CockersOnline Forum
Cocker Specific Discussion => Health => Topic started by: Pearly on December 09, 2013, 08:36:12 PM
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I know it's been discussed on here many times before - I guess I'm looking for a bit of reassurance...
After more than 12 months of continued bouts of infection/full glands [which surely they will be from time to time?] and one session of flush/packing.
Change of groomer as I thought they may be heavy handed and the new one doesn't touch anal glands [won't empty them due to the risk of damage :shades:]
complete change of diet to BARF for 3 months, which only made her really constipated and exacerbated the problem ph34r
added fibre to her diet which made her really loose and therefore worse
on gluten free for the best part of 6 months which has been great until the last 2 months
Change of Vet from the nearest branch of the Group to a Partner at the Vet day hospital
3 infections in 2 months the Vet has said they need to be removed.
She's booked in for Monday next week. Got to admit that although he's reassured me I'm still worried about the possible side effects and how she will be after the operation.
Anyone any experience of the procedure on their dog and able to share how they are first night / day after? I can ask my Mum to come over and look after her while I'm at work if needed but the Vet says she should be ok......
Sorry to ramble - just a bit upset that it's come to an operation
Jayne
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Awwwww :'(
Have no experience of this but sending big hugs for you and Pearl xx
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No experience of this either, but hope all goes well and no more discomfort for Pearl :bigarmhug:
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Will be thinking of you both next week and hoping all goes well for Pearl :luv: :luv: Poor little girly....at least she will be pain free when its done but it is not nice thinking of them going through a big op.
We've been told Bonnie might have to have hers done and its best while she's young but we are hoping it doesn't come to that. In the meantime, we've been following the advice given by a very knowledgeable cocker owner we met on a COL meet and been giving Bonnie bran in her diet (think she was called Pearly ;)) xxx
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Will be thinking of you both next week and hoping all goes well for Pearl :luv: :luv: Poor little girly....at least she will be pain free when its done but it is not nice thinking of them going through a big op.
We've been told Bonnie might have to have hers done and its best while she's young but we are hoping it doesn't come to that. In the meantime, we've been following the advice given by a very knowledgeable cocker owner we met on a COL meet and been giving Bonnie bran in her diet (think she was called Pearly ;)) xxx
oh dear ph34r hope it's working for Bonnie?
Thanks all for the well wishes x
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Aw sorry to read this. Emily, who is 12 this month, had an anal gland tumour (and so anal gland removed) in August this year. Oncologist was fantastic and did a wonderful job - removed all of the tumour and Emily has recovered just fine. He did explain the possible side effects, but is very experienced and we've been so lucky. She was on heavy pain meds - tramadol and something else I can't remember. And it was hard watching her going the first few times. Looked really painful, and she did cry a bit which was heartbreaking. But really, she recovered in superquick time (within a week), and has no loss of control/ incontinence. She is a real toughie though. The only 'issue' we had was the dissolving stitches not dissolving. So my vet had to take them out as they were irritating her. I'm sure Pearl will be fine - try not to worry too much (easier said than done I know!).
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Aww Jayne, a big decision but one obviously recommended by a very experienced vet. Having just had Miss J spayed, it was the anesthetic that caused us the most problems, so it might be wise to get your mom over for the next day just to stop you worrying at work as well.
She will obviously be in discomfort after, but I shouldnt think much worse than being infected. But it will solve the problems once and for all.
Hugs to you both.
Pat and Miss J x
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Aw sorry to read this. Emily, who is 12 this month, had an anal gland tumour (and so anal gland removed) in August this year. Oncologist was fantastic and did a wonderful job - removed all of the tumour and Emily has recovered just fine. He did explain the possible side effects, but is very experienced and we've been so lucky. She was on heavy pain meds - tramadol and something else I can't remember. And it was hard watching her going the first few times. Looked really painful, and she did cry a bit which was heartbreaking. But really, she recovered in superquick time (within a week), and has no loss of control/ incontinence. She is a real toughie though. The only 'issue' we had was the dissolving stitches not dissolving. So my vet had to take them out as they were irritating her. I'm sure Pearl will be fine - try not to worry too much (easier said than done I know!).
Really appreciate your note and so pleased that Emily has recovered well
I plan to ask the Vet for lots of pain relief for Pearl, thank you x
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Aww Jayne, a big decision but one obviously recommended by a very experienced vet. Having just had Miss J spayed, it was the anesthetic that caused us the most problems, so it might be wise to get your mom over for the next day just to stop you worrying at work as well.
