Your pet has undergone surgery to obtain tissue samples from abdominal organs for microscopic analysis. Abdominal biopsies in animals help detect diseases that are invisible to the naked eye and provide a better understanding of your pet’s health condition.
Possible Complications After Surgery
After this procedure, several complications may arise. Their frequency and severity depend on the location of the samples and the condition of the area from which they were taken. Here are some possible complications:
- Bleeding in the abdomen, digestive tract, or urinary tract.
- Leakage of urine or gastric fluid into the abdomen, which may lead to peritonitis.
- Endotoxic shock caused by the invasion of the bloodstream by intestinal bacteria.
- Wound dehiscence (tearing) or intestinal stenosis, causing an obstruction (very rare).
The symptoms to watch for include: lethargy, loss of appetite, dehydration, vomiting, fever or hypothermia, pain, and abdominal distension. These signs may occur in the first few days following surgery and require immediate consultation if observed.
Precautions to Take After Surgery
- Antibiotics and Painkillers: An antibiotic and pain relief treatment has been prescribed to prevent infection and control pain.
- Mandatory rest: Make sure your pet rests for at least until the stitches or staples are removed, which is scheduled in 10 to 14 days.
- Elizabethan collar: Keep it in place until the stitches or staples are removed.
- Wound care: Monitor the wound for redness, swelling, oozing, or pain.
- Diet: Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for food, which should be tailored to your pet’s post-operative needs.
- Stool: It is normal for your pet not to have bowel movements for a few days after anesthesia. If the absence of stool persists or if your pet seems to be having difficulty, contact us.
Once the biopsy results are obtained, we will contact you to inform you of the diagnosis and the treatment plan to help your pet regain a good quality of life!
