Poor little Harry has been through the mill today

[Elle]

He was neutered and microchipped, but thanks to you guys and your suggestions the other day, I also asked the vet to check for any retained puppy teeth and also to check Harry's anal glands as he's been scooting recently.

Well, the vet found one puppy tooth and extracted it, and also said his anal glands did need expressing as they were quite full. Thankfully the vet just charged us for the neuter and chipping and didn't charge extra for the tooth extraction and 'AG express'!

But my little boy just makes me cry, he's been trembling and looking sooooo miserable and uncomfortable ever since we got home a couple of hours ago. Although sometimes he's lying down, sometimes he's just standing up with his rear end, but resting his neck and chin on the ground :-(

I even rang the vet to ask him if there's anything I could do, and he just said that Harry's had a long acting painkiller and will be fine, and that Chis take a lot longer to get the anaesthetic out of their tiny bodies.

He's in a 3ft square xpen in the living room with us, and has a choice of beds, as well as water and even a very small amount of fresh lamb cut into minuscule pieces, in case he gets hungry.

But it's purgatory just sitting here watching my baby being so uncomfortable and unhappy :-(

He has to go back to have his stitches removed in 10 days, and has to stay on a lead when outdoors, until then.

[Paula]

Aw poor little Harry. And poor you too, hun. I know how hard it is to see them uncomfortable. I'm very glad he's home with you now and that all went well. He'll be much better tomorrow, I'm sure, and before you know it he'll be his usual happy self. Give him a kiss and a cuddle for me. xx

[Sarah]

Aww poor Harry he is prob just a bit shocked I remember after daisys spay she sat bolt up right for hours couldn't relax

[Hollie]

Aw poor baby I hope he starts feeling himself again soon. I think its better that you got the stitches that have to be removed, I've had bad experience with the disolvable ones not disolving and going infected. I'm glad that the surgery went well xxx

[Lucy]

Aww poor, Harry. I didn't know it was today! So glad it went smoothly and the vet extracted the tooth and got his anal glands done too!
I think they all react differently but he shouldn't be in too much pain with the pain killer. Kiki and Chaos were absolutely fine and wanted to play as usual whereas Gambit took about 2 days to recover. He had loads of teeth out and was dribbling, it was awful seeing him like that so I know where you're coming from!

Hopefully Harry will be feeling a little better tomorrow. His dinner sounds yummy!

[brodysmom]

Ring the vet and see if you can give him some extra meds for pain. The play bow position, also called the 'praying' position you describe is a sign of severe pain. Hope he's feeling better soon.

[Lucy]

Did they not send him home with pain killers? My vets always do just in case and also for the next few days. Hopefully they did for Harry x

[brodysmom]

Ok, just looked up more on the prayer position as that ticked off a red flag when you said he was doing that .... Here's what one site said ..... (I'd definitely ring your vet and tell them what he is doing). Little dogs rarely bloat, but it does sound like has a very sore belly.

Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook

ACUTE PAINFUL ABDOMEN (may include Bloat)

THE ACUTE abdomen can be an emergency.

This condition is characterized by the sudden onset of abdominal pain along with vomiting, retching, extreme restlessness and inability to find a comfortable position, whining and crying, grunting and labored breathing. The abdomen is extremely painful when pressed on.

A characteristic position sometimes seen is one in which the dog's chest rests against the floor with the rump in the air (prayer position). As the condition advances, the dog's pulse becomes weak and thready, the mucus membranes pale and the dog goes into shock.

One of the following may be the cause:
Bloat
Torsion of the stomach and intestines
Urinary stones
Trauma to the abdomen with internal injury
Rupture of the bladder
Poisoning
Rupture of the pregnant uterus
Peritonitis
Acute pancreatitis
Intestinal obstruction

Veterinarians will tell you that a dog with Bloat or any other form of acute abdomen is critically ill and should have immediate veterinary attention.