Operations on older dogs

Linguo

My dog Elvis needs to get his bits removed which is horrible, especially for him as he's very proud of them!

He's over 13, in amazing condition, but I am really worried about him having an op at such an old age. Has anyone out there had very old dogs who have had ops?Does it take them alot longer to recover?

Any info anyone has would be much appreciated

merryhappy

Hi Linguo,

I presume you've talked to your vet about this and they've informed you that Elvis will need pre-op blood tests and a heart checks before he goes inder the knife.

This is routine procedure for older animals on most veterinary clinics/hospitals.

Re recovery time, if he's just getting castrated I can't see his recovery time being longer then your average dog. Complications occur at every age, my wee fella was only 6 months when he got the op and he experienced abnormal swelling for about a week afterwards wereas as your fella could bounce back in a few days.

Good luck!

Graceland

Linguo wrote: »

My dog Elvis needs to get his bits removed which is horrible, especially for him as he's very proud of them!

He's over 13, in amazing condition, but I am really worried about him having an op at such an old age. Has anyone out there had very old dogs who have had ops?Does it take them alot longer to recover?

Any info anyone has would be much appreciated

The last dog I had was neutered and he was about 12 years old at the time. It had hardly any affect on him and he was back to his normal self in a day or two. I actually couldn't believe how quickly he recovered. I thought it would take him ages being an old dog, but he really surprised me.

Linguo

That's great really appreciate your points of view guys!:)

He's terrified of the vets so hope to make it as easy as we can for him!

Someone suggested tablets to help calm him so fingers crossed!

EGAR

Make sure your vet uses gas during the OP and not Ketamin injections. Also, do not give him anything on the day of the OP ("tablets"). The blood test and heart check is a MUST pre OP for older dogs so make sure he gets it.

Good luck!

fenris

Our black lab had a tumor removed from her lung when she was 12, big op, but she bounced back very quickly, don't think she ever forgave us for the indignity of the buster collar though!