A Changed Mastiff

[Carrie.skelton]

We had our 3 year old English Mastiff neutered yesterday. After work today, we went out to check on him. He seemed back to his old self, running, jumping and playing! Let me cut in by saying I have 3 kids and he has always been the best to them. They climb all over him and play with him and he seems to not ever get enough of it. We'll, my daughter and I went out to pet him and play. I turned my back to water the flowers as she was bending over to pet him and talk to him. He jumped up and snarled pretty bad at her. I have never seen him do this before. She is broken hearted. My husband is ready to get rid of him now. I'm not sure what to do. I have always trusted him with them. They could go in and out as they pleased, now I can't trust him with the kids. Any thoughts on this?

 

[Smart_Family]

He shouldn't be running around the day after getting neutered. Usually the vet recommends no off leash playing or even potty time for at least 10 days. It's hard to say since your back was turned but he could be in pain and that's why he snarled.

 

[ruthcatrin]

Yah, he needs to be kept quiet for a week to ten days. He's probly in pain and thus less tolerant. Did they give you any pain meds for him?

 

[cinnamon roll]

Is he on pain pills?

 

[Carrie.skelton]

He was not given any pain meds for after. We have a large backyard and it's hard to keep him from running around.

 

[ruthcatrin]

Crating and leashing is usually required to manage it, but if you let him run around he could tear stitches, or cause fluid buildup in the incision, or do other damage. He really needs to be kept quiet for a week+, for his sake, and for your pocketbook's sake! And for your kids' sake as the more he runs around the more pain he's going to be in and the less tolerant he's going to be. And I'd call the vet and ask about painmeds too, at least enough for a couple days!

 

[Smart_Family]

He needs to be on a leash. He just had surgery, too much activity can hurt him. Having no pain pills is also very odd. Did you call the vet?

 

[Carrie.skelton]

He needs to be on a leash. He just had surgery, too much activity can hurt him. Having no pain pills is also very odd. Did you call the vet?

I have and am waiting for a reply.

 

[rdryan]

Poor guy is probably hurting and needs to stay calm, quiet and comfortable for a while. Just like us, pain makes us cranky.

 

[Cody]

I agree with all above. Poor boy is in pain and probably still under the influence of the anesthetic as well. He probably just needs to be left alone to rest and recoup. I would let him heal in a quiet space and keep your kids away from him for a few days, besides some quite love. As for your husband wanting to get rid of him, ask him how he would feel the if his balls were removed, and the day he came home from the hospital people wanted to play with him. I am sure he would be a little "testy" as well

 

[Carrie.skelton]

Thank you all for your input. I will take all your advice and take it slower with him.

 

[Robtouw]

Definately keep him calm and quiet for a couple of days after the procedure. He will be intolerant, grumpy and even a bit mad at having the procedure. But in time will be back to his old self.

 

[musicdeb]

How's the pup doing?

 

[cayeesmom]

agree with all of you, he is not feeling that hot after surgery. Just one thought though, a dog with a little pain is a lot easier to keep calm then a dog on pain meds, since it is a little hard to explain to them, you are not hurting because of the pain meds but you had surgery and need to rest. I might sound mean, but my dogs was never given pain meds at home after a neuter, spay a little different more invasive.