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.
We are both crying at the moment for you and Dozer, such a soul mate to you and you to him.Cherish Gods animals all the time.
We lost Kerneelsie our cat to Xhosa hunting dogs, He called me to bed every evening afternoon for a nap. We have been blessed with a Main Coon who carries all Kerneelsie traits. Bless you Nagi.
So great to hear that Dozer is doing better. It’s such a hard thing to see our fur baby’s suffer and go through illness and yes, it’s a reminder to cherish every moment we have with them. Dozer is really lucky to have you as his mum. Take care of yourself as well Nagi, it can be exhausting going through this sort of thing. Look forward to hearing more progress reports on Dozer. 🙂🙂
Dear Nagi,
So glad that Dozer is recovering. Even though he has to eat and play differently, his huge spirit and love overcomes all. Best of all, you are his best friend and as he is yours. I’ve been lucky with my dogs and cats, and even though they are on that rainbow bridge, their memories are in my heart. Nagi, thanks for sharing his life with all of us. Love to see him play and be around you. 💙💚❤️🩷💜
I am so happy to hear that Dozer is healing well! For those of us who love our furry friends, time is a precious commodity…..Enjoy xo
this was so uplifting. thank you for sharing your story. to a longer and happy life for Dozer!
We have three Goldens & know exactly how you feel toward Dozer! You are the best Golden mom!
Beaut news Nagi, brought a smile to my face that Dozer is doing so well. Yep we all love our dogs especially Goldies. Look after yourself Nagi and lots of hugs to Dozer. Chris
Well done you for not giving up when so many do because it’s too hard. Our dogs are a lifetime commitment and for the little we put in they give back 100 fold. My golder retriever Zara had a mild case of what Dozer has but then she got geriatric doggo vertigo – everyone thinks it’s a stroke – put herdown they say, she’s had a good run – blah blah. A bit of nursing love and patience and I got another 18 months. Don’t give up until Dozer is ready and he will let you know.
What wonderful news, I’m so happy to hear Dozer is well and truly feeling much better and such a relief for you Nagi. I love reading your little snippets about Dozer, you paint such a lovely story of your days it’s as if I’m there.
Many more happy days to you both. Trish
I am so glad to see that Dozer is home. Lots of love to you both
I am so relieved and happy to read your good news about Dozer’s recovery. I hope he continuous to recover fully and spend more time with him. He is such lucky dog to have you as his mom Nagi. It is evident how much you love him and how much he adores you as his mommy. Our fur babies are only with us for a short time. I hope you will have more years with Dozer. I lost one of mine on January 26th this year after 19 years. I am greatful for the years my fur baby gave me and wish the same for you.
Lovely to read your update on Dozer. I hope you both keep strong.
God love you Dozer and Nagi and keep you both safe and sound. How precious you both are. We all send you our love and happiness. The world is a better place because of you xxx
I’m so happy for you and Dozer. I’m heading off to bed with a joyful heart because of your good news. Photos of Dozer gorgeous too.
The dream team are BACK! My family and I are literally so happy to read the positive update. 💛 Well done Dozer, you are a fighter! Time with our loved pets is the best time spent in the world. No surprise you’ve been on the floor each night, we’ve been there with our special one more times than we can remember! xxx
I lost my dog, Dodger, 6 months ago to the same condition. In his last days, just going out to eat would cause him to gasp for air for 30 minutes. It was hard to watch.
His condition wasn’t operable
Cherish every moment.
YAY!
Oh Nagi, many thanks for update on your much loved DOZER, yes,enjoy your time, Nagi,we need more of you in these troubled times for some,no pressure!ithe homeless man that keeps the public space spotless, your recipetin meals, outstanding, importantly Nagi,look after yourself, luv and xx always GRF
My heart over flows with love for you both. You are such as amazing team and the joy you find in each other is palpable. Our 4 legged mates are just so special and the fact you are blessed with more time together is better than winning lotto!
Such happy, wonderful news! He pulled through and now is recovering. Don’t feel bad for what he used to do. He doesn’t and is just happy to be around his favorite person! What a relief for both of you and you are right, enjoy the precious time we have with our fur babies! I am thrilled to see him looking so well and he seems to be doing fine with his new, tasty menu!