Is dog's fatigue & poor appetite normal after spay & infection?

The incision looks normal. Her behavior is not. I recommend a recheck exam. She could be painful or could have a urinary infection. If the doxycycline is causing a stomach upset they may be able to switch antibiotics. They can put her on pain medication also to make her more comfortable. I recommend feeding wet food with added water in it so she doesn't get dehydrated. Again most dogs are back to normal in a day or two after the surgery so please bring her in for a recheck to make sure there is no complication. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Luna.

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If she was bright and happy, and is now lethargic again, one concern is an infection within the abdomen. This is rare after a spay but can happen as a potential complication of any abdominal surgery. I recommend you have Molly back to your vet ASAP, or to an emergency clinic if your vet is closed. They will check her abdomen with an ultrasound to see if any free fluid is present, and will test this fluid if present. They might also do a blood test to look at her white and red blood cell levels. It might just be that Molly needs more pain medications, however we must rule out a 'peritonitis' (infection in the abdominal cavity) first. Best of luck with Molly, I hope she feels better soon!

Occasionally after spaying, dogs will have no appetite for the first 12-24 hours. This may be due to the lingering effects of [anesthesia](https://www.petcoach.co/article/pets-and-anesthesia-everything-you-need-to-know) and/or some post operative discomfort. If she still has no appetite two days after spaying, I would be concerned that she may be in [pain](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-measure-your-dogs-pain) or there may be another underlying concern affecting her[ recovery](https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-ways-to-rest-your-pet-after-surgery-or-injury). Call your veterinarian to discuss your concerns. He or she may recommend a recheck, and some more [pain medication](https://www.petcoach.co/article/7-pain-relief-solutions-for-dogs). In the meantime, take a look at her incision site. If it is red, swollen and hot to the touch, she needs to see your veterinarian right away as these symptoms may indicate infection. You can also try offering her a bland diet of boiled chicken and white rice or some treats to stimulate her appetite.

Thank you for posting this question! Males are typically feeling pretty good and eating within 12 hours or so if being home ( i.e. the next morning). They may be sore for a few days (hopefully he was sent home with pain medications), but are typically wanting to be more active then we want them to be by day 3 or 4. If he is not eating within 12 hours or so if being home then please call your veterinarian. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

I am concerned that Zoey is still lethargic and unsteady. Because she is eating and drinking, and her urine and stool look ok, I would monitor her tonight. Should she still be lethargic and unsteady tomorrow, I would have her seen by the vet.

I would not worry too much at this point. Zoii has just undergone major surgery and it can take up to 48 hours for her to fully recover. She is probably still processing some of the anesthesia that is in her system. She also was probably very stressed and did not get much rest while at the vet so she is making up for that now. Just keep an eye on her tonight and if you are still not comfortable with how she is acting in the morning you can take her in for a recheck. My guess is that she was just more sensitive to the drugs used and it is taking her a bit more time to recover than some cats. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am so sorry about little Zora. Yes, it can take some time for her body to heal. The blood transfusion probably saved her life, but now her bone marrow has to kick into high gear to replace those missing & destroyed red blood cells. It can take up to 3 weeks for her blood count to return & stay at a normal level. This does not mean she will be weak & lethargic the whole time, she should get stronger every day. Stay in close contact with your veterinarian, do not skip recheck visits, & keep her as protected as possible. Her immune system is pretty weak, not only from being so young, but from the anemia, so keep her indoors & away from any unvaccinated cats. With time, she should get well, & have a normal life. Take care & all the best for little Zora.