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Advice needed....my baby (puppy) is having surgery
My bella is 5 months old and she is a shih tzu. She has what is called Distichia which means she has tiny hairs growing out of her eyelid margin that are rubbing her cornea. She has had one ulcer already that has healed and the specialist today told me she needs surgery so that she don't get another ulcer and possibly go blind.
Ok course I will do anything for her. She is my baby. I'm terrified though, more than that, I simply am beside myself with worry. Number one she is so little and to be put "under" this young is terrifying. Number two, the vet hospital told me that she will be there from Monday night (surgery is early Tuesday morning) until possibly Friday or maybe Thursday. OMG we have not been apart more than a few hours when i work. I'm so afraid she will be so scared and spending all of those nights alone, in a cage just is ripping my heart out. It is a teaching hospital however and told me that there is someone there 24 7, which is a little comforting. Questions.... Has anyone's animals had this before? The procedure is called electroepilation. Has anyone had a baby that young, five months, had surgery before? They said she is too little to have the IV sedation and has to have gas... When your babies have had surgery and were there more than overnight. Did you visit them? They said i could but then a friend mentioned that that may be harder on her if she sees me and then i go away again? I don't know. I'm just bawling my eyes out and I guess need some info and support, white light, prayer, whatever it is you can throw my way. The surgery will be toward the end of July. Thanks in advance.... |
I'm so sorry. If her life is not in danger you should get other opinions. Dont do this because one vet advises it.
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I don't know any dogs who've had this procedure, but I have known a couple of humans. It seemed fairly uncomplicated and they healed well. I imagine that the biggest worries with a puppy are keeping her from disturbing the surgical site, and avoiding any kind of infection. As for visiting: the staff should be able to help you judge what is best for her. You might want to consider visiting her and getting feedback from them as to how it affected her. My thoughts are that although she might be upset when you leave, at least seeing you will assure her that you're not abandoning her. My thought is that this might avoid separation anxiety in the future. I'm not an expert by any means but have had dogs all my life and that's my gut feeling. Wishing your baby (and you!) well in coping with it all!
Sue :floatbee: |
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Her main vet is who told me about the eye problem and sent me to a specialist. It is in a teaching hospital and that was today's appointment. There were 6 internists and senior students involved in the case I suppose since this may be kinda rare? Anyway, the vet today even had me wear the "darth vader" head gear and see for myself. They are there...teeny tiny little hairs laying right on her eye. I do feel confident that this needs to be done. I just have do deal with doing it. Thank you for your words of comfort and thank you for responding...means the world to me. |
Princess, Get a second opinion. Do not just go with what 1 vet says. I have a friend of mine who just does anything and everything her vet says. So now, she is in the hole several thousands dollars. She had had everything under the sun done to her cats, dogs, and bird. She was thinking of taking in a chipmonk who comes to her and takes bread & peanuts out of her hand to eat. Medical doctors are the same way. If they find out you will spend money, they will milk you for repeat office visits, and needless surgeries, and so on. Same goes with our furkids. We have to watch out for them. The one suggestion I may ask of you to do is this - ask Violaine. She is very good with info. on most everything on all kinds of our pets. She is brilliant. Truely. She maybe able to help you. Please keep us posted on this. I am a huge animal lover. I will keep you and your baby in my thoughts and prayers. Peace be with you both. Love, Drew |
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Thanks for the advice and ty for keeping us in your prayers and thoughts. That is exactly what I need. Hugs to you. |
My sweet, darling friend. My heart goes out to you. wish I could be there to comfort you. Please call me if you want to talk about it. I will say a special prayer for my itty 'niece' Bella tonight. I love you and Bella. Please know I'm just a phone call away. Love you and Bella, darlin'.
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Bella, I'm sorry about your puppy..