She will obviously be in discomfort after, but I shouldnt think much worse than being infected. But it will solve the problems once and for all.
Hugs to you both.
Pat and Miss J x
Thanks Pat - it's Rob who made the decision for me really, the choice was next week or New Year and it seems unfair to make Pearl wait when she's clearly uncomfortable within 4 weeks now. It will be Rob to do the operation too, he's currently looking after Peony so it made sense to take Pearl at the same time - I'd happily ask Liz but not the other two at the local branch (appreciate they have to have the opportunity to practice and gain experience but not on my girly and certainly not after the treatment Jinley received ph34r)
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Really appreciate your note and so pleased that Emily has recovered well
I plan to ask the Vet for lots of pain relief for Pearl, thank you x
You're welcome, and thank you.
Just remembered - Emily stayed in overnight after op so they could monitor her and make sure she wasn't in too much pain and didn't have any toileting problems. Your vet might do this - it was a help in my case as I also work. So I didn't have to worry about her coming home straight after surgery. And by the next day most of the anaesthetic had worn off so she wasn't all groggy or whiny (like Ollie gets).
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Really appreciate your note and so pleased that Emily has recovered well
I plan to ask the Vet for lots of pain relief for Pearl, thank you x
You're welcome, and thank you.
Just remembered - Emily stayed in overnight after op so they could monitor her and make sure she wasn't in too much pain and didn't have any toileting problems. Your vet might do this - it was a help in my case as I also work. So I didn't have to worry about her coming home straight after surgery. And by the next day most of the anaesthetic had worn off so she wasn't all groggy or whiny (like Ollie gets).
That's a great suggestion, thank you. This branch of the Vet Group is "unmanned" over night but they may be able to transfer her to the main vet hospital - I'll call in the morning ;) At least that way she can get a top up of painkiller if needed and as you say, they can monitor her "performance". Think I'll call the insurance company in the morning too - pre-warn them and ask for their view...
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Aww Jayne, I'm so sorry to hear that Pearly is having to have the op after all your efforts. I don't have any experience or advice but I'm sure you are doing the right thing. We are sending loads of healing thoughts for you and hope that Miss P. Is on the mend very very soon.
:bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: from Archie and Me. xx
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Hope it goes well for Pearl Jayne - big lick to her from the Fudgemeister.
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Me and Jamie wish pearly well with her operation on monday, no experience or advice to give just good wishes :)
Jamie sends lots of cocker kisses to you both :luv:
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Oh gosh , poor Pearl :luv:
let's hope this proceedure
does the trick and she is more
comfortable
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No advise, but sending lots of healing thoughts for Pearl and a big :bigarmhug: to see you through the stress!
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No advice to give, but I'll be thinking of you and Pearl next Monday and hoping it all goes well :bigarmhug:
I know there are one or two people on COL whose Cockers have had the same op. successfully, but I can't remember who. Hopefully they will see this and post their experiences.
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I have no experience of the procedure Jayne, but like the others I'm sorry Pearl has got this trouble, but hopefully the op will sort it out. Sorry for your worry too, we will be thinking of you both.
Maurice & Jan.
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Kooki had hers removed earlier this year and tbh I was expecting the recovery period to be a lot worse than it actually was, she was uncomfortable for the first few 'goes' but in typical indestructible cocker-style she was ready to resume her usual full on assault at life long before the vet was happy for her to go off lead etc.
Once the initial shock and discomfort were over I was more bothered about it than she was.
This is not to say it isn't a big op and that they don't take time to recover but I have not once regretted having the op done and all in all she is a much happier wee girlie now. Her coat has grown back in and covers both her scars (which look horrible at first), she barely scoots, doesn't grumble half as much as she used to do (which makes me wonder just how much pain she must have been in previously)
OH and I each took a day off so that she would have someone home with her but this was more to make sure Fred wasn't bothering her than anything else- she slept a lot for the first couple of days home (painkillers helped) but that was to be expected after an anesthetic.
Will be thinking of you on Monday xxxx
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No experience here but wishing Pearl all the best for her op. Toby sends big licks too. X
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Sorry to read its come to needing an operation Jayne, but sounds like you exhausted absolutely every other possible solution... will have everything crossed for your lovely girl next week for a speedy recovery. :luv: Agree with Pat about getting your mum in to just be with her during the following day, to be honest she'll probably just sleep, but it will put your mind at rest.
