I had my 7 month old golden bitch spayed last Thursday.She is getting over it well and is full of beans!she of course wants to play with my older male golden, but trying to keep her still whilst she heals inside is a nightmare.
The vet did give me some APT but I dont really like to give her them, has anyone had this same problem (I am sure some of you have)and how did you keep them quiet for, and when is safe for them to start acting normal again.
Her post op check was ok, but she is a bit swollen underneath today I suspect bruising.
Can anyone give me any advice on a natural remedy,stitches dont come out till Saturday.
Any advice gratefully received....of course it was easier with my male when he was done you could see his bits!!

Hi,
Arnica is usually the best for bruising, but any time I've had bitches spayed, I tend to give them arnica for a couple of days before and after the spay. 

Sarah.

Arnica thins the blood so whilst appropriate for a crush bruise is not always suitable for surgical wounds.  I would recommend checking with the vet first.  Of course, I am talking about herbal Arnica, you can give as much homoeopathic stuff as like ;)

I really don't know enough on the subject but I am aware of Arnica for bruising. One comment I would make on it thinning the blood is that a friend of mine was having a knee replacement.  Her doctor told her to start taking Arnica for a week prior to the surgery and then a week after, so I am a bit confused about this.

Fine if a doctor recommends it but only a qualified surgeon will know if it is appropriate, for instance, if it is an operation or individual where haemostatis is likely to be or was difficult.  All medication be it herbal or pharmaceutical has an affect on the body otherwise there would be no point :) but each effect can cause effects we have not counted on.

My vets administer arnica instead of rimadyl if my dogs ever go in which I continue at home.  They also give milk thistle to detoxify the liver from the anaesthetic.

Arnica ointment should only be used on unbroken skin.

My bitch is going to be spayed this week....does anyone know what sort of doses of arnica and milk thistle would be appropriate? She's a giant breed currently weighing around 50kg

I would check with your vet if is appropriate first.  They may well be able to advise you on dose.

I don't know enough about homeopathic remedies to advise anything, but it is very important your bitch is kept as quiet as possible and seperated from your other dog to ensure this if neccessary or crated to enforce rest.
Gentle quiet 5-10 min lead walks are ok from day 5 till the stitches come out but she should refrain from rushing and jumping around until the stitches are out as the wound can break down or you can get complications until this time.
I know it seems the longest 10 days on record as I had trouble keeping my hyper bitch quiet, but it is worth the effort and the 10 days do finally come to an end I promise.

Bev

Homoeopathic remedies are not weight dependant, it is practically impossible to OD on them especially in the short term (overuse over a long period can create the problem you are trying to cure) this is the way they work.

What you are looking for is potency which is expressed in a number of ways but generally as C in the UK. 

Milk thistle again is not really weight dependant.  You can take it yourself if you have a binging session coming on or post it.  I give one capsule daily.

However if you are not familiar with using homoeopathic remedies etc I would read up for the future and in the meantime trust your vet.

Personally I would be happy with any amount of homoeopathic remedies given ;) but herbal remedies should always be checked with the vet if surgery or other pharmaceutical drugs are being used they can be often counter indicated.

There are many contra indications with herbal or any other type of supplements/medicines etc. Hence why owners should always work in close consultation with the vets, just like they should with their doctors ;)

Thank you. I shall phone the vet this afternoon and get their views on the subject.

My bigger concern is how to keep her quiet and sedate for 10 days :rolleyes: This dog just doesn't do sedate