Just like in a human, any time they go under there is a risk.. But that being said.. I have assisted in about 15 proceedures using gas on a young cat/dog and they all came out of it.. It's not a hard proceedure, it's just because she can't verbalize what she is feeling, that she needs to stay with the vet for a lil bit of time... If it's a teaching hospital, then yes, someone is going to be there and she is going to be loved on... She might be a lil scared, but honestly, when we had babies in for longer than over nights, we loved on them... At the vet hospital that I worked at.. We didn't recomend visits...(for non critical animals) The repeate separation tended to be more stressful than the waiting... Truthfully, I don't know if that is true or not.. that was just the vet's policy... I know it's a hard thing, but separation is not always a bad thing... It teaches them that you do come back... |
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But, I will do what is best for her, not necessarily what is best for me. I am glad your other Shih Tzu's eyes are doing great. Would love to see your babies. I have one posted of bella as well. Thanks again and bless you for your post and advice. |
Dear Belle
Please keep us posted on your babie's recovery. She's is so lucky to have such a loving Mommie!!! Will be keeping her in my thoughts and prayers for a swift recovery and home to you as soon as possible.. |
If it makes you feel better, make arrangements to go visit one time right after her surgery just so that you can see for yourself that she is doing okay after the surgery. The separation will likely be harder on you than it is on her, as she will get lots of loving. :)
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Belle~
One more thing about Shitzu's you may or may not know. They are prone to kidney problems. We learned this the hard way when ours ended up having to have a stint put in his kidney. I will be keeping you and Bella in my prayers :) |
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BFF...this is going to be harder on you than it is on her. She will be scared for a little while until she gets use to the sounds and smells, but her purpose there will happen, and then she will be sedated and her recovery will stretch out the hours until she can come home to you.
I agree with Random about separation not being a bad thing. When my daughter was little and in preschool, oh she tantrumed when I dropped her off. She didnt want me to go. The teacher finally had to take my arm and pull me out of the room because I was so caught in my daughter's tears. The teacher said the same thing...my daughter had to learn I was going to come back. And the only way you can teach that was to leave and then, come back. I have started a little prayer book...it stays on my alter until I begin the prayers of the day. You and Bella will be in it today... |
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Anyway, thanks to you and your prayer book. Means so much to me. Love you honey.... |
Princess have the surgery. My little one she is 2 years old had her spay at like 6 months old and she was fine, had pain meds and everything. I know that it will be hard but you have to be strong for the furbaby. I have two dogs and I love them to death. I would do anything for them!! I will keep you in my prayers as well as your little one:praying:
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Love to you also, BFF! I wasnt around because my puter was having work done on it. I am back now...
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:laughing: Well hopefully you will refrain from chewing up the furniture when your baby is away. lol Separation anxiety is painful and can be expensive. - Jesse
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I am sorry to hear that your pup needs this surgery, but I will tell you from past experience, its well worth it.
I had a chow/collie mix who suffered from the same thing and it was just miserable for him until the surgery. Recovery was really minimal, albeit he was a much larger/older pup than yours. The only one issue I can remember was the halo knocking about the house. Best to you - I am sure she will be fine. |
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Thank you so much!!!! |
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princessbelle,
I do understand your concerns. Keep in mind that puppies are incredibly resilient. Remind yourself you are doing what is best for her. Keep us posted on how she is doing ... and try to stay away from her chewy toys! *grin* Prayers to the Good Spirit for both of you. Brock. |
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Thank you so much. |
questions/fears understood and totally founded!
[QUOTE=princessbelle;136818]My bella is 5 months old and she is a shih tzu. She has what is called Distichia which means she has tiny hairs growing out of her eyelid margin that are rubbing her cornea. She has had one ulcer already that has healed and the specialist today told me she needs surgery so that she don't get another ulcer and possibly go blind.