Big :bigarmhug:'s from me and Maggie
Lisa
xxx
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Sorry to hear this and thinking of you Louis had infections and antibiotics and had his annal glands and infected lip folds Had them cleaned and hair trimmed and trimmed and checked regualry and hopefullly settled After seeing him uncomfortable and stressed the op will make her better x
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Hope everything goes well for Pearl on Monday. Will be thinking of her.
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Thank you all - really appreciate your well wishes :D
Lisalh thank you -so pleased Kooki is ok after her op, I think Monday may be a very long day
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Yep from me too, hope all goes well and she makes a quick recovery :luv:
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Just seen this Jayne. So sorry to hear Pearl has been suffering with this :'(
We all hope everything goes well on Monday and she recovers quickly.
Ollie and Poppy also send lots of healing kisses her way. :luv:
:bigarmhug:
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No experience of this Jayne......but just wanted to send lots of positive, healing thoughts Pearl's way.
It sounds like it might be worth the post operative pain, to get relief long term, hey? I hope so. It's horrible to watch them suffer in any way.
Xxxxxx
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I hope all goes well for Pearl's op on Monday, will be thinking of you both :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
Stephanie, George and Hamish xxx
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Good luck for tomorrow Miss Pearl.
I will be thinking of you (and your mom) xx :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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Our thoughts will be with you Pearl, and Mummy too. Xx
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Will be thinking of you and Pearl tomorrow. Hope it goes well.
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After Jinleys recent experience Pearl has had a bath this evening and now smells like a blueberry muffin :005: will be tomorrow evening before I can post an update - thank you everyone for your support x
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Will be thinking of you tomorrow :) Jamie hopes Pearly recovers well :luv:
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Archie and I will be thinking of you both tomorrow. Hope everything goes well and Pearly is soon on the mend.
:bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: xx
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Big hugs and positive thoughts for you both tmw xx
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Thinking of you both and sending you hugsx
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Thinking of you today :bigarmhug:
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Sending you lots of positive thoughts for today :-*
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yes sending you
heaps of hugs! :bigarmhug:
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Sending healing thoughts and love for today :luv: x x x
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Thinking of you both :-* :-*
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Think of Pearl today for her op. Sending you :bigarmhug:
Erica.
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Thinking of you and Pearl today and hoping she's not in too much pain after the op :luv:
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Fingers crossed for today.
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Hope every thing goes well.
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Big hugs for you both, and wishing Pearl a speedy recovery.
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Hope everythings going well Jayne and your lovely girls back home with you very soon xxx
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Hope all goes well today. Thinking of you, and hoping Pearl recovers quickly. :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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Hope everything has gone well and you're not too traumatised. Won't be too long before Pearl is home with you again. :luv: :luv: :luv: Diana
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Just looking to see how things went. Hope Pearl (and you) are both feeling ok and that she recovers quickly :luv: :luv:
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fourth attempt at posting an update....
Pearl is home and feeling very sorry for herself but as I've discovered it's mostly due to the cone of shame....having removed it for a few minutes, she shot upstairs, checked her bed was still there, tried to get to the cats food and then came back down for a big fuss! Since it went back on - she's been whining and crying - and getting lots more fuss of course ;)
she is completely doped up so can't possibly be in pain.....
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh562/Chestergirlj/Pearlpostop_zps1ed3ed7a.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/Chestergirlj/media/Pearlpostop_zps1ed3ed7a.jpg.html)
the eyes say it all in this one....
and she has now settled down and is asleep
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh562/Chestergirlj/pearlpostop2_zpsd904dcdd.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/Chestergirlj/media/pearlpostop2_zpsd904dcdd.jpg.html)
I now know a lot more about anal glands - if they are full too often they get bigger and in Pearl's case were far bigger than expected! The Vet could confirm this as one of the techniques used is to fill the glands with wax that sets firm and allows them to cut them out without causing damage to the tissue around them - how clever is that! :D
On the up side she is now recovering, has internal stitches so won't need them out and once back to normal will not have the problems she's had in recent months/weeks....
On the downside she has a bottom like a baboon and is clearly very self conscious as she puts it on cold surfaces whenever she can - bless! it must be uncomfortable.
3 days ABs and a check up on Wednesday. COL meet on Sunday weather permitting [approved by the Vet ;)].
Thanks again to everyone for thinking of her today - it has helped me a huge amount. A special thanks to those who PM'd me [and sent texts] COL is a wonderful forum :luv:
Jayne and the red-bum-Pearly
xx
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Awww poor little girly. Glad she's home safe and that once she's over the op she will have no more bother.
