Is my Vet crazy, or am I just a bad pet owner?
By tbomb2002
@tbomb2002 (269)
United States
January 10, 2007 8:49am CST
Our dog recently had surgery to have him neutered. One of the things our Vet told us was that we should apply ice packs to his scrotum several times a day to help with swelling. Now while this seems to make sense to me, I still cannot bring myself to hold an ice pack on my dogs....scrotum. I have had a male dog before and also had him neutered, and I was not told to that with him. I have also asked a few of my friends who had their dogs in for the same surgery and they agreed that they were not told to do that either. So as much as I am sure my Vet is wanting to make sure my pet is as comfortable as he can be and to help with the healing process, I am not sure she isn't just a little crazy too, LOL! What do you all think?
3 responses
@Fenja1 (66)
• United States
10 Jan 07
Unless your dog is having some unusual swelling, I don't see the necessity in ice packs. I have had dogs all my life (currently have 3, 2 of which are neutered males), I have taken animal first aid classes, etc., and I have never heard this recommendation. I would question the vet. Did something happen during the surgery that she anticipated unusual swelling? Is she a new vet who is just taking extra precautions? Personally, I would worry that the ice might cause more discomfort.
1 person likes this
@tbomb2002 (269)
• United States
10 Jan 07
Well I thought it was strange when she said it, but I didn't think to really question it futher. She didn't give any indication for me to think something might have happened. Her reasoning was because he is such a large dog (he is a Golden Retreiver, 7 months old at 69 pounds). He also had the laser proceedure done with is supposed to help with faster healing too. We have to take him back in on Friday, so I think I will be asking more questions at that time. Thank you for your reply!
1 person likes this
@shelonewolf1969 (486)
• United States
12 Jan 07
I have never heard of putting ice on the area but at the same time I don't think it would bother me .I used to breed dogs so I had to do all kinds of things to them taking thier temps helping deliever pups etc.To me they are like my kids and I would think you would touch any were needed to help a kid heal . You do need to watch the area make sure he does not rip the stiches out etc .If my dog needed ice there I would not mind doing it I had a dog that had a skin rash in that area and had to rub cream on it no big deal it is a part of the body .
@enchantedemerald (454)
• United States
12 Jan 07
I have never heard of this before and I have been around dogs all of my life. I understand ice can help with swelling but it can also give a little burning sensation if the area has any redness. Please let us know what the vet tells you when you go back. I'm interested if this is something new going on in the pet world and what was the reasoning behind their instructions. Good luck.
