Postoperative signs in 96 dogs undergoing soft tissue surgery

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Behavior
• Surgical Recovery

Background:

• Day-case soft tissue operations are increasingly common in veterinary practice.
• Assessing post-operative recovery in dogs at home presents unique challenges.
• Understanding owner-reported signs is crucial for effective pain management and welfare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the behavioral changes and signs of pain in dogs recovering at home after day-case soft tissue surgery.
• To determine the duration and commonality of these post-operative signs.
• To investigate if the type of surgery influences the observed signs.

Main Methods:

• Owner-based assessment of 96 dogs over three days post-operation.
• Utilized behavioral observation and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain.
• Data collected on demeanor, mobility, activity levels, playfulness, and contact-seeking behavior.

Main Results:

• All dogs exhibited behavioral changes on the day of surgery; 85% showed changes by day two.
• Common changes included altered demeanor, reduced activity/playfulness, and increased need for contact.
• Pain was reported, with a median VAS of 43 mm on the day of surgery (range 0-95 mm).
• The type of soft tissue operation significantly impacted the observed signs.

Conclusions:

• Dogs experience significant behavioral changes and pain following day-case soft tissue surgery.
• Owner-reported assessments provide valuable insights into post-operative recovery.
• Tailoring post-operative care based on surgery type may improve canine welfare.