Advice needed....my baby (puppy) is having surgery

[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....

[The Oopster]

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.

[sharkchomp]

Not to worry you further but I would check (now) to see if all of her immunizations are up to date - ie. kennel cough and distemper. I adopted Scooby at the humane society and he came home with kennel cough. With her being so young and having to have surgery plus having to stay there for five days I wouldn't want her immune system to be comprimised with an infection.

I would guess that she has to stay there for a week because she'll have to wear one of those halo guards. I would certainly go and visit, although I would go in calm and cool, like no worries because dogs do pick up on our energy. I have no doubt she will be thrilled to see you and for a little bit she will be with her person.

The vet schools are really good at taking care of animals and while it is scary to put your beloved pet under, she will come out healthy and well from this. Have some faith, visit her and keep us updated on her progress!

~~~shark~~~~~~~~

[Andrew, Jr.]

Are you getting her fixed at the same time? Something I do for all my furkids is to leave with them one of their soft toys, and a blanket of theirs. It is just some comfort to them.

When Dino was so sick the last time, I was at the vet hospital with him from 8am to 9pm. I sat on a rolling chair in front of his cage, and talked to him. We both slept together, and my vet and all the techs were shocked with this. I don't think they realized how attached we are. It just really helped both Dino and myself.

Afterwards I sent the staff a fruit basket. And I gave the night nurse a tea pot she wanted from a local coffee/tea shop in town. She would rock and sing lulabies to Dino after I left. A previous patient donated a rocking chair to the vet hospital. The night nurse rocks the small animals when they are afraid, or just needing to have a mommy or daddy around. She fills that role beautifully.

[princessbelle]

Got a call from the vet yesterday. Bella's surgery is scheduled for Tuesday at noon. I have to take her in and leave her on Monday at noon. I understand that they have to do blood work and premedicate her on Monday night.

With all of the support I received here and in doing research I feel this is best of course to go ahead and get this done.

I asked about getting her "fixed" while she was under and they said no. They explained that this surgery is very time consuming because they are freezing each and every eyelash and it will take about 3 hours. They said that was long enough to be under anesthesia and she can't be under longer than that.

I'm trying hard to stay strong. I never realized I would fall in love so hard and so deep and so fast as i have with her. She rests her head on my pillow each night and she is always there for me. She has never let me down. I will do the same for her and do what is best.

I will update next week when things happen....

Again, thanks to all that have posted here. You are truely angels. It's meant the world to me.

[princessbelle]

Oh and she got her first "big girl" hair cut this week. The pic is in the gallery. I tried to put it on my sig line but can't figure out how to....

Thanks again....