Update on my dog's surgery. Was it worth the expense?

[Lil Missy]

Original thread:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=6821320

He had the surgery for bilateral ear canal oblations on the 20th, so he is 10 days post op now. It was a tough decision and way too expensive, but he has been miserable for a long time now and that was more than I could bear too.

He had a really rough time for a couple days and they had to keep him for 2 days to administer IV morphine. The hope was that he could come home the same evening, but he was just in too much pain then.

I wish I had taken a pic of him after surgery. He had bloody ear flaps (damaged tissue removed) stitched to the top of his shaved head with bloody bandages and looked like his little head went through a meat grinder. It was awful.

We only had one really bad night at home, and that is because my dear mother fed him an entire can of soup just before he was supposed to get the medicine "treat". He was too full to be interested in a "treat", and I couldn't get his pills down him to save my life. He ended up with so much pain that he wigged out and ended up biting me because he was in such bad shape. Finally got someone that was able to coax him to eat some cat food that had the crushed meds in it.

This was a very painful surgery and he is still on half doses of morphine 3X per day, but he is getting the trot back in his step. He just got some stitches out on Monday that were holding his ears together on the top of his shaved head so the open sores on his ear flaps would heal. And part of his recovery was complicated by the fact that he was in a strange environment and was rendered deaf by the surgery.

Now, his eyes do not water and the infections are gone. The scarred tissue that swelled to the point of preventing inspection with an otoscope is now healing well. He has been so ornery this week that he is running away from me when I open the gate and is chasing squirrels and scolding people passing by. (Which was his usual ornery self)

I'd say the surgery was worth it. He's a lively little shit and is acting like a puppy again. And I expect even more improvement once he quits taking the morphine, because that obviously makes him stoned.

I am sad that he is now deaf and had to go through such a traumatic experience, but his quality of life is much better now.

And I am so silly - when they called and said I couldn't bring him home the night of surgery, there was a big storm and I was worried sick about him because he is afraid of storms and boomers and lightening. Silly me, he didn't hear a damn thing that night.

[Zoigal]

1. Sounds like he is healing up

nicely. Actually, dogs can adjust pretty well to deafness.
Have had two whippets that grew deaf in their older years and
both responded well to hand signals. And yes, it did help
during storms because both were afraid of thunder.
Good luck. p

[GoddessOfGuinness]

2. I'm glad he's home now...

:hug::hug::hug:
You'll find new ways to communicate with him without sounds. I'm sure you did what was right.

[enigmatic]

3. I'm glad he's ok

Of course it was worth it, and don't let anybody tell you otherwise. You're a great person for taking such good care of him:hug:

[Breeze54]

4. Of course it was worth it!

I hope, if I was your mother, you'd feel the same way! ;)\

:hug:

[Skittles]

5. people buy houses and cars they cannot afford all the time

don't allow yourself or anyone else to second-guess your decision....you love this dog; he is happy, you are happy so HELL yes it was worth it

[qnr]

6. Absolutely n/t

[xchrom]

7. good for you -- that's what you do for family. n/t

[Tyler Durden]

8. Bravo!

Truly wonderful to hear of people brave enough to give their beloved pets the care they need.

Don't worry about the hearing. This old boy



has been deaf for 3 years now, and his affection for us and us for him has not wavered.

[Lil Missy]

10. Awww, thanks for the puppy fix!

[zanne]

11. I love seeing an old dog.

It means he's had a life with people who care enough to take care of him. Yours is a cutie, too.

[Tyler Durden]

12. Gave him hugs on the way out the door today.

I am continually amazed at how soft his fur and how gentle his disposition both are.

Truly a creature of magic and light.

[wain]

9. Lead with your heart

You don't even need to ask the question.

[Patiod]

13. He'd do it for you

Although I look at our cat, who we spend money on at the vet's and a the natural pet food store, and she would SO not do it for us. If the shoe were on the other paw, we'd be eating McDonald's every day, if she even bothered to feed us.

[Lil Missy]

15. You bet he'd do it for me. Good point.

[LibertyLover]

14. "I'd say the surgery was worth it."

I think you answered your own question. It certainly sounds like it was worth it to me. Ah, the things we do for our pets. I have a Siberian Husky, a free rescue, who has cost me over $3,000 in medical bills. The first month we had him he chewed a floor mat and got a mono filament intestinal blockage that had to be removed. The surgery alone was $1200. Then a few years ago he developed a massive infection from a small tooth puncture when we left him at the boarding kennel. He developed a huge abscess that was drained a couple of times but returned, so the vet decided to go in and surgically remove it. My husband got a call from the hospital while the dog was on the table, basically telling us that the infected tissue was massive and what did we want to do - i.e. but him down or no. We opted for no - actually oh hell no. That surgery cost $1700. But today when I see him playing with our 5 year old daughter I know it was worth it.

It sounds like your guy is healing well. I hope that you and he have many long years together filled with good times - and one or two chewed shoes.

[applegrove]

16. He is well loved.

[idgiehkt]

17. I knew it would be

I am very sorry that he is having a difficult time and the pain but as I said previous, surgeries where there is a hundred percent cure and where the quality of life will be very much improved, as in this case, are worth it. Good for you. No judgement on those who can't afford it because many can't, but he is a lucky little fellow and you are a good egg for giving him this gift. :hug: :hug: :hug: