Common Dog Surgery Questions: Procedures, Anaesthesia, Rehab & More

What Type of Anaesthesia Is Used for Dog Surgery?

The kind of anaesthesia your dog will receive depends on the type of surgery and the vet's preference. Minor surgeries can be performed under injectable sedation. Most other surgeries use a combination of gas anaesthesia, injectable anaesthetic drugs and local nerve blocks with lidocaine or bupivacaine. Surgeons performing certain procedures, such as surgery of the spine, hip or urinary system, may also use a spinal or epidural block, which blocks pain from specific areas of the body.

What Is the Typical Recovery Time After Dog Surgery?

Your dog's recovery time will depend on their overall health, age and the type of surgery they receive. It may only take a day or two for a dog to recover from a minor surgery, such as a mass removal, neuter, dental surgery or eye surgery. It can take days to weeks to recover if your dog is already sick or if they undergo a more invasive surgery.

It generally takes dogs the longest to recover from orthopedic and spinal surgeries because bone and nerve cells take longer to repair themselves. In the case of hip or knee surgery, total recovery and return to normal function can take six to eight months.

Recovery is very dependent on your dog taking it easy and following your veterinarian's recommendation to the letter. Your dog should keep quiet or be crated to rest while recovering. It's also very important to follow your vet's advice on medication during the recovery period to avoid complications or extending the recovery period in general.

Will My Dog Have to Wear the Cone of Shame?

The cone of shame is a nickname for the dreaded Elizabethan collar, a hard plastic cone that goes on a dog's neck to prevent them from interfering with the healing process after surgery. While dogs invariably hate the cone, it's crucial. Without it, your dog might chew out their stitches, remove bandaging and/or cause infection at the surgical site, leading to additional costly surgeries, medicine and pain.

There are alternatives to the plastic collar that your dog might prefer, including a fabric cone, surgical clothing and inflatable collars.

Will My Dog Need Rehab After Surgery?

Canine rehabilitation is a relatively new discipline in veterinary medicine. Vets are just starting to realise the benefits of providing physical therapy to dogs after they have surgery. Potential benefits of physical therapy include a smoother recovery, a faster return to normal function and less pain. Vets routinely recommend canine rehabilitation and physical therapy following orthopedic and spinal surgery, but they can also benefit dogs who've undergone other types of surgery. While your dog may not require physical therapy following surgery, it may help your dog get better sooner.

Not all veterinary practices offer rehabilitation. If you'd like to explore physical therapy following surgery, talk with your vet.

How Can I Use Nutrition to Support My Dog Post-Surgery?

Surgery can be hard on a dog's body, and good nutrition is an important component of recovery. After surgery, unless otherwise indicated, you can support healing by feeding your dog a complete and balanced dog food.

In some cases — such as with dogs who've had gastrointestinal surgery or dogs who are debilitated or have a poor appetite — your vet may recommend a special therapeutic food to aid in healing. Follow your vet's nutritional recommendations for post-surgery and be sure to call them if you have any questions or concerns about your dog's recovery.