[Darth Denkay]

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)

Originally Posted by princessbelle

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....