Caring for a Dog After a Gastroplastic Surgery

The care your dog receives after gastroplastic surgery affects his recovery rate. In humans, gastroplastic surgery refers to having one's stomach stapled for the purposes of losing weight. A dog, however, get his stomach stapled to correct a serious gastric condition known as bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). The severity of this condition varies among dogs. To ensure an effective recovery, speak with your veterinarian about the followup medication, restrictions and recommendations specific to your dog's case.

  1. Gastroplastic Surgery & Bloat

    • Bloat is a potentially fatal, and excruciatingly painful, condition whereby your dog's stomach literally twists over on itself like a towel being wrung dry. Dogs with deep chests are especially prone to the condition, although rapid eating or drinking, or exercising too soon after eating or drinking, increases the risk. If the condition is caught within a few hours, a veterinarian can surgically untwist the stomach and staple it to the inside of the dog's abdominal cavity. This holds the stomach in place and prevents it from twisting in the future. Unlike the surgical staples used on a dog's leg or paw, the staples your vet uses for this surgery remain there permanently.

    Electrolyte Stabilization

    • The inside of your dog's stomach is rich in blood vessels, which causes significant blood and fluid loss during gastroplastic surgery. To maintain proper heart function and electrolyte levels, your vet will give your dog IV fluids while he stays in the hospital for one or more days for observation. Your dog can begin drinking water in measured amounts, once the vet says his potassium levels are stable. Provided he isn't vomiting from the anesthesia, most dogs are ready to begin drinking on their own within 48 hours of surgery.

    Small Meals

    • Eating and drinking rapidly increase the chances of bloat and make it difficult for your dog to digest his food. As with any gastric procedure, a bland, easily digestible diet, such as chicken and rice, is best for recovering. Feed your dog three or four small meals throughout the day. Eating too much too quickly aggravates the stomach lining and makes it difficult for the tissue to heal.

    Water Spacing

    • If you've ever accidentally dropped a piece of kibble in your dog's water bowl, you know how quickly it expands. Separating your dog's eating from his drinking prevents his food from swelling up like a sponge and straining his stomach lining. Wait at least an hour after your dog eats to let him drink. The goal is to space out his drinking, not reduce his fluid consumption. If he seems especially thirsty, remove his bowl for five or 10 minutes before giving him another drink. His total water intake should remain the same, just spread out over a longer period.

    Restrict Exercise

    • Playing ball and wrestling with other dogs prevents your dog's surgical site from healing properly. Vigorous activity causes friction and movement between his stomach and the abdominal cavity to which it's stapled. Until the vet advises otherwise, limit your dog's activity to a few bathroom breaks each day. Occupy high-energy dogs with hidden-treat puzzle games or vet-approved, non-edible chew treats. Avoid any squeaky toys or stuffed animals that excite your dog.