Long time no see!

I have a 4 yr old male Dutch Shepherd, that I just had neutered, about a week ago. Anyone that knows the breed, knows how much they hate sitting still, even in small spaces. He just got his stitches out today, and has successfully pulled part of it open. Upon doing so it drained a significant amount of blood mixed with a clear fluid, I'd say probably about 3 or 4 fluid oz. It did that and a few minutes later it stopped, and has only dribbled a little bit now and again.

Obviously, I immediately contacted the vet and even sent pictures in so they could see what I was looking at. They told me that since he was on antibiotics, and had a history of not being able to limit his activity, just to monitor it, and let it continue to drain until it heals up.

I asked about using VetBond tissue adhesive, and they said not to use it while he's on antibiotics, and its draining. That seems counter intuitive to me, since alot of vets use it to close the incision instead of using staples or sutures, or a combination of.

How long should I wait for it to drain before I glue it up? Or should I glue it up at all, and just wait it out? He has 2 more days of antibiotics then he's done, he's been on them for the past 3 days.

It's been 8 days now since he was neutered.

Any advice?

Follow your vets advice.

Hey Ben, nice to see you here again

Hi Bem, I also would follow the Vets advice and I'd observe the animal well. The Vets normally let it drain, because the animal needs to get rid of that fluid. I've had to neuter throughout my life more than twenty cats and four dogs. They all had this for a while.

THOUGH a 5th dog had the same symptom PLUS was obviously feeling bad, became lethargic. So we consulted the Vet immediately again. She had fever and he gave her an antibiotic and a remedy against fever. But some hours later she died.

So don't worry too much, but be observant how the animal reacts on the whole. If she has fever or seems sick then consult the Vet again if you trust him. Be critical and get a second opinion if you see the dog is feeling bad and it is getting worse.

Testing

I responded to this last night, 2 devices, would not post.

I've got a Kong doughnut collar on him to prevent licking, and I'm giving him 100mg of Trazodone to slow him down a little bit (after vet's approval, he's 71 lbs). It doesn't slow him down much, but I guess anything is better then nothing. He lies down most of the day within about 12 feet of me so I can keep a close eye on him. He eats and drinks his normal amounts, so he's definitely kept his appetite.

He's used to running around the house and yard like a hooligan, I can tell hes just waiting for the ok to go bonkers again.

Thanks for the advice, I'll give it another week, and if there is no improvement, back to the vets I go. I would hope by then there would be.

Nice to see everyone again!

Wish you and your dog all good luck. I know such times are difficult so difficult because we see the animal suffering or being bored and we can't do much, unless making it a bit easier for him. That's what you're doing and you'll see when have to take further steps.

The Picture of Cassy and Leo is incredibly sweet!!! Let us know, how the patient is doing.

Well, so far so good. It appears as though the incision is closing like its supposed to. Even though he has figured out how to get his doughnut off despite the fact that its attached to his collar! He is a smart one.

I'm waiting for him to start hiding it on me after he's taken it off, that would be icing on the cake!

Cassy has been doing great. We have decided that she is part cow, with her affinity for eating grass, and black and white markings.

So nice to hear that everything seems to develop in the positive direction. Love your cow! Lol!

Update: His incision site has closed up completely, and seems to be healing the way it's supposed to. Didn't use the glue at all, I'll just keep it on hand. He has been bored to tears, but I think a few more days, and I can set him loose on the world. I know he is aching for a good run!

Thanks everyone!