[SelfMadeMan]

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....

Just wanted to let you know that I was a Vet Tech for years, and also recently worked as a Veterinary Receptionist, and I can assure you that this is a pretty common procedure, and is relatively easy on the puppy. And she will feel so much better and have none of that yucky irritation after her eye is fixed. I have also seen many dogs even younger than her put under anesthesia for various reasons, and they are closely monitored while under. I know how scary it is, but stay positive for her, and know that you're doing the right thing getting her eye issue repaired. Thanks to you, she'll be able to be a worry free, unencumbered puppy and not have the eye issue affect her anymore.

As far as visits - I would! It'll let her know you haven't gone away, and the affection from you will help her heal and also give you more peace of mind.

Best of luck to you and to her! Sending her lots of positive thoughts for a fast recovery!!