Major Digestive Issues / Partial Obstruction

Hi Steven, poor little Hannah its hard enough to send our pups off to the vet for surgery without this happening.

I can only give you advice from a human perspective, but it sounds like she could have an internal infection. Infections can happen even in the cleanest surgeries so it is no reflection on your vet. A blood test would be the first step in a human - has she been tested recently? Sometimes different types of antibiotics need to be trialled before the right combination is found, esp for the more difficult internal infections. It does sound like her first response could be a drug reaction, but it can also be a sign of infection.

I think Lahree's Ellie was very sick after her spay, maybe Lahree can give you insight into Ellies problems.
 
I hope there is good news about Hannah today...
To answer LovelyHannah question, yes, complications of abdominal surgeries can show up later, I have seen perforated bowel covered by a flap of fatty tissue that did not blow in everybody face till several days after surgery...
Caro, I disagree regarding infection of surgical wound... had we been told that it is puppy mill rescue with multiple issues, ok, had Hanna, just like Che, jumped in a muddy dirty pond 24 hrs after surgery and required 2 full bath to clean her up, yeah, but in absence of mentioned above infection in surgical site directly linked to sloppiness of the surgeon and OR people. Happens- yes, would it be a big red flag for me- yes.
Here is how my mind would work knowing what we were told.
Partial obstruction due to lets say linear foreign body that is tied up somewhere is generally chronic issue with unexplained bouts of vomiting, constipation and some diarrhea. It would have to be present before surgery so not likely a reason.
Full obstruction is possible after recent abdominal surgery but not due to foreign body. Diarrhea or any stool with full obstruction will be a sign of resolved obstruction and a very welcome sign. That is why I would do blood work and x rays right away. Would I do it on every dog that vomiting and has diarrhea- nope. The one that just had abdominal surgery and has infection in the wound- yep, right away.
Would I question correct dose of abx, appr for age, weight and severity of the infection- yes. Can Clavamox be most likely reason for severe abdominal distress and dehydration as result- very likely.
Would I feed dog that has vomiting and diarrhea- no. Feeding pattern is unclear in this story, just mention that vet has changed multiple food and meds...
Let us know how Hannah is feeling today, adding my wishes for the good news today.
 
I must say that I am extremely disappointed in how judgemental and critical some of you have been based merely on your own assumptions and not fact. You all have taken this as an argument, of which I have no desire or energy to return jabs. I have lost a black lab from a misdiagnosis and treatment by a poor vet. This is not the case here. Perhaps it is my fault for not explaining symptoms and a timeline more clearly, but I will now leave this forum even more frustrated than I joined and entered. So save your rants about vets, Hill Science Diet, and other soapbox issues for threads where people are not worried about their pets dying please.

As for the rest of you kind folks, thank you all again for the well-wishes. And, I will still post an update about Hannah's health, and feel free to email or message me directly. This forum has just added too much stress to an already overwhelming situation.
 
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Could there also be a possibility that since her immune system was weakened by her spay and infection, she picked up a stomach virus?

Everyone here has the right to their opinions and feelings, but it is disrespectful to the OP to state assumptions as facts. Let's have a little consideration for poor Hannah and hope she makes a full recovery.

LovelyHannah, I hope Hannah gets a proper diagnosis today and I hope she has an easy and fast recovery. Please keep us updated.
 
I'm so sorry for what Hannah is going through. Believe me, I've lived the nightmares of sick dogs, with undiagnosed illnesses.

I'm also sorry if you took the "debate" as being argumentative and critical. We really are a good bunch here, with good intentions. But we also do have strong opinions. The problem with email and forums is that we sometimes write things too quickly without taking into consideration to how it might be perceived.

For what its worth, I would be looking for an internal "nick" somewhere which may now have gotten infected, or is bleeding internally. Whatever it is, it MUST be dealt with immediately. I'm not sure why your vet wanted to wait overnight to do an Xray, but if she hasn't done one yet, I insist or try another vet.
 
Hi Steven and welcome to the forum... I was thinking all the thoughts you said, so I'm glad you said it! :) I just wanted to say I hope that you get good news and find some answers from your vet today... I also was thinking about Hannah today and was just checking in to see if there was any news... I'm hoping all good stuff... it's always so stressful when your baby is sick and especially when you don't know why.

Sending prayers down your way!
Kerri
 
How is Hannah today? I work for a general surgeon and have seen infections develop in the incisional area (or wounds as we call them) even though every precaution has been taken. They are sometimes difficult to diagnose and treat. If she had been obstructed, then she would have not been passing stools or flatus (gas). She was on an antibiotic and dogs and people can very easily develop these types of symptoms. Antibiotics, although good, can be very rough on an internal system.

Incisional infections can be difficult to treat, as can infections in the intestines. Hopefully, your vet will have been able to diagnose the problem and get her on the best course of treatment.

Keep us updated on how she is doing. We all care very much about each other's babies.
 
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