Hi everyone

Am extremely worried at the moment.  Two weeks ago my 5yr Schnauzer bitch April ate something she shouldnt have - a 2 metre length of ribbon.  After it didnt make an appearance I took her to the vet who consequently had to operate to remove the article from her stomach/bowel. (Dont get me started on people who dont take rubbish home with them after a picnic). Grrrrrrrrr

All was going well and she was getting back to her old self with the help of antibiotics and loads of tlc.

This morning she had a "leak" from her stiches - like a balloon of water being burst, although her stitches are all intact. Obviously straight to the vet who tells us she has an infection that the a/bs are not fighting and could be related to MRSA!  She is now back in hospital on a drip & I am so concerned & upset.

Has nayone heard of anyhting similar happening and what were the outcomes?

Any advice etc would be most appreciated.

Thanks everyone.

Richard & Sylvia.

Hi
sorry to hear about your poor girl, if the fluid that came out of the wound site was watery and lots of it with no foul smell as opposed to creamy, pus, and had a foul odour it is possible that it could be something called 'synovial fluid' which can build up at an operation site and is actually the body trying to heal and is completely harmless, my bitch experienced this after surgery 2 years ago and we just continued with AB's and she was absolutely fine. i am not at all saying your vet is wrong but just ask him if it is possible as synovial fluid is absolutely fine. If she is very unwell in herself then obviously there is more chance that it is an infection but if she is acting herself with good appetite and drinking normally this is a good sign. i do hope she makes a speedy recovery :)

Thanks Mandy

Just phoned the vet - April's temperature has come down & she is eating so that's all good!  She is staying overnight so will hear more in the morning.

The fluid was watery with no foul smell so this sounds hopeful!! Thanks for allieviating some of our worry!!

Just worried as to why the vet took swabs to get cultured...hmmmmm we'll see!

Thanks again

Richard

Hi,

Well it sounds as though she doing better so thats really good, the vet probably took a swab to culture as she may just need a different antibiotic and the culture will tell them the best one to treat her with, i am sure she will be on the mend and home with you very soon, do let me know how she is - give her a big hug from me :)

hope shes ok richard, sounds scary for you. sure it will be fine though, best of luck!

I hope it is not MRSA, if the results come back positive or if you just need to ask questions contact Jill Moss of the http://www.thebellamossfoundation.com/ Jill and the team will give good advice and work with your vet.

Trying not to be too dim :) but I thought synovial fluid was joint fluid, bathing between the joints?

me too killickchick.

Yes synovial fluid is found in joints however I took it that it was serous fluid that was mean't and was just a slip up by Mandyc.

Hi Yes sorry serous fluid, just wanted to make the point that if it was very watery and non smelly things might not be as bad as first thought - i do hope she is ok :) I had synovial fluid on my mind as my boy has just ruptured his cruciate ligament, my poor baby is looking very sorry for himself, it is awful to see our kids ill or in pain!

Just an update - thanks to all by the way for your support.

Rang the vet this morning - April's temperature is up again & the vet is confused! He says it seems that the infection is at the site of her surgery & so is not peritinitis which is a good thing as she wouldnt still be with us.

He is going to keep her in for a further 24 hours to see if the new a/b's take effect. She is eating however.

Just getting a little concerned now as the infection seems o be quite virilant.

Thanks again.

Richard

Richardi how is April today?