Splenectomy Recovery

[Staciewells1]

Truman, our 10-year-old mixed breed dog, had a splenectomy on Thursday evening. We picked him up yesterday (Sunday) afternoon. The surgery went well, and we are waiting on biopsy results.
We brought him home with an e-collar, but replaced it with a doughnut. The e-collar was too big, and he kept trying to slip out of it and getting stuck. He's in a crate now- for the first time. He's whining constantly, and not eating or drinking. Although I have been able to get him to take his meds.
Is this behavior to be expected with surgery? Could it be he's scared of the crate? When does normal become not-normal? I would really love to hear some personal experiences!
Any advice or words of wisdom would be helpful.
Thanks.