7 month old puppy has fecal incontinence after spay surgery

Help! My 7-month-old puppy, Bella, just had her spay surgery a week ago, and ever since, she's been having these accidents that she never had before. I’m talking about full-on fecal incontinence, and I’m at a loss here. Before the surgery, she was completely house-trained and we didn't have any issues, but now, it’s like she has no control over her bowels. It's heartbreaking seeing her like this because I can tell she’s confused and embarrassed when it happens. She’s my little bundle of joy, and it’s so hard watching her struggle. I've been in touch with the vet, but they seem as stumped as I am and suggested that it might be unrelated to the surgery. Has anyone else experienced this with their puppy after spaying? Any advice or similar stories would be really appreciated. I'm just looking for some direction or hope that this will be okay.

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Answer

Thanks for your question. It's understandable to be concerned about your puppy's health following her spay surgery. Fecal incontinence, or the inability to control bowel movements, can sometimes occur after surgery due to several reasons.



One possible cause could be temporary nerve swelling or irritation as a result of the procedure. This generally resolves as the body heals. Another possibility could be stress-related changes in bowel habits, as surgery can be a stressful experience for pets.



To help your puppy at home, keep her living area clean and accessible, and make sure she has regular, easy access to outdoors. Maintaining a consistent feeding schedule with a high-quality diet can also help regulate her bowel movements.



However, it's crucial to monitor your puppy for any additional symptoms, such as persistent diarrhea, blood in the stool, or signs of pain, like whimpering or reluctance to move. If these symptoms appear or if the incontinence doesn't improve within a few days, it could be indicative of a more serious issue that needs immediate attention, such as an infection or internal complications.



Since each puppy is unique and situations can differ, I recommend booking a video consult with a Dial A Vet professional. They can provide specific insights and guidance tailored to your puppy's situation.

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Disclaimer: The customer and expert messages presented herein may have been altered with artificial intelligence or modified to enhance readability and safeguard the privacy of individuals. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately. Talk to a vet now.

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