You know when you just have a bad feeling about somethings with your "furkids"? Thats the feeling I have with Holly, and I consider myself an optimist. {With everything but men!} I have distracted myself with alot of things, and trying not to think about it. But the day is finally set and I am a wreck! Any advise for me. I will have to go to Hollys surgery alone, and that makes me more worried. I supose I can talk to others there, but I am really scared to be honest. I am terrified if this surgery does not work, and if she dies from it, I will never forgive myself! I do know in my mind that I am doing what I can to help her, but what if what I am trying to save her with {Shunt Surgery} ends up killing her. I know there are dogs with shunts that the owners just manage the dog on meds and prescibed foods. I know this is Hollys only chance at a healthy life, free from her relapses of lethargy, uncontrollable urination, and the head pressing, and uncontrollable pacing. It looks alot like mad cow disease. Do you think I am doing the right thing? Please give me some advise if you think I am or not.
Well, lovin, I think you are doing the right thing for your dog. I'd do the same thing if I had the money for it and if Brad would let me spend the money on it. If something goes wrong in the surgery, just know that you were trying to do what was best for her. She knows you love her and would never intentionally let something happen to her and if something does happen in surgery, it is NOT your fault. God just wanted it that way. You are doing your very best for her and that is soooo much more than a lot of other people do for their animals, even their children. Just keep that in mind. You are such a good person.
i agree. i think you are doing the only thing you can do for her. there are always some risks involved with any type of surgery. but this kind of surgery is not rare, they have performed them before, and i think the good outweighs the bad.it would be so much easier on the both of you to not have to rely on meds the rest of her life. i have a good feeling about the surgery and i know she will come through it just fine.i wish i lived closer, i would go with you and be there for you, you shouldnt have to go through it alone. but my thoughts and prayers will be with you both.
Something to think about, you are worried about if something happens and what she would think of you then, if you did nothing and let her live the way she is, I bet she wouldn't be real happy. I think she would be happier knowing you were willing to risk everything to help her. That says alot. Part of the reason I put Kaia down so early was because I worried what she would "think of me" for letting her live her life in pain and in a horrible state for the rest of the time she was going to be with me. If I could have done something to save her, I would have, in a second. But I couldn't and so I chose to let her go while she was still a happy pup and I think that she appreciates that even if she doesn't know it. I think you will be fine, I wish you the best of luck. Keep everyone informed. :)
Thanks Mollie, Dusty, and Katz. I hope Holly thinks all of those things when she goes under. BUT she is considered older for this surgery Dusty. Hollys main shunt since birth has only regenerated more , tiny little miny shunts. Making the outcome harder. My own fault now. I couldnt have the means to help Holly earlier. I wish you were closer Dusty!
you can only do what you can do. its too bad that there arent more vets that will do stuff on a payment plan. not everyone has that kind of money just laying around. we dont. its wonderful that she is getting the surgery. it can only help. if by some small chance that it doesnt , at least you know that you tried. make sure that you inquire on the anesthetic. i'm sure most vets know about the brachycephalic breeds, but it doesnt hurt to be sure. i have posted this before. its from my french bulldog forum, but pugs are in this category along with boxers, pekes, bulldogs and a few others.:
Anesthesia Protocol
NEVER GIVE FRENCHIES: Ace promazine Pentobarbital aka Pentathol (injectable anesthesia) Metofane (inhalant gas) Halothane (gas anesthesia)
USE WITH CAUTION: Dormitor (reversible anesthesia/sedative)
SATISFACTORY CHOICES FOR FRENCHIES: Ketamine (usually used in combo with valium as an injectable anesthesia/sedative) Valium (see above) Torbutrol (analgesia)
OPTIMUM CHOICES: Propofol (injectable) with either of the following 2 gas anesthetics as a maintenance: Isoflurane(aka IsoFlo) OR Sevoflurane (aka SevoFlo)
EXTRAS FOR C-SECTIONS: (This is in addition to the Optimum anesthetic protocol listed above) Atropine given at induction Place the mom-to-be on IV fluids Oxytocin injections (usually one after all the pups are out and she begins sewing up the uterus and the second about 20-30 minutes later) Antibiotic injection post-op
INTUBATION vs. MASKING/CONING DOWN: EVERY brachycephalic dog that goes under anesthesia should have an endotracheal tube (ET) placed in their trachea! Always! We need to protect that airway at all times.... The tube should be left in until they are VERY awake and about to chew it out... I use the intravenous propofol to induce anesthesia (which puts them under) this gives me a few minutes to place the ET tube... then I connect them to either the sevo or iso... so they are always tubed...
Be Careful when masking a frenchie down. Masking them down can sometimes be harder on brachycephalic dogs because they struggle to hold their breath (so they don't inhale the strange smelling gas) which can irritate the airways and deplete their oxygen levels (which you do not want before surgery). It is my opinion that using injectable and then tubing them gives them an optimum oxygen supply which is ideal for frenchies.
Thank you Dusty I will ask/ tell Dr. Anderson about that. He has been so tolerant , and pretty patient with me. Maybe way more then most! Sometimes I know I have gotten on his nerves, but overall a very nice guy that really seems to want to help Holly! I bet some University surgeons would not put in half as much phone calls, research, and calls backs, and emails as Dr. Anderson has! He is a nice guy forsure! He really has tried to help with Hollys fundraising too. With all the" harassing "I have given him, hopefully he knows that I will totally be so devasted if Holly does not make it. I think he does know. I think a little added pressure of a "good outcome" cant hurt Holly either! I have way more faith in this doc then I would anyother with all the contact he has had with me, and also suggestions on how to cut costs! Like he called me, and told me to get the full blood work up done elsewhere, so that it would be like 100 less. Then any vet could do the same tests and fax them to him! He said if I wanted to bring her into him I could, but it would be cheaper to do it that way, and fax the results to Hollys blood work up, and urinalisis. I think if anyone will help Holly it will be him!
its wonderful that you have found a vet that you trust and knows that he really cares. i think the surgery will go fine. and holly will be alot better after having it done. pugs are too darn cute. i love all the flat faced breeds. i had a black pug, pudge, that died at almost 20 years old. and two pekes. i just love norton and sassy , my brothers pugs. they are playful like my frenchies.norton is black and sassy looks like your holly. real dolls. i am saying a prayer that all will be good for your baby girl !
Lovin' I'm so glad that Holly is finally able to get the surgery she needs. Everything is going to go fine. If it wasn't meant for her to have the surgery you wouldn't have been able to raise the money. Good luck!
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Saving just one dog won't save the world, but it surely will change the world for that one dog. -Richard C. Call
I think you're doing the right thing. Just knowing she's walking around feeling bad should be motivation. Liver shunt operations are very popular these days. Try to be possitive. Remember how bad her incidents are when she goes thru a bad spell.
I also agree that you have made the right choice for Holly. Your fear and second guessing yourself is quite normal - in fact if you weren't worried I would definitely be worried about you!
You know there will be alot of prayers & good thoughts for a fantastic result to her surgery! The vet sounds like a super guy & I am sure he will do absolutely everything he can so that Holly can be happy & healthy for many, many years to come!
Please give me some advise if you think I am or not.
