Do you think it's okay to sedate my dog for 2 weeks after hematoma surgery?

Question

My vet wants me to sedate my dog so she will not be able to shake her head. The medication says give her 1 1/2 tablets every 12 hours.  I gave her 1 tablet and she's drowsy, which is suppose to happen, but she looks like she's not feeling well and her eyes are red.  It bothers me to see her like that.  I just wanted to know if anyone have any suggestions or comments about my situation?  My dog constantly shakes her head and she always had problems with her ears. I'm hoping that the hematoma will not return.  The vet said he don't want her to shake her head. So he suggested sedating her.  I asked him, so when will she be able to shake her head again. He said when she get the stitches out. After the stitches are out, then what? I'm sure she will continue to shake her head and scratch at her ears.

grinninh · Accepted Answer

You vet knows what is necessary to keep the hematoma from returning.
Aural hematomas are painful. Sedating your pet will lessen the amount of discomfort the pet experiences throughout recovery. 
Sedation will allow the ear to heal with less likelihood of re injuring.
Know that what your vet is doing make sense as he is a doctor of veterinary medicine.

bluebonnetgranny · Answer

If you don't sadate her she may ruin every thing the Vet did for the hematoma.

She looks like she does cause she is sadated.  All dopped up.  Tranqed.

Another option may be a thing they call a Snod.  It was invented to keep cocker spaniel ears from getting in food & water.  It wraps around the dogs head to hold the ears in place.

Another option may be the elastic bandaging tape like the Vets use.   You can get it at drug stores.  It is what I used on a dog with a hematoma of the ear flap.

BUT !  The reason she got the hematoma was probably because of an ear infection & the ear infection needs to have air to heal.  So bandaging the head may not be a good idea.

I would listen to the Vet.   He/She has her reasons.

dramaticanny · Answer

You also have to remember, if she just had this surgery, she's going to feel that way after the first dose of anything! She may not have this reaction after every dose. If she continues to have red eyes and look like she's not well, call your vet with your concerns. I always call mine just to be sure about every little thing. 

Dogs are naturally usually playful and always moving, so a sedated dog probably would look like she's not feeling well. Again, if you're concerned, phone your vet! That's what they're there for. Good luck!

Christine G · Answer

I don't think the vet would have suggested sedation if he didn't feel that this would be best for the situation.  If you're uncomfortable with the sedation, talk to another vet about your circumstances.  Petsmart usually have a vet in them. Go to you local PetSmart and talk to someone there.  Just be sure to let them know about your dogs habit of shaking her head.  Good Luck, and I hope she's feeling better soon.

Anonymous · Answer

go with what the vet advises,he knows what he's doing. two weeks is not for ever, will soon pass.

Do you think it's okay to sedate my dog for 2 weeks after hematoma surgery?

5 Answers