayed before her first heat as I understand that the risk for pyometra and mammary tumors is greatly reduced (if not fully eradicated) when a female dog is spayed prior to her first estrous cycle, but she has had a tendency to have sensitivities and adverse reactions to both medications and vaccines. But she has had some other health concerns as a direct result of her not being spayed and the risks to do the surgery became less than the risks not to. We had many, many consultations with area vets at our veterinarian's request and we settled on a clinic that has had experience with high-risk spay surgeries in high-risk animals. And we finally had her spayed yesterday. And, while I'm still overwhelmed and hyper vigilant, Madeline made it through her surgery without a hitch and has been home recuperating since late yesterday afternoon.
We are now a full 24 hours out of the surgery. When we first brought Madeline home from the clinic she was still very groggy. It was horrible to see her in a weakened state and in pain, but I was reassured time and time again that she was recovering nicely and that she was right on track. We were told to offer Maddie a light meal when we returned home, but she did not manage to eat or drink anything until much later in the evening. Nausea is very common and it isn't unusual for dogs to refuse food or fluids for even a couple of days following the spay surgery. We were given some pain medication as well as an antibiotic for Madeline and that has helped keep her comfortable. She was very restless during the night and we both had a difficult time sleeping, but this morning she was much more herself. She needs to be kept calm and in a few days this will probably be near impossible, but for now she is content to rest. She is on a leash at all times to prevent her from jumping off of the furniture or playing with the other dogs and we are walking her versus allowing her to go outside alone. She is wearing a modified E-collar and seems comfortable for the most part. She is showing much more nausea and discomfort today, but she has perked up quite a bit and I am seeing glimpses of the Madeline I know and love. As with any surgery (for human or animal alike), it will take time for her to completely recover, but I am relieved that the surgery is done and that we're now on the other side.
It is horribly upsetting to have a pet be uncomfortable or in pain. And the fear of the "what if's" is almost unbearable at times. I'm still worried that we'll run into a problem and that I could possibly lose Madeline. And I worry constantly about her well-being. But, that being said, I am comforted by the fact that I did what a responsible pet owner would do for her beloved pet. And I know that I am doing everything in my power to help Maddie recover and recuperate as easily and comfortably as possible. I dreaded yesterday and am equally overwhelmed with worry today, but I know that she will be okay...even though I may need to be reminded of that fact a billion times between now and next month. And I know Star will be alright too (and anytime you need a quick reminder, you just let me know
).
I will be keeping you and your precious Star in my thoughts and prayers both tonight and going forward. And I'm sure Maddie can spare a positive thought or two as well. Please remember to take care of yourself during this time. Animals or not, our pets are our loved ones and it's difficult to watch them go through something and to know that we are powerless to help them. But we love them...and sometimes, just sometimes, that's more than enough...