Gentle hugs beautiful Pearly. :luv: :luv:
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Glad she's safely home and hope she makes a speedy recovery :bigarmhug:
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thank you Emma and Elaine - she's already "been" and it was perfectly formed if somewhat smelly :banana: which is a massive relief :D she's also chased Minnie away from her tea and then ate the lot :005: so she isn't as bad as she would like me to think ;)
I'm told she will be fully recovered within 6 days, short walk tomorrow on lead after that, at her own pace :D just have to keep an eye on the wounds for infection or if they open up at all.
just seen Minnie's legs in this photo - they look awfully thin compared to her body....cat diet required ph34r
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Sooooooooo glad Pearl is back where she belongs, and that everything seems to have gone well :luv:
I am really glad she is eating and annoying poor Minnie ;) Great news that she has 'been'. Good progress all round.
I hope you both have a good night tonight, you will both be exhausted.
ps. as for Minnie's legs, just a bad angle I am sure :005: you cannot put the poor soul on a diet at Christmas! :016:
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So glad that Pearl is back home safe and well. Hope by this time next week she has forgotten all about it and has no further problems.
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just seen Minnie's legs in this photo - they look awfully thin compared to her body....cat diet required ph34r
Don't forget the camera always adds 10lbs :005: So glad Pearl is already starting her recovery. Hope she is back on full form very soon :luv:
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Awww bless her :luv: So pleased it went well Jayne and knowing your gorgeous girl I have no doubt she'll back on form very quickly :luv: :luv: :luv: Gentle squidges for your lovely girl xxx
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Good news Jayne, we have been thinking of you and Pearl, must have been a long day for you both, so pleased she is home.
Maurice
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So glad to read it is nearly all over :luv:
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Without the cone she's running round like a mad thing and trying to scratch herself on the floor/rug - with it on she is completely miserable but staying put in her basket... She is now really swollen, from what I can tell, as she isn't very keen on letting me have a look.
Have spoken to the vet hospital who tell me this is all normal.
The cooked sausages are almost cold so bedtime treats in a few minutes :D
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Hope pearl is having a comfortable night. Xx
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:luv: :luv:
Do hope Pearl has had a comfortable night and is recovered enough today to enjoy her short walk. Sending :bigarmhug: to both of you.
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Pearl had a great night thank you :D
I woke at least every hour either due to the snoring, not snoring which woke me as it was too quiet and when the plastic cone stuck was to the side of my face ;)
It's clearly uncomfortable this morning but it's not stopped her eating 1/2 sausage.....
JnP
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Poor Pearl! Here's to a speedy recovery. Glad you had a reasonable night :-\
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Oh good girl Pearl :luv:
you get all better soon :D
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Ah, sounds like the worse might be over Jayne. Wishing little Pearl a really speedy recovery, then relief from any more problems in that area.
Big hugs from us all. Xxx
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That's good news! I hope she is soon back to her normal self :luv:
I know what you mean about the cone though - Poppy had two ops on her eye in November and had to wear one for a whole month - I've still got the bruises to prove it! >:(
Lots of hugs and kisses from Ollie and Poppy :D xx
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Good news! Hope Pearl's recovery continues to go well.
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Morning P&J,
Glad she had a good night (even if your wasn't so good lol) sounds like she is well on the road to recovery already, things are going to be a bit hot and itchy for the next few days, vet advised me to stop Madame scooting whenever possible but it was mission impossible.......She did 'enjoy' sitting on the cold tiles in the kitchen and tbh we only bothered with the cone of shame when we had to leave her as she was really good leaving the wounds alone without it and it caused her more bother/distress than any benefit.
Looking forward to more recovery updates and a few more pics of the patient wouldn't go amiss!!!!
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Glad to hear that the op went well ;) [please give Pearl a gentle squidge from me and i hope her poor little red botty is back to normal very soon :luv: :luv:
Stephanie, George and Hamish xxx
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Just sending Pearl a big :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: She seems to be one big brave girl. Hope the sore botty settles soon.
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Hows she doing Jayne? Xx
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Just caught up on this Jayne, glad to hear that Pearly is on the road to recovery :D
Jamie sends lots of cocker licks to pearly :) (to her face though not her sore bot bot)
I couldn't help but laugh at your photos of her with her cone of shame though :005: she looks thoroughly unimpressed bless her.
