Duke's in Surgery :( Stomach Surgery info Appreciated!

[K_Mondy]

I took Duke in first thing this morning, the vet could feel the stick in his stomach and did immediate XRays... Sure enough, he has about 6 inches of bullystick in his stomach, poking at either side. She advised that while it's possible that his stomach will break it down, it's more likely because if it's position to lacerate his stomach walls and cause more damage, especially with his coughing. Plus with how big it is, it'd be extremely dangerous for them to try and have him regurgitate it back up. SO needless to say, they took him in for emergency surgery and I'm a hot mess this morning AND it's my birthday! What a birthday present, Duke!

We appreciate everyone's input last night and this morning. Please pray for a smooth surgery and speedy recovery! If anyone has any tummy surgery stories/tips/advice/ANYTHING to offer, please send it my way!!!

 

[musicdeb]

OMG! I'm glad you took him into the vet. No more bully sticks.

I'm sure he will be back to normal after the surgery.

Please let us know how he is doing.

Titan and I send healing vibes to Mr. Duke.

 

[Jakesmum]

Poor Duke! That must be so scary for you! Jake and I also send healing vibes to Duke.

 

[DMikeM]

Wishing the best for Duke with a speedy recovery.

What you are going through has always been one of my fears. Years back I used to give my dogs rawhide chews. Both Duncan and Dozer would get probably 2 chips a day. Then Dozer got real sick and the vet thought it was a blockage but we couldn't really see anything in the X-Rays. Well he recovered with just hydration and rest but after that I threw all the rawhides in the trash and did not look back. I later found an empty coffee can in the yard that contained leftover cooking fat and it was empty. I mentioned it to 2 different vets and they both said that was the cause of his illness. But I still wont give rawhides or similar items to my dogs.

 

[Ginurse]

I have a seven year old lab who has had two surgeries because of blockages. The first, he got a hold of a small bouncing ball my husband bought out of a gumball machine for one of my daughters (ball got lodged in his small intestine), the second time he went into our pantry and ate 3 pounds of gummy candies along with the metal packages and said packages blocked the outlet of his stomach into his intestines.

Needless to say, I know how scary this can be. I think you did the right thing by getting him in so quickly!

Veterinarians (many) are used to doing these kinds of surgeries. The worst part of it for our family, was to see our dog in pain the first couple of days after we brought him home. Of course he will have to wear an elizabeathen (sp?) collar to protect the wound, and will probably be on easy to digest prescription soft food along with some other meds. My dog's incision was approximately 6 inches (midline). He went through this twice, and has been fine.

Sorry for all the worry you are going through now, I am quite certain all will be well.

 

[K_Mondy]

The vet just called, Duke is out of surgery and everything apparently went really well which is a huge relief. He's starting to wake up and already tried to pull out his IV, so he's in the cone of shame for the time being. She gave me a rundown of all of the medication and food and care stuff we'll be going home with, and recommends we keep him overnight at the emergency clinic for observation.

I'm just thankful the surgery went well and can't wait to see my boy

 

[Oscar'sMom]

So glad to hear duke is doing ok and surgery went well! I can't imagine how stressful this has been! Oh and happy birthday! What a rough birthday but it will get better!

 

[Jakesmum]

What a relief that he is doing well. With a stomach surgery like that it's good that they are going to keep him for observation. I know how hard it is to leave them at emergency, but he will be in good hands there. Knowing he is going to be alright is probably the best birthday present! We actually brought our boy home from emergency last year on my Husbands birthday. Happy Birthday, I truly hope you can enjoy some of your day.

 

[Lisa P]

Glad to hear he is doing ok! What a scary thing to go through!
Norman almost did the same thing,I pulled it out right before he swallowed it! I had no idea they could eat those things so quickly!! No more bully sticks for him!
Happy birthday! Best wishes to Duke for a speedy recovery!!

 

[K_Mondy]

Thanks so much for all of the well wishes! And the birthday wishes It's amazing how some dogs can eat all of the crap ever and be fine, then one freak accident and we're in surgery... my goodness. Definitely no more bully sticks for him - If anyone thought i was a worry wart before, they won't want to see me now! I just can't wait to see him this evening and snuggle his face <3

 

[Boxergirl]

Great news that Duke's doing well. I'm so glad you took him in. Happy birthday!

 

[DennasMom]

I worry about bully sticks and Denna, too.... she did fine with them when she was smaller, but now, all she wants to do is soften them up enough to swallow whole.... sounds like Duke had the same bad idea.

Glad surgery went well!
I wish him a fast and full recovery!