Dog's dietary needs after a hip surgery??

[DogLover]

Sorry for disappearing for long. I am finally done with school... I also decided that it was time for Chobby's hips to be operated for severe hip dysplasia, using FHO. The surgery went very successful. Despite two hips being operated, his recovery was well and fast.

It's the 4th day after the surgery. I took him home yesterday. After the surgery, he pooped only once Friday morning, but haven't pooped every since. Multiple factors might contribute to this delay in pooping, but his belly is rounded. I am a little worried...

Does anyone know about a dog's dietary needs after a surgery like FHO? Is there any food/supplement that can help him recover faster? I will be very thankful if you can kindly share your thoughts and experiences.

I am glad to be back here!!!

[DeLaUK]

To be honest I would run him back into the vets if he still cant poop and his belly seems full and hard, he could be constipated.

Its probably going to be painful for him to get into the right position to poop or even the act of actually pooping, bearing down is probably painful or at least uncomfortable right now. Sometimes they just need a stool softener, they usually dont require a different diet but maybe a little more moisture (mainly if the regular diet is just dry food), the moisture should help soften the stool up a bit.

[DogLover]

DeLaUK, thanks for your notes. The nurse also told me that if he still doesn't poop by tomorrow, I should take him there. When Chobby eliminated Friday morning, I noticed that he had some trouble getting to the "pooping position." Though I needed to supported him with the belly wrap and to keep him from falling. Anyway, hope he'll go again soon.

Yes, I'll also try to moist his food. Thanks again!

[DeLaUK]

Its a tough surgery on them especially when its both hips at the same time but from my own experience working with dogs that have had it done they usually recover well.

Good luck and keep us updated if you can. Hope hes feeling better soon.