hi :rrose: i'm sympathetic to your concerns with a small animal undergoing surgical procedures, as i live with guinea pigs, who do require very specific anesthesia and medication therapy. if it helps you just a little bit to know-both of my pigs, weighing in at three pounds each, successfully had lipomas removed [which were growing very large, and these are commonly found to be benign tumours on gpigs]. exotic pets like lagophthalmos / rabbits are known for this eyelid abnormality, and many of their humans help relieve the damage/further damage - as you have described already with ulceration of cornea. the eye of a rabbit can actually rupture if not treated. [once, i had an abrasion on the cornea, and the pain level, and sensitivity to light was beyond incredible]. i think the file i'm going to attach provides in-depth information about the condition as well as the procedure, especially in the situation of existing ulcers: http://wvc.omnibooksonline.com/data/.../2010_V214.pdf Ok course I will do anything for her. She is my baby. I'm terrified though, more than that, I simply am beside myself with worry. Number one she is so little and to be put "under" this young is terrifying. Number two, the vet hospital told me that she will be there from Monday night (surgery is early Tuesday morning) until possibly Friday or maybe Thursday. OMG we have not been apart more than a few hours when i work. I'm so afraid she will be so scared and spending all of those nights alone, in a cage just is ripping my heart out. It is a teaching hospital however and told me that there is someone there 24 7, which is a little comforting. these feelings, while understandable, are putting your needs before hers- and the eyes are nothing to fool around with time-wise. i do not like to clear out bum impactions on a guinea pig, or have them fearful of me/my hands- but it's a matter of life or death. dogs are forgiving, and do not 'rationalise' it all the way our brains work. they go in, have the surgery, get a bit spoiled at the vet hospital, come home, and it's even more of a positive experience :) not to minimise your thoughts/feelings :rrose: Questions.... Has anyone's animals had this before? The procedure is called electroepilation. Has anyone had a baby that young, five months, had surgery before? They said she is too little to have the IV sedation and has to have gas... i've seen it and i've known of people having the same surgical procedure, and yes to the age / size / breed as well. all across the board species/breeds. When your babies have had surgery and were there more than overnight. Did you visit them? They said i could but then a friend mentioned that that may be harder on her if she sees me and then i go away again? I don't know. I'm just bawling my eyes out and I guess need some info and support, white light, prayer, whatever it is you can throw my way. totally up to you! maybe try not to make a huge dealio with greetings or departures- the latter will have her keyed up for longer when you leave. mild tone, body language works best = calming. the exaggerated / high pitched voice and unnatural body language will get her too excited. The surgery will be toward the end of July. Thanks in advance.... |
Belle, your concerns are valid... She will be okay and the surgery will only help her... Did you ask the vet about having her spayed while she is under? Do it all in one fell swoop... less stress for the both of you... Good luck my friend... |
I've had 2 dogs that have had this surgery,one of them twice rgwy both were fine, It's like a lid lift women have done at a plastic surgeons. The operation isn't really agressive, and the reason they is to ward off infection and if they have stitches they don't have the opportunity to dig them out withere little paws.I worked for a vet for awhile (6 yrs.) and alot of vets use infant anesthesia which works quite. The cornea can be damaged fairly quickly so I get it done soon.It's really not a complicated surgery,I've seen it done several times and two of those times it was my dog, he was fine. If you have any questions feel free to PM me and I'll try to answer your questions.. My dogs were small as while and one was under a year as well...It'll be fine..The reference about having Bella spayed at the same time is a really good idea then she only has to undergo surgery one time..
Gaby |
Gabriella, I am so glad you came and posted your experience with this type of surgery to princessbelle. Now even I feel comforted about it too.
