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.
All the best to Dozer and a speedy recovery. We were just talking about home last night at dinner in Canada!
Nagi,
I share my house with two older dogs. I live your concerns. Every day, when one is slow to respond (more often these days) my heart sinks and I fear the worst, until they respond and my heart leaps!
Go Dozer – and Cagney and Lacey
Ah, sweet Dozer! Give your momma lots and lots of Dozer kisses! We’re all sending lots of hugs and kisses to you and your loving Nagi! 🤗🤗🤗🥰🥰🥰
Great news Nagi, wishing Dozer and you all the best from Canada.
I’m SO happy that Dozer is ok! I KNOW how you feel! We had a beautiful white standard poodle. He was SO energetic he NEVER sat still very long. One Friday he played all morning and then all of a sudden he just stood there, One week later he died on our living room floor. Devastation prevailed! Please give give Dozer a big hug from me! Love, Inge
Bless you both, such a scary time….. the price we pay for the love we share….. loved the photos,,,,, love to you both xxx
Wonderful news! It seems Nagi is not the only one with the unhealthy obsession with her dog! We’ve all been hoping for this fabulous outcome. It must have been so stressful for you Nagi. Big hugs to Dozer and you.
So happy to hear the news, Today’s tears are of joy for Dozer! Thank you for sharing the news today. Give Dozer a big kiss and a big hug from all your fans who have been worried about him. He’s lucky to have you for his Mom!
Glad to hear. Enjoy eachother
I am so happy for you and Dozer. Having special needs dog most of my life, I know the joy you feel when Dozer defies the odds and makes it through a situation like this. Celebrate everyday.
God does answer prayers. And we will continue to keep Dozer in our prayers and you, too!!
I have been closelyfollowing the Dozer updates, and I am so happy that he is doing well. You are the best, best “kahu” that he could have. Sending love and aloha!
I’ve got tears running down my cheeks. I’m SO pleased to hear Dozer is doing well.
I’m so happy that Dozer is on this side of recovery now! I know a couple of goldens who had laryngeal paralysis but were unable to have the surgery due to other health matters. Thank you for taking such loving care of your fur baby. We all are breathing easier along with you Dozer! Keep up the good work.
So pleased to hear he is on the mend. ❤️
Recently whilst attacked by the Sepsis (Dragon) and a month inhospital my beloved girl Callydog succumbed to a violent haemoraghe, and I was ubable to be with her,still not over the loving dog that she was still makes me soo sad. Daughter and partner took care of her and was also hard for them.
She did have a wonderful time with them and their delightful Greyhounds and her little mini foxy mate.
The loss of your pet pulls at your heart string in an unbelievable way.
Keep well Dozer . you are so loved.
(dragon)
Such lovely news! I read this with happy tears in my eyes. So very happy for you and Dozer. May he continue to heal, and may you both have many more happy years together!!!
So happy for you that Dozer is doing well!
Good norming, from Ohio, Continued prayers for Dozer and his Mama Nagi, Love and hugs from Kathleen and Allie Girl. (Rescued Golden Retriever). Allie is 11-years and 4-months old, has been a part of my life since she nine months old. Allie and I are so happy and thankful that Dozer is doing better.
Dozer, you big ol` fur baby. I have been praying to God and Jesus in Heaven and all the angels too for your surgery to go off without a hitch and for a speedy recovery too.
I am so glad to hear that you are back to your “New” self. Please, be sure to stay well and remember to follow all of your moms new rules for your well-being.
Nagi, my boys, Tippy and Rudy will be 14 years young in July. Tippy has cataracts
and takes heart meds twice a day and a water pill too. Rudy is almost completely deaf and sometimes his back end is paralyzed and he has to drag himself around. Other days he can run like the wind. Go figure!
I don’t know how many more years I will have with both my boys and so, like you and Dozer, we just have to take it one day at a time and sometimes one minute at a time too. I wish with all my heart we could keep our boys forever, but for some crazy reason God and Jesus decide when it is time for them to cross the Rainbow Bridge and run and play in heaven. So, I will keep Dozer in my daily prayers along with Rudy and Tippy too.
May God, Jesus and their angels keep you both in the palms of their hands. May the road rise up to meet you both and the sun be always at your backs. 💕 💞 ♥️