Can anyone provide sympathy and advice for me and Darcy, my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? He had his operation last week and is very sorry for himself. I've been told that he can't play off lead outside, so he is a bundle of pent up energy - outside being his favorite place. He is sore but still wants to play with my other dog Cleo, and Cleo is soo interested in licking his stitches. I feel like I'm constantly saying 'no' and anxiously watching him. I'm regretting having had him 'done' and feel guilty. What are other peoples experiences? When will things be back to normal? Will he be the same dog? (some of my friends are saying not)

Mine have always recovered really quickly, both boys and girls, so please don't worry too much, just watch him in case the stitches get really uncomfortable. If you leave them in too long they start to irritate, but subsequent check-ups and stitch removal are usually included in the cost of the op, so phone your vet if you're really worried. However, if he does need more antibiotics they will charge you for them.

Don't feel guilty, you are sparing him the aggro of active male hormones in an environment that is not geared up to them.  He will be the same dog; it takes a couple of months for the hormones to settle down and you will not notice any "change" as such, just him growing up.

If he has too much energy, cut his food down a little for the time being or at least reduce the protein level. He can go out for walks on the lead, so take him somewhere new and exercise his brain --- that can be just as tiring as physical exercise.

It took Hudson about 10 days before he was okay to have the buster collar off and be allowed to leap around like a mad thing :D Don't worry, Darcy will be fine, tell him he should be thankful he isn't an Alaskan Malamute like Hudson ..now they have LOADS of energy :D :D