Dog Community

maltese--congestion after spay operation

Posted : 5/20/2006 2:11:00 PM

Hi,
I have a Maltese we rescued (unsure of how old she was at that time). We recently got her spayed, and since then, she's had fairly severe congestion...she is snorting so deeply that I sometimes worry she is having trouble breathing. I am under the impression that Maltese in general have breathing problems, and at first thought this was normal or even a little doggie cold she caught at the vet. However, she's had this congestion for 2 weeks now, and I am somewhat worried. Maybe this is somehow related to malpractice by the vet? Or maybe it triggered some sort of illness? You tell me.

The congestion comes in spurts, generally becoming prevalent when she becomes active. As she lays at my feet now, she is silent.

Anyhow, I am wondering if this is something serious. We don't have money to do any major operations. But, if this is very serious and can be remedied now w/ a minor investment of money, I suppose we can do it.

Please let me know your thoughts.

willowchow

Posted : 5/20/2006 2:35:02 PM

I know that people can be effected with respiratory problems and throat problems after being intubated for the anesthesia. And, I'm pretty sure it can happen in dogs too. I'd call the vet and explain and see what they say. I don't think it's something that would need surgery to be taken care of.

ihavezippers

Posted : 5/20/2006 2:47:41 PM

Will this go away naturally then? My vet is a businessman first and foremost. They will have me come in and nickel and dime me for everything. I can put up with it if this will go away eventually.

forpaws

Posted : 5/20/2006 3:33:35 PM

If it were my dog, I would take it to the vet. A respitory problem after surgery could be a sign of penomia or a complication there of stemming from after the surgery which does happen on occassion. I cannot tell you if it is directly related to the surgery since I am not a veterinarian only he/she could advise you of this, and therefor a malpractice suit would be based on circumstances and an attorney of law could better direct you on that question.

I would have her looked at if she is not breathing well, not eating, drinking, not acting right or her normal self, fever, vomiting and if her gums are blue. That is what I would do.

willowchow

Posted : 5/20/2006 3:51:26 PM

I agree with everything that's been said, you should at least let them know what's going on.

IMHO, you also should find a vet that you are more comfortable with so if you need one in the future you won't be so hesitant to call.

Just curious--Didn't the vet re-check her so many days or weeks after surgery?? Was this going on then?? I know Willow went back I think 7-10 days later. I know Willow was done later in life and she needed more sedation due to the longer surgery. So, possibly if you're dog is a little older that could be effecting things too.