I had a little red and white mutt I had to euthanize last August. She was sixteen and a half years old and there at the very end, she developed a back problem. I could not put her through major back surgery at her age. Also, there would not have been any quality of life for her if I had doped her on pain pills. Even though I know in my heart I did the right thing for her, I grieved so much over losing my little Hannah. I thought I would surely die. It is very upsetting for one of our critters to have a medical problem. |
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As best I can remember, it was about 3 days before Lucky could come home. This was over 10 years ago and after the surgery (I had both eyes done) he never had another issue. As with human medicine, I am sure that animal medicine has also made leaps and bounds in treatment and it sounds as if your baby is in good hands. We have been reading Cesar Milan's books and applying his techniques and philosophies to our schnauzers (two Giants and two minis). I mention this because its so important to remember that dogs pick up on our energies. Try to keep a calm energy with Bella as you take her in for surgery so that she doesn't feel your anxiety. You might be surprised (as we were) in just how true the theory can be. Wishing you both the best! |
I am astonished, humbled, thankful and honestly shocked at all of the responses to my thread. I am so thrilled at all of the responses to my problem and those of you that have come to offer comfort, information, support has just blown me away. You all rock!!! It means the world to me and omg has helped me so much. I am going to keep this thread going and continue to bring updates and more information until the day comes. Please feel free to ask questions to the ones that post here if there are problems with your animals and you need advice. Great information and support is all we need to get what we need to make good decisions. Violaine.....I know now why some of my friends referred me to you. Your information is awesome. I can't thank you enough. Thanks for the link and the candid responses to my post. You have helped ease the pain and it gives me much needed strength to go through with this. I want what is best for Bella, no doubt and I am somehow going to get through this. Hugs... Kim, my friend, you are amazing to me. I had not thought of getting her "fixed" at the same time. I'm going to call them this morning and ask. What a great idea. Thank you so much hon. Gabriella...wow you've had two dogs had this done? Amazing!!!! Yes, what you say makes sense about keeping them to ward off infection. You have given me so much comfort. Thank you!!! Brock, my heart goes out to you for the loss of your Hannah. Nothing hurts like loosing your best friend. ((((((((Brock))))))) It is so hard to make decisions on precious little animals that totally depend on us to make the right decisions. It is so hard knowing the decisions are what is best for our babies and not for ourselves. I admire you...you did the right thing. Christie, you bring up a great point. I WILL try to be calm and upbeat for her and just continue to show her unconditional love as she has given to me. Thank you hon. |
I'm happy I could share information that helped make you more comfortable
with the procedure..As I stated if you have any ? that I can help with feel free to get in touch..Also I feel I should apologize about the absolutely horrid spelling and the left out words on my post, when I reread it today I was mortified, I realized I must never type again late at night when I'm sleepy, I felt like I'd wasted all that money for that college education.. |
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Hi Princessbelle,
Well, it looks as though you aren't short on love and support for little Bella - folks around here, we LOVE our animals. Totally random tidbit, but I worked as a vet tech for ten years, and my boss said on more than one occasion that his "favorite group" of clients is his gay clients, because as a group we take such good care of our babies. Now, back to your questions. I know as Bella's mom that you're going to be worried no matter what anyone hear says, but hopefully our reassurance can go a long way toward keeping you at least somewhat sane. The procedure is extremely common. Over the course of ten years I probably assisted in dozens of cases. Several have mentioned the importance of not delaying on eye issues and that is definitely true - eyes can go badly quickly - so you're right in getting it done. I suspect I know which teaching hospital will be taking care of little Bella, and we sent cases there that were fairly complex. She will get excellent care there. As for her age, 5 months is plenty old for surgery. Someone (can't remember who) mentioned maybe getting her spayed at the same time which is a good idea. It'll probably be more expensive there, but will save her a second anesthesia which makes it well worth it. But if they've already got her under... Putting her under with gas anesthesia is just as safe as with an injectable, so no need to worry about that. When we had animals hospitalized for a period of time it was really common for their parents to come for visits. They generally tolerate it well. Most of the time they'd get just a tad upset when the owners left but nothing extreme. I imagine the vet will tell you after the first visit if it is too much for her. In this case, I think it is very appropriate to visit, even if it is mostly for your benefit, assuming the pet handles it well. One thing clients often did was bring a t-shirt or something with their smell on it, thinking that it may provide some comfort. Who knows if it does, but it certainly doesn't hurt anything. I imagine most hospitals allow this. Obviously she has lots of folks rooting for her. Keep us posted. Bella sounds like a very loved (and probably spoiled) :dog: Quote:
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we had a collie mix that had glaucoma and eventually lost both her eyes. She didn't lose any of her spirit though and often people didn't know she was blind until we told them.
Also she had an awful fright of cages. We voiced this to the vet and when ever she was there they never put her in a cage .. just put her on a leash and let her lie on the floor. Then of course everyone would give her some love as they passed by. I bring that up to say if you have concerns voice them to the vet I'm sure they will know the best way to accomodate the situation. sorry your baby is going through this. I definitely know it's hard. |
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