I’m so relieved and delirious with happiness to share that Dozer just had his post-operation check up and he’s ok!! I’ve been overwhelmed by all the messages of support and cheering on his recovery. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. ~ Nagi x
I won’t lie – it’s been a worrying couple of weeks. But a weight has been lifted from my shoulders after getting the all clear from Dozer’s doctors today. So I came straight here to share this great news with you!!!
Dialling back: A fortnight ago, I shared the sad news that Dozer was diagnosed with bi-lateral laryngeal paralysis, a condition where both his larynxes are paralysed so it severely inhibits his breathing. It came on quickly – in January he was romping around at the beach with his mates, then by the end of February he was refusing to go for walks and did nothing more than sleep all day. His breathing was laboured, and he was panting heavily all day and night.
I was so scared. I had been researching endlessly and had read too many sad stories of people saying goodbye to their dogs because they couldn’t watch them struggle with laryngeal paralysis anymore, or losing their dogs because they were too old to cope with the trauma of the surgery.
I made the decision to do the surgery and 2 weeks ago, he went in for what is called a tie-back operation at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital in Ryde (Sydney). The surgeons went in from the outside of Dozer’s neck then tied back one larynx to open up his airways so he can breath more freely. He stayed overnight in their ICU, monitored closely for post op complications which are more prevalent in older dogs (he’s 11 years young!).
Dozer’s recovery from the operation was slower than I expected. On day 3 after the operation, he was still barely able to struggle to his feet and did nothing but sleep all day. His breathing was extremely hoarse and raspy which the surgeon said was to be expected to an extent from post op swelling in his airways.
Is anybody here surprised when I tell you that I’ve been sleeping on a blow-up beside him every night since the operation? 🙂
I even did an emergency run back to the hospital after I found him in what seemed to be in a barely conscious state. He was a dead weight, just lying on his side without moving as we slid him across the house on a dog bed and lifted him into the car.
Luckily, it seemed to be old-man slow recovery from surgery. Around 10 days after the surgery, he started showing signs of perkiness and was able to get up by himself without assistance. His breathing became noticeably quieter – albeit still a bit hoarse. He greeted me at the door for the first time in a couple of months (I almost wept with happiness). He started playing with toys again. And he even came into the kitchen again when I was cooking high-value food! (meat).
Also (and sorry to gross you out!) he was going to the toilet regularly. He didn’t 💩 for 8 days!!! EIGHT DAYS! That is a LOT of 💩 banked up inside him – I don’t even know how he managed to store that much!!! There was much applause and celebration the day he broke the seal. I even popped a bottle of champers to celebrate. 😂
(Oh yes, and this photo reminded me of how I tried to get his bowels moving 😂).
Dozer’s post op life
But the tie-back surgery does not come without repercussions. He is at higher risk of food and water getting into his lungs and causing aspiration pneumonia (lung infection) which can be serious and deadly. He is on a new diet of slippery, ball-shaped proteins (think, Asian fish balls, but homemade) and jelly cubes made with pureed vegetables that I feed him by hand in a standing position so it slides down his throat easily.
No more random taste testing, lest stray crumbs or little bits of food accidentally get inhaled into his lungs – and the sheer speed at which food disappears down Dozer’s throat means this is a serious risk (I am not joking).
There is also the fact that it’s likely that his laryngeal paralysis is part of a broader nerve weakening syndrome called Geriatric Onset Laryngeal Paralysis and Polyneuropathy (GOLPP) which will see a weakening of his hind legs. The question is just the pace at which this occurs. I can’t bring myself to think about this yet. I know how that story ends.
It’s unlikely that he will get back to the same level of activity and energy he was even just a couple of months ago. I’ll be taking his recovery slowly, re-building his strength (bearing in mind he’s basically done no exercise for over a month now) and giving his airways time to finish healing.
And while I do get sad when I think of how Dozer’s life as it was just two months ago is over – splashing in the water with his mates, bolting after any bird that dares to land in his park, getting the last (sometimes the first) bite of everything I eat – it goes without saying that I am just grateful to have more time with him.
Cherish every moment
The reality is, he is getting on in his years. Dozer is just a month out from turning 12. He is (was) in excellent physical condition. Strong, fit, his fur is shiny and smooth, his teeth and eyes in very good condition for his age. His hearing may have been fading a bit, but hard to tell if it’s just selective hearing (seems to hear the crinkle of food wrappers ok).
But this scare is a very strong reminder to me to cherish every moment I have left with him.
Right now, I just want to relish in the glimpses I’m seeing today of the Dozer that I knew. His tail is wagging again. He trots into the kitchen to scavenge for food. He went for a short walk today – 100 metres. Yay Dozer!