Hope you both enjoy the COL meet, sorry we won't be there but hopefully see you in the new year xx
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Pearl has spent most of the day with my neighbour and has had lots of attention and fuss :D
From what I can see the swelling and redness is really reduced but she is still very defensive of her bottom, is taking every opportunity she can to scoot and trying a crafty lick when the cone is off ;)
The wet grass must be a relief as she keeps asking to go out but I'm afraid I'm wise to that now! Will be glad when it's Thursday and she is through this bit, it must be really uncomfortable for her.
Thank you everyone for your support - it does make it easier x
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At least Pearl is feeling well enough to be crafty and con you into letting her out to the nice cool wet grass :005:
Glad to hear things are on the mend. :luv:
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So pleased to hear she's moving forward. Just a case of healing now. Sending healing, positive vibes her way. Xxxx
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Just read the entire thread, so glad Pearl is better now.
My Bailey has his glands removed tomorrow ph34r
Can you give me any hints or tips on after care for him?
Thanks in advance :D
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Hi Helen - saw your thread earlier! As Pat mentioned I'll be online properly later and post a full update to close down this thread - been meaning to for a while so you've done me a favour by prompting me, thank you
Lisa gave brilliant advise - thank you!
What I can say is that Pearl is not only fully recovered but now goes to hydrotherapy to improve her fitness and swam for 35 minutes last week!
Jayne
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So pleased to hear that Pearl back to full strength. :D
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Grrrr....just typed a huge update to close the thread down and got timed out!
so a much shorter version :005: For anyone considering the operation or have a dog about to go through it.....
The Tuesday night, after the op on Monday, was far better. I'd asked for pain relief for her [morning and evening] which I think helped a lot - she was certainly a bit zonked! Pearl slept well and so did I!
Wednesday we were back to normal routines [as was Pearl....normal shape, size and less smelly :shades:] plus she was eating well and harassing the cats...... We had the Vet check which went well although the Vet wasn't experienced enough to give the go-ahead for the COL meet on the Sunday ph34r the wounds were healing nicely and no sign of infection :D The worst bit was that cone - she was really unhappy with it on. I took it off her for a couple of hours in the evening and she settled down on the settee and slept. Back on for overnight though....
Thursday - Pearl had the cone sussed....rather than poking the back of my calves, with her nose, on the way down the stairs [I'm sure she's part Corgi >:D ] she quickly realised she could use the cone..... >:D I still have a mark on the back of one leg!
I tried her without the cone on the Friday morning but caught her having a sneaky lick at lunchtime so it went back on for the afternoon and overnight again [reprieve in the evening under supervision :005:].
Saturday Vet check was better - still healing well and the OK to go on the walk but to wipe her down if she got too muddy just in case ;) and best of all, that cone went into the cupboard hopefully, never to be used again :banana:
Sunday: It was a cold day so Pearl sported her winter jacket, Miss J chose to run around a field to keep warm ;) :005: We had a great time meeting up with GeoW, Patp and AlandBina - lovely people and lovely cockers :luv:
****
The first 3 days were uncomfortable watching Pearl as I'm sure it was sore/hot and itchy for her. Looking back, it was such a short amount of time and compared to how she is now : so worth having the procedure done :D
Pearl is now happier and fitter than she has been for a very long time - I've started taking her to hydrotherapy to boost her fitness and she managed 35 minutes this week! No frequent trips to the Vets to have her glands emptied and no more associated bills ;) Her poo's are still well formed, if a little loose so once she has finished her current gluten free food I think she'll be back on the muesli or possibly BARF [though that did make her very constipated - all dogs are different!].
Day 6 - post op on Stiperstones
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh562/Chestergirlj/StiperstonesDec2013014_zps1827364f.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/Chestergirlj/media/StiperstonesDec2013014_zps1827364f.jpg.html)
and in the pub, keeping warm, afterwards....
(http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh562/Chestergirlj/StiperstonesDec2013032_zps02cf918c.jpg) (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/Chestergirlj/media/StiperstonesDec2013032_zps02cf918c.jpg.html)
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So glad she is fully recovered and everything is so much better xx
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Thanks Kerry - hope Bonnie is doing well with her bran ?
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thankyou for the update....you have really put my mind at ease :D
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Thanks Kerry - hope Bonnie is doing well with her bran ?
Touch wood, Bonnie has not had to go back for an 'empty' since we took her off JWB and added bran in the mornings. I think her diet change has helped a lot....thank you for the advice :luv: Though, Pearl's success has helped ease my mind should we have to consider removal further down the line xxx