My dog can't poop after CCL surgery, struggling to squat, what helps?

Question

My dog had CCL surgery on the 6th. Since she's been reluctant to get out of bed but w/help has gone outside twice to urinate. She has been eating/drinking fine I'm just worried cause she hasn't had a bowel movement sine Thursday morning before her surgery. Can I give her a baby suppository to help her? I think the squating causes her a lot of pain. I have been giving her foods that should help but that hasn't worked yet. Any advice would b great..I think she has to go but can't. Thank you!! Pet's info: Dog | German Shorthaired Pointer | Female | spayed | 7 years and 11 months old | 55 lbs

Dr. Strydom, DVM · Accepted Answer

So sorry that Penny had to have surgery. Not defecating is a very common problem after this type of surgery. As you said, it is hard for them to squat because the leg hurts. She will figure it out. The best you can do is to use a towel as a sling to help her walk to steady her so she can poop. If she is taking a pain medication called Tramadol you want to talk to your vet about decreasing the dose or stopping it completely. It can cause a decrease in colonic motility. It is worrisome for us for them not to poop but really it's not a huge problem at this point. The suppository will not help so don't bother. You can try feeding her some canned pumpkin to help the poop along - 1/4 cup 2-3 times per day. ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnEoT07QEJI ) Hope this helps. If you have more questions you can always opt for a private consultation where we can chat back and forth. That way you can ask as many questions as you'd like. Best wishes.

My dog can't poop after CCL surgery, struggling to squat, what helps?

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