Sarge Stomach Issue Update
Submitted by Sargesmom on May 19, 2015 - 12:19pmWe have an appointment Thursday to see a new vet and having all of Sarge's records transferred in the meantime. First thing we are checking is to see is if he does have an elongated palate and possibly have a scope put down his throat too if needed. If surgery is needed to shorten the soft palate does anyone know if this is done as an outpatient surgery? Will he need to be kept over night? Recovery time?
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Donna
Bosco had his done as an impatient.
I brought bosco to the surgeon at around 0700 in the morning, he had the surgery in the afternoon (palate and nares), and spent the night at the hospital. Bosco's surgical center is collocated with a 24 hour emergency facility and his surgeon, who is very familiar with bulldogs and anesthesia and their post operative care, wanted him to stay overnight so the vets could monitor him. My husband and I picked him (and his pain medicine and antibiotics) up the next day with the guidance to not let him scratch his nose and to eat only wet food for that first week. No kibble. The results were instantaneous - he stopped throwing up his food and water immediately. It was wonderful. His sleeping improved. And he was able to play :-) I wish you the best of luck with your Sarge; if it is his palate, the surgery can be a life changer for him. Good luck!
Bosco's Surgery
So hapy to hear that this worked for him. I am praying this is what it is. We should know Thursday. And yes, this would change his life greatly. I'l be sure to report back. Thank you for the response...
Donna
We had had two of ours done...
Chester's was an emergency, his throat swelled and we almost lost him. When he got to the surgeons office and he said his palate was the problem, they went ahead and shortened it along with nares. They kept him overnight mainly because he had been so sick. Jessa had hers trimmed a few months ago when we first got her (she's 5) and she came home that night, but it would have been easier on us if she had stayed at the vets. Unfortunately, he has no attendants overnight, so at least here she had someone to watch over her. She did a lot of coughing and coughed up blood, which they said to expect. By the next day she was feeling better and now she has no problems whatsoever. And yes, soft food for a week or so after.
Also...
if they are going to sedate Sarge, please tell them not to use acepromazine, we have seen lots of bulldogs pass from using this. Most vets that know bulldogs won't use it, but I always mention it to be sure. Our vet uses ketamine and valium to sedate.
Sedation Medication
Kathy, thank you for the heads up on the names of the sedations they may use. I'll be sure to mention it.
Donna
My boy`s airway surgery
I am still reading and posting here even though Mr. Higgins passed away at Christmas. He had to have a repeat luxating patella surgery at age 5, ending with removal of the patella. The vet called me at the beginning of the surgery to say he had to have his airway done immediately. So both surgeries at the same time. He went to the emerg clinic overnight for monitoring as he was under for so long and the risk of airway swelling. Then he spent 2 more days in the vet clnic as he always has loose stools (stress) after surgeries and needs i.v. fluids. Not an expected recovery but thought I would tell my story. The palate did grow back after 3 years and he never was a good breather after that. I was just very diligent with heat and exercise intolerance. He passed suddenly when he began with severe respiratory issues and passed of a 7 cm tumor attached to his heart. I put him down as soon as they found the diagnosis (1 day). I have rescued a mixed breed bulldog/cavalier king charles spaniel and am busy training him. He will never replace my Mr. Higgins, but I love him.
Mr Higgins
Awww, Mr. Higgins was beautiful! A heartache you will never get over. Hugs to you. I did not know the palate could grow back. I'll be sure to ask about that. We're hoping this elongated palate surgery is what our boy needs (we're pretty sure this is what he needs) and will go smoothly. We'll know everything Thursday afternoon and if a go, into surgery Friday morning. Sarge is 15 months old and overall strong and healthy. Because of people like you I have learned so much about this breed. Joining this sight was seriously beneficial and so great to know there are others out there that love this breed as much as we do! I'll be posting an update when the week is over and we've returned home.
Donna