Thank you again for your support and cheering him on. Sometimes I feel like your collective positive thinking gave him strength. I know it did me. – Nagi x
Dear SASH – thank you for the gift of time
To everyone at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH) in Ryde, from the receptionists to the cleaners, ICU nurses to the anaesthetists, and most especially to Dozer’s surgeons and doctors – Dr James Crowley (surgeon), Dr Tristram Bennett (surgeon), Dr Alex Kennedy (internal medicine) and Dr Amy Dickinson (critical care specialist):
Thank you for the gift of more time with Dozer. I will forever be grateful. ~ Nagi x
Above photo – the incredible team at SASH North Ryde. Left to right: Dr Alex Kennedy (internal medicine), Dozer’s maid, Dozer, Dr James Crowley (surgeon), Dr Tristram Bennett (surgeon), Dr Amy Dickinson (critical care specialist).
And the photo below – double stethoscope situation! With Dr Alex Kennedy and Dr James Crowley.
Nagi…. I first came across your amazing site in search of an easy bread recipe… and it was (is) then I saw Dozer and I fell in love. So now I have deleted many other sites and kept yours…. Not only the recipes but your contagious passion for food Dozer and life has kept me laughing motivated and sated.
I had a relationship with my last dog that echoes yours… Snoopy was a rescue from a puppy mill and eventually stole everyone’s heart. More time is what I wanted even though she lived long past her sell by date.
Love and courage …. So happy that he has rallied.
Nagi, treasure your time together. I have an 8yo golden who will have surgery next week, comparatively minor, but it’s stressful. A few weeks ago, I had to have my 5yo rescue cat Pickles put down due to a chronic urinary obstruction. Any time we bring a pet into the family, you know you’ll probably have to say good-bye. This is love, I think.
Nagi, I feel like we all love Dozer, without ever meeting him! I too had a Goldie, called Zoe. My ZoZo.ZoZo had the same breathing issue, she lived to her 14th birthday, with the treatment & measures you have described.
So, live, love & enjoy your beautiful Dozer❤️
Hi Nagi. I am SO HAPPY to hear that Dozer is doing well! YAY! As a fellow dog lover, (tragic lol), myself and my 3 beasties wish Dozer continued wellness in his recovery!
Hi Nagi, I have just read about your beloved Dozer. It makes me very happy he has such a devoted Mum. I can see by your photos that you absolutely love him. I hope you both have a few more wonderful years together.
My bestest Lab doggo, Roscoe, was diagnosed with both laryngeal paralysis and megaesophagus later on in his life. While we didn’t do the tie back surgery, with changes to his feeding and diet, he ended up living quite a few more years. Old age comes for all of us, and he was no exception. I am happy that it was old age and not his physical ailments. One of the things that we had to curtail, was his swimming. He wasn’t too happy about that, but we found other things to do. I am sending lots of love to both you and Dozer. K and in absentia, Roscoe
So happy Dozer gets to spend more time with you. What a lucky boy! Do you have the recipe for his new diet of protein balls and veggie-jelly cubes?
Hi Nagi, So happy to hear that dozer is doing good. Keep enjoying the good treats Dozer and happy cooking. Good vibes from California
Dozer!
So good to hear you’re back up and running!
Keep it up!
Good dog, Dozer! Good dog! Keep wagging that tail and build up your strength. We all love you and your Mum. Xx
I’m so glad that Dozer is OK and recovering from his surgery! Unless they have a dog, people can’t understand what a huge part of your life these bundles of fur and love are.
Vets live and care for animals more than you can imagine.
Way back when you did a short vid on another site and mentioned that there were to be no jokes about short stumpy hands i followed what you were making and how you did it. Thank you for being you, you have help me care about things. Cheers.
Hi Nagi;
So happy for you that your beautiful Dozer is well .
Thank you for your recipes, every one I have tried is always a success .
😘😘
So happy for you and Dozer. ❤ from Wisconsin, US
Oh Nagi, you have been extremely loving and strong through the entire time for Dozer and it’s so clear that you love him with all of your kind heart. I came for your recipes but stayed for Dozer updates 🥰 Stay happy you two, cherish all the time possible and I’m sure Dozer knows that he’s loved beyond measure 💓
Hi Nagi. I think you are amazing. I have your cook book which I got for Christmas. I absolutely love it. The recipes are all so tasty. I love Dozer like he’s my own. Love the updates. I myself have a boxer, I have grown up with dogs and would not be without one, the are family. And heartbreaking when they are poorly. Big hugs to dozer keep going strong buddy
I am so very happy for mr Dozer and you Nagi. It was truly wonderful to read this report. Keep up the great work guys…💜😎💜
Marvellous news.
👍👍👍🏴🇬🇧
Soldier!! Sooooo pleased your gorgeous fella has rallied! What precious times you both have coming! Best news for sure xxxxxxx
I’m so happy to hear Dozer is on the mend! As a fellow pet parent that’s had to rush their dog into the ER I want to strongly recommend seeing a certified Holistic Veterinarian. Mika, my dog, was suffering from a reoccurring illness that no one could get a handle on till I saw a holistic vet…I think they could significantly help Dozer’s quality of life.