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Why is my older dog incontinent with diarrhea after spay surgery?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | spayed | 10 years and 9 months old

Is it normal for a dog to have fecal incontinence with diarrhea after surgery. She is 10 and had a ovariohesterectomy,

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on February 13th, 2016

This can happen but usually only for less than 24 hours. If it's been more than 24 hours and she is still suffering from uncontrollable diarrhea, you should contact your vet straight away.

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Diarrhea after an anesthetic is not uncommon but I would be concerned when it is so severe to cause incontinence. Please contact the original clinic for a post op exam to check everything is healing appropriately and to treat the diarrhea. Inflammation at the base of the cervix is not uncommon especially if there was an infection present before surgery (pyometra) and she may require an ultrasound to investigate this is well as medications and possibly fluids

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