Dog Can’t Pass Stool After Pelvic or Hip Surgery: How to Help
by Joanne
(Mexico)
The doctor was removing it my use of lubricant and using his finger to remove the stool. I am afraid of hurting the dog and don't know quite how to do this.
Is there any video or written direction on how to clean out the stool?
Thanks very much.
We're sorry to hear about the accident. Difficulty passing stool after pelvic injuries and hip surgery is common. Pain makes squatting hard, opioid pain medicines slow the bowel, and pelvic fractures or nerve injury can make it physically harder to pass stool.
Please don't try to remove stool by hand at home unless your vet has shown you exactly how to do it and says it's safe for your dog. It's easy to injure the rectum, and it can be very painful for a dog recovering from surgery. Instead, ask your vet about a stool softener or a laxative they choose for him, more moisture in his food (canned food or water added to meals), and helping him into a supported squat with a sling or towel under his belly. If he goes more than a couple of days without passing stool, or strains without success, call your vet, who can give an enema or remove the stool safely.
Never use a human enema at home: Fleet-type phosphate enemas can poison dogs. Our page on home remedies for dog constipation explains what's safe.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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