constipation/surgery

[gmhr1]

My dog had surgery Monday afternoon last bowel movement was monday am. He came home tuesday, he's eating drinking urinating, is on tramadol for pain. But no bowel movement. I called the vets office they said sometimes it may take a few days for his system to straighten out and as long as he is not straining dont worry, but I am. Is this normal, what would be the best to give him to help move things along?
Thanks Cindy

[NateB]

I would not worry until the first of next week. If surgery was on the rectal/colon area then I would be concerned earlier. I would NOT suggest using any over the counter enema products unless recommended by the veterinarian. All pain meds can slow the GI tract, but never had a problem when my dog was on tramadol.
Give him the weekend and relax, your stress will make him nervous. And that's the last thing he needs.

Good luck

[gmhr1]

Thank You , it was shoulder surgery, when he airs out he loves to do themacho thing and kick his hind legs and dig with his front feet, I think he may be afraid because of the pain, he doesn't act like he has to go. I will be patient.
Cindy

[lablover]

Put him in the room with your newest rug.

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

[lab-a-holic]

You can try putting some steamed broccoli in his food or some canned pumpkin. Also, since surgery kills a lot of the good bacteria in the intestinal tract you could give him probiotics for a while, or some plain yogurt.

[thunderdan]

Cindy,

I remember when my yellow had his shoulder surgery it was the same thing. My vet said it was a combination of the trama from the surgery and the pain killers. It took him about week to get his system straightened out.

Hang in there

Dan

[gmhr1]

Thanks we are on week 2 post op The vet told me to mix in a little metamucil and it worked they said same thing, all the drugs really slow down the GI tract
Cindy