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 way from New Zealand, I have been following the life of Dozer.( not mentioning your beautiful recipes, often tried and loved ) Reading all that you both went through these past weeks ,has brought tears to my eyes. So happy for you both that our Dozer is on the road to recovery. He has the most devoted and loving Mama. Looking at my own little 10 year old fur ball, reminds me how lucky we are to have those beautiful animals sharing our lives. Precious little “people”. Very very best wishes to Dozer for a full recovery and many more years with you Nagi.
Dearest Nagi, I hope that I am not out of place here but do you think that you should buy another puppy for company with Dozer and comfort for you later on ?? XXXXXX
Was not as brave as you Dianne, but you gave me courage to share.
❣️❣️
My kids are 40 & 38 now. When they were around 7 & 5 we got two rescue dog brothers from a centre, they were in their third month there, about the same age as my kids, owner family had moved overseas, instructions they were not to be split up, nobody else wanted them both..
Two chihuahua crosses with long life spans, immediate energetic family members. After a few years it was obvious the older one was on his last few weeks. Welcome another rescue, & we had three for a short time, the younger became the older & had been training the newby. Repeated in another few short years. We have always had two dogs, overlapping to three for a short time when needed. Small, active dogs with long lifespans. My oldest child now has dogs No 4 & 5 , 15 & 8 years old. An unbroken link over 33 years.
With each huge loss we still had 2 dogs & remaining dog had one to care for❣️❣️
Enjoy every moment with Dozer Nagi. Certainly consider Dozer’s final gift to you (& one of yours to him!). No need to wait until Dozer is gone, your big heart already needs another best friend & Dozer would also enjoy the time you are all together xx ❣️❣️❣️
Wonderful news. So happy for you and Dozer. SASH is the best. They saved my old grandog some years back. He was in a critical way for ten days in the hospital.
So good to hear that Dozer is becoming stronger every day.
So happy to hear Dozer is doing so well! Lovely boy! ❤️❤️❤️❤️.
Sending my love to you and Dozer. This had me giving my 9 year-old dog a soggy cuddle x
Great to see Dozer is doing better, I have been so worried for you. I have a dog almost 17yo who is very much the little old man but not showing signs of leaving just yet, and like you, I am cherishing every moment I have with him. Much love to Dozer, and you <3
💕🩷💕🩷💕
wonderful news dozer …keep fighting xxx
One day @ a time, Nagy & give yourself & him the best experiences that you can have. I lost my Danny a few years ago now with a brain tumour but we were incredibly lucky to have a few years from diagnosis. We had a ball, we lived loud & made the most of everyday.❤️🙏
Thank God! You’re a trooper Dozer.
The Best news.. 🥹❤️
Oh bless his little cotton socks. He’s certainly a trooper. You go Dozer even if it is a bit more sedately.
You’re an elder statesman now old boy so make sure they give you the respect you’ve earned
Beautiful to see your smiling face again.
Look after Nagi. She needs you in her life for as long as you can stay around big boy. Hugs to both of you 💞🌟🥰
Thank you Nagi for keeping us all updated on Dozer’s progress. Although we’ve never met Dozer, I think it’s fair to say we all know and love him. You are doing an amazing job and Dozer is so lucky to have you (and vice versa). Wishing you both all the best from NZ xx
that’s the best news! we’re all collectively sighing a huge sigh of relief. you’re so lucky to have each other. strength and love to both of you. Go Dozer!
Hi Nagi I’ve been following your posts on Dozer and I’m so pleased Dozers op was successful and he has recovered. The bond between dogs and humans is special but when that bond is like yours Nagi it’s super special. We have 4 little rescue dogs one of which was seriously ill a year ago when we nearly lost him, but with specialist care he pulled through, he still has issues and we don’t know how long Jake will be with us, we just enjoy being with him every day. Very best wishes to you and Dozer xx
Best news I’ve had all day. More power to you Dozer! 🐘💕
What a great story! Thanks for sharing! YOU GO DOZER!!! Best of luck to you both!
What wonderful news! Thank you for sharing. Dozer feels like family!
Fantastic news 👏🥰🎈
My whole family are so thrilled to hear the great news about Dozer ❤️