How much pain can a small dog handle (from surgery)?

Question

My 5lb yorkie-poo is scheduled to have surgery tomorrow and I am very worried about it. She has to be spayed, have teeth extracted, all 4 paws have to be fixed surgically (nail growth problem), and she has to be completely shaved to check a growth on her hip, which they may surgically remove if need be.
The vet has to do everything at once because she was knocked out before we got her and due to complications related to that, they don't want to put her under again. It will be a long surgery and she will have pain all over her body when she wakes up.
She really needs to have these things done because she has an infection, but I'm very concerned about her recovery.
Do you think a small dog can handle it? I'm going to request pain killers for her, but other than that, what can I do to help relieve her pain?

Well, tomorrow it will be a week since her surgery. She's still not 100%, but she's walking around & moving now. I asked the vet about extra pain relief for her and he suggested Metacam, so I paid extra for the injection because the vet said it controls pain for 3 days. It helped alot because it made her drowsy and she slept alot. She had some minor bleeding from the incision site, and she was still a little shaky yesterday, but each day she's been showing improvement. I'm glad that I requested the extra pain medication for her, because w/o it I don't believe that she would have done as well.
I would like to thank everyone who answered for your suggestions and your support. I really appreciate it!

Answer 1

Oh, I am very sorry for you and your little dog... I wish you both the best!

Trust the vet to give her good pain meds. Just tell them you want her to be as comfortable as possible, and they will... One of my male Bostons (6 years old) just went in for tooth cleaning, extractions, neutering, and an overall check-up. They did it all at once, with pre-op bloodwork, since he'd never been put under before, and I was scared to death. He handled it fine, and was actually pretty perky when I went to get him. The vet sent him home with a good dosage of pain meds and some antibiotics. Let's see... That was three days ago. Despite having himself violated in so many ways, he is already back to his old self today. It will take a bit longer for your female to recover from being spayed, but she will get through it. I believe that the smallest dogs are often the toughest! They can have incredible constitutions...

Pamper the tar out of her, give her very soft places to sleep where she doesn't have to climb or jump, keep her dishes nearby, and just let her know that you are there for her. That will help her immensely. Give her her meds in a small dab of peanut butter or something else soft that she really likes as a special treat.

Also, ask the vet for specific ways to alleviate some of the pain, though the pain meds do a pretty good job of that by themselves. Most vets these days are very much into pain control, and will have good suggestions for you.

Again, best of luck to you, and I hope all goes smoothly and quickly! Please edit your post if you get the chance and let us know how she did...

Answer 2

This is inbuilt into the Greyhound and even more with an ex-racer. I'd suggest your sister needs to go back to Greyhound Rescue and tell them what's happened, and TAKE THEIR ADVICE re muzzling. I'd not want this dog in my home again but frankly what she does with him and her other dogs is really her business much as I realise it's hard to just sit back and wait for the next event. I would just say that a friend of mine bought a new Whippet, who within weeks of coming to her, caught and killed a feral kitten in their garden. She was horrified as she had 3 cats of her own at the time. However, he never did it again. She also now has a rescued ex-racer Grey. and he's fine, wears no muzzle. Add - I am assuming the other 3 dogs are living with her and the Greyhound in her home? Not with you where the cat lived? It's not very clear!! If the 3 dogs are with you/your parent/same home as where the cat lived, then you'd be wise to stop her bringing the Grey onto your property without a muzzle.

Answer 3

I Think It will cause Her Enough pain To Remove The Infection....
Just Pray That when She Wakes She should Be Better...

It's Good Thing U Scheduled For Surgery Bec. u Saved Her Life. If U couldn't Have Done That The Infection may Cause Her Too Much Pain

Answer 4

My own Yorkie poo sat tensed in a corner the night after her spaying; I don't know how much your dog would feel.
If all of her surgeries work fine, she will most likely be in pain and will probably need injections for nutrition. I wouldn't touch her too much either; it could cause more pain.
Are you sure there is nothing that can wait for later? like the paws? I'm sure your vet knows what is best; ask him/her if you think it is too much

Answer 5

That is alot of surgery...Poor baby!

I'm sure the vet will give her pain killers for when she is at home.. I am a retired nurse, and worked in pediatrics for several years... Kids tolerate pain better than adults, because they don't dwell on it..they think about other things....

Animals seem to be the same way..they don't know that they should think about their pain, so they don't dwell on it...

Last year my pup was hit by a car..there wasn't a bone in his body that wasn't sore, and ribs were cracked and shoulder broken...He didn't lay around very long..he was up and trying to do all that I would allow in just a couple of days....I had to make him stay still....so, he didn't think of pain the way we do..

I hope this helps.

Answer 6

i think that your dog will probably be able to handle it. all these problems to be fixed simply require relatively minor and routine surgeries that have been performed on pet dogs around the world. painkillers would probably help it cope a lot with the pain, and you might have to prepare a mush for it to eat while it recovers from having 4 teeth pulled out.

the ability of the dog to cope with these surgeries would probably have more to do with its health rather than with its size... a large dog would probably suffer as much pain from having all the procedures performed on it as well. i think your presence will provide her with a lot of comfort in the midst of fighting off the infection. do spend more time with it while she's recovering. stroking and talking to her will help her to relax and may even boost her immune system.

all the best. :)

Answer 7

I'm so sorry you have to go through this, and your puppy too! (I love your picture by the way, the kitten, soo adorable) They should give you really good pain medication for her. I don't mean, they "should" but they will give you good medication. I don't think theres that much you can do, but give her your divine love...just lover her, but don't get her too excited. Just lay with her and pet her and if you can, hold her on your lap and just give her your unconditional love. They can actually feel it, your love. I hope all goes well! Good luck tomorrow! Feel better puppy :)

Answer 8

they will have a i.v. linked up so the dog will be awake but feeling great. after healing some, they give you meds to give the dog that will make them feel no pain. majority of meds used are the same as we get but smaller doses.

Answer 9

WHAT pain?? You've never heard of anesthesia?
Aftercare is mostly...LEAVE HER ALONE!

BTW,sure slaps the B-S of "Mutts are healthier",doesn't it???

Answer 10

it will depend on age and health of your dog but your poor doggy . best wishes and good luck