Spay yesterday, no pain meds. Vet = 1/4 baby aspirin q12?

[Aviendah]

Good morning,

I've spent the evening pouring over posts to see what the best pain control options are for Bella. She was spayed yesterday at 9am and she did receive a pain control shot that should just be wearing off after 24 hours. First, Bella seems comfortable enough, she's sleeping and not crying; a little slow for sure but not in duress. She's comfortable.

I have a medical background and was persistent with the vet about bringing pain meds home to give Bella after her surgery to keep her comfortable. Then I was so caught up in picking her up late in the day at the vet that I completely walked out without any pain meds! So now I feel guilty because I know she's going to need something at some point. I called the vet last night and he said I could give her 1/4 of a baby aspirin every 12 hours or I could come in today and pick up pain meds. It's a bit of a drive to get to the vet so I'm trying to weigh my options.

Do you think the baby aspirin will suffice or do you think that prescription pain meds would be the better option? And yes, I've reviewed all of the hazards of giving Bella any medication at all, risks etc. but having working in hospitals where we are required to review pain every 4 hours, I can't justify not having something available for her if she needs it.

So, give the baby aspirin or drive to the vet and get prescription pain meds? Thank you so much for your honest thoughts. This site is a wealth of information!!

[TatumsMom]

Is it possible to have the vet call in a prescription to a store near you? It would probably even cost less getting it from a pharmacy. I know our toy poodle was on Lasix and one time the vet was out of it and called it into our pharmacy and it was way cheaper. We had him do that from then on.

On the other hand, I don't remember Tatum needing much pain meds but I honestly can't remember exactly what we gave her and for how long. It's been quite a while since her spay surgery.

[chachi]

I honestly think the asprin will be good. My vet gave me pain meds but I didnt use them because Jewels seemed fine the next day

[ritapatt]

Ziva didn't need the pain meds, even with 7 teeth being removed. I wanted to get her eating and the meds made her groggy. She was really better without, altho a baby aspirin might have been a good idea...

[Aviendah]

At this point Bella is sleeping on her back in her baby onesie with her feet up in the air...lol. She's very peaceful which surprises me. My sister's yorkie cried nonstop the day after surgery which is what I was expecting.

Bella usually sleeps almost all day even when she's feeling well so perhaps that's what she'll do today. I'm guessing it might be late afternoon or evening when she perks up that pain might become an issue. And then it would be my fault if I hadn't taken precautions to have pain control ready. I have read that the baby aspirin does seem to be effective.

Also, Bella did eat some soft food last night and she took some sugar water this morning. The vet took her potty yesterday afternoon at about 3pm but she hasn't gone potty for us since. I thought this morning she might go but she just laid down on the grass and stared at me. I hope she goes soon but am wondering if she thinks it's going to hurt so she's holding it.

[baby yorkie]

Ally stayed overnight at the vets and came home the next day with pain meds. I only gave them to her the first day home because she didn't need them, even with 13 baby teeth removed. Tia came home the same day (this past Saturday) with pain meds for two days, two baby teeth removed. She did very well while she was on the meds that I had to stop Ally and her from playing. It was very hard to keep them apart. ...But on the third day (no meds), she was very clingy, needy, sleepy. She needed more pain meds so I gave her one of Ally's. Within an hour she was back to her normal self. Funny how Ally was smaller, more teeth removed, and needed less meds. Just like human babies. They are so different!!! Hope your baby feels better soon. Hugs and kisses for Bella.

[Ellie May]

Dogs hide pain very well. So just because some of the girls don't show pain the next day doesn't mean much... It is major abdominal surgery. Yes, I would give pain meds for 2-3 days minimum (and likely more). I figure I made the choice to have my girl's abdomen opened up, it is my responsibility to provide pain relief even if she seems okay. A lot of vets are fine with aspirin. IMO, there are safer options. I'd personally get something from the vet.