Tessa was spayed 8 days ago. She never touched her stitches and was lively and alert on walks, doing her business fine.
But, since she's been back from the operation, she's been turning her nose up at her food. She always used to be a good eater, and having two dogs, they usually tend to swallow their food as quick as possible.
I first attributed it to her feeling uncomfortable so i mentioned it to my vet. She gave her an anti-inflammatory injection but said she couldn't see anything worrying about her (no temperature, abdomen feeling normal, being alert and lively when stimulated...). I did think she was a little more subdued then usual, sleeping a lot and keeping to herself. Anyway, the injection did nothing. So I ruled out the possibility that she was in pain.
She still wouldn't eat. I don't want to give in to a fussy dog so I just kept taking the bowl away after a while even if she hadn't touched it. But after 2 whole days or starvation, I just resigned myself to soak her food in warm water to try and tease her appetite. Reluctantly, she ate it. But not in the evening. Could it be that she's just playing me up? Should I persevere and hope she'll eventually eat again? I know the fact that she doesn't exercise at the moment may make her feel less hungry... But you should see her face when I give her her bowl : like I'm going to abandon her on the side of a road!
Also, another "new thing", i've noticed that when I use certain words with her like "what is it, baby?" she starts making the same sort of face (big eyes, ears right back) and even starts shaking until I give her a cuddle! Am I being manipulated??....

To me it does sound like something is wrong. The not eating I'd definitely worry about if I had a dog that previously had wolfed the food down. The behaviour with the shaking etc sounds to me like she's had a bad experience of some sort, probably to do with the surgery. I would go back to the vet again if it was my dog. Anti-inflammatories doesn't necessarily kill pain. But first, what not try something REALLY nice food wise to see if it makes a difference? Not boring dry food but something like Natures Menu or raw meat or anything similar that is simply irresistible. If she doesn't even eat that more than once, then you can be pretty certain she's not right.

She does eat tit bits happily enough. But I see what you mean and I'll see my vet again. Thanks

having never had a spayed bitch I feel Icomment specifically...but 8 days in is still early days seen as you have had her re-checked at the vets and he isnt worried.. I would think she is after a bit of TLC...bit of fussing, I would give her some  fresh meat mixed with her food a drop of goats milk/water to keep her fluids up and lots of cuddles she will be feeling herself soon .
I always think spaying is a big op although a common op to vets as they do so many.

Hope she is better soon

roni

I agree, my mum had a hysterectomy years ago and I remember in how much pain she was with morphine etc. I do realize it's a big op. I'll try to tempt her but just don't want her to become fussy or manipulative!

I would give her something she will eat and enjoy,she has been through an opp and needs to be fussed for a while untill she returns to her old self.
After my dog was spayed she did eat as soon as she could as starving.
I would take her back to the vet if she does not return to her old self in case there is a problem.

I guess all bitches can react differently to operations, some may feel queezy after a general for a day or so, some not affected at all, some will feel pain, some just get on with it. For me 8 days on, does seem a lengthy time for her to still not be eating properly, I've never personally known a bitch to not wish to eat properly so long after an op, it does make me wonder also if she has any pain. I guess she could just be a sulker, all sorts of things can upset appetites maybe as you have suggested not having her walks is having an effect on her also.  I put a T-shirt on my girl and fastened it with a hair clip to protect her stitches and took her for a little walk about,  perhaps you could do this it might buck her up a little. :-)

Personally, I would give her 2 weeks grace and offer her things like chicken wings, chicken, minced meat with rice, maybe her body is craving more protein to heal which is why she is turning her nose up at dry food, much as a bitch in whelp often does. Our bodies often turn on and off things our bodies sometimes do the thinking for us, I doubt she is being manipulative, just not fancying certain foods.  I wouldn't wish my bitch to lose weight, so I guess until she has had her last vet check I would pamper to her needs, then if all is well internally, you can dig your heals in and she gets what you offer or nothing.

Thanks Carrington, made a lot of sense!