My dog won't urinate or eat after surgery. When is it an emergency?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Christie Long, DVM

  Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

  Published on

  You don't mention the type of surgery that your dog had, however not urinating for more than 48 hours is a serious situation. Either he's significantly dehydrated (so that he's not producing much urine) or there's a functional reason related to his urinary tract or the nervous system that's keeping him from urinating. Coupled with the fact that he's not eating or drinking well, I'd recommend going for an emergency visit to get his general condition assessed today.

  

  13Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Jeffrey Milner

  Veterinarian

  Published on May 6th, 2017

  30 hours without urination, particularly in a small dog breed like a Shih-tzu, is approaching the point of an emergency. I would get Charlie to the vet as soon as possible to make sure that the bladder is not blocked and that the kidneys are fully functioning. Manual drainage of the bladder or passage of a urinary catheter might be required if the bladder is overly distended.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Ana M, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on April 6th, 2019

  Thank you for submitting your question regarding Poppy. Anesthesia slows down the gastrointestinal tract so it is not unusual for it to take a while for the dog to have bowel movement. It is worrisome that she is not urinating regularly though. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian today to determine why she is not urinating. Is she drinking normally? Could she be leaking urine on her bedding? Sometimes if a dog is painful, it will hurt to posture to urinate. So the dog will go while laying down. I hope this information helps!

  

  3Pet Parents found this answer helpful