OMG! She looks so very sad and needy. And the cone of shame always makes it look 10 times worse. It's unlikely that she is experiencing a lot of pain from the procedure, but there will always be exceptions. I've seen film of it and I couldn't be calm about it. But the worst part was trying to mask my emotions so that I didn't make matters worse. When are you scheduled for the follow-up appointment?
We took Bailey's cone of shame off the same day. We don't have other animals so no other dogs pushing and nosing at her. I took her for a walk in the neighbourhood the next day and she was fine. We were charged on the street by another dog that was loose in it's own yard, and I lost all my rational thought. I got ready to throw down and kill with my bare hands. Good thing the owner jumped into action and pulled his dog away before it got further than snarling and threatening. Through all of it Bailey was as placid as can be. She never reacted at all.
I kept her at home doing low energy things for about four days. And we had a check up with the vet and she was great, no complications. She never licked at it, it remained clean and healed well. Within the week she was play fighting with her best friend and showing no signs of pain or discomfort. So, I bet Kahlua will be just great! And if there is any way to get rid of the cone...do it. The cone is always half the issue. Every dog hates it. And, I'd bet, she won't feel herself until it's gone.
Let's face it Nik, every time we have our dogs to the vets, we are the babies, not the dogs. They pick up on our level of concern and magnify it. And, we probably extrapolate the whole losing the ability to procreate back on how we'd feel as humans...And They Don't. If they think anything it's probably, "I feel sore...but, I'm getting extra mom time and I'm getting treats and I'm the centre of attention" and, "Isn't this great!."
Having said all that, and being a worry wort, if there is any increased redness or swelling or if she's pacing and being worried, or if she continues to refuse even high value treats, get back to the vet's ASAP. I don't know what the stats are on complications, but I'm sure there are some. Perhaps Boxergirl will jump on and share what she knows. She's a font of knowledge. Take care of your girl....update us when you can, and let us know what the vet says after your follow-up visit.