Three different vet opinions. Please help.

[Blackboy98]

If you can not make a decision, ask your vet if you can get Gabapentin for Fran. Cracker was taking it toward the end, to block the pain receptors in the brain. It did work along with the other two pain relievers he was taking.

Sending lab board mojo for you and Fran.

[LucyTudeOn4Feet]

I think of it like this: pain relief is at the forefront of difficult, complicated decisions. If you can find additional ways of relieving her pain, do the surgery as far out as recommended. If nothing additional can be done for pain, then keep the mid-August surgery date and take the chance.
To make her endure 3 more weeks of pain would kill me. My heart couldn't do it, if it were Lucy.
Perhaps you can up her immune system supplements/nutrients a week or two before surgery?

[Charlotte K.]

Given your concerns, I would go with the earlier appointment with the specialist. I would worry about an infection, too, if you wait long. Ask that they give her IV fluids, adjusted for her age and and an heart condition, during surgery. That way they have a line open if she needs meds in an emergency, and the fluids will help the liver and kidneys flush out the drugs. (They may do that anyway but I would ask.) I imagine the specialist will be faster at the procedure and even have better tools, making her be under a shorter time for lower risk.

You can always cancel the appointment if you change your mind.

((hugs))

[voodoo]

I talked with my best friend vet surgeon who said a dental surgeon is super qualified and go with what they say. only reason not to do surgery now is bone loss, excessive bleeding, etc...

good luck with whatever you decide

[janedoe]

Why wasn't the resorption addressed during the prior surgeries? Sorry if you've stated this in other threads.

The surgery was to remove a massive cyst and do a dental cleaning. The vet called me during the procedure and told me point blank that she wasn't qualified to do the rest of the dental work. The big problem came up later when they had to do a local anesthetic after her suture came apart like a zipper. That just complicated the whole thing just because that was two anesthetic procedures in a couple of weeks.

[janedoe]

Thank you everyone. It was a much easier day today. I think she must have knocked her mouth on something before and it hurt like heck. The other therapies have had the desired effect but I'm still keeping the 13th surgery date. Spoke to the holistic vet's office and it was relayed to me via a tech that the vet had given a grudging go ahead. We have an appointment with the holistic vet on Monday to adjust supplement dosages as needed. Meanwhile, our conventional vet is out on a family emergency and they don't know when she'll be back so it's up to me and I'm pretty sure at this point that we need to proceed as scheduled.

I really appreciate all of you for taking the time to share your experiences. Just seeing her in pain literally makes me feel sick. I can't stand it. It's good to hear from others who have been through it.

[Dallas dawg]

Awwww, I hope Fran feels better

[Snowco Labradors]

I so feel your worry with the anesthesia and wanting to do what is best for your baby.

Ask the specialist how long they expect her to be under and if they can use propofol (it is less invasive on the system) It is used for C-sections and combined with isoflorien (sp) because a C-section is a very quick procedure (in most cases) and the patient wakes up much quicker from the propofol and the propofol is less invasive on the pups as well.

[janedoe]

I so feel your worry with the anesthesia and wanting to do what is best for your baby.

Ask the specialist how long they expect her to be under and if they can use propofol (it is less invasive on the system) It is used for C-sections and combined with isoflorien (sp) because a C-section is a very quick procedure (in most cases) and the patient wakes up much quicker from the propofol and the propofol is less invasive on the pups as well.

Four hours. I remember that because I said to her, "Oh crap. Really?"

The treatment plan doesn't say what kind of anesthestic they are using. I will call and find out.

[Snowco Labradors]

Most treatment estimates will not say what anesthesia is being used (Its only listed on the final bill). You need to ask and request it. 4 hours is a long time and not sure if they can use propofol. Worth asking because the idea on this anesthesia is the dog wakes up much quicker. Hoping they can use it for a long time surgery. I know it is also used for spays (but that is not a 4 hr. surgery either).

Praying you can get her thru all of this and she recovers well.

I can not tell you what to do. But if I could get my dogs pain in check a bit and monitor her blood to be sure the pain meds are not effecting her organ function..... I would try to hold off on the surgery because of all the anesthesia.

Do they have her on an antibiotic to prevent an infection? I know that is not a great thing either but may be the lesser of two evils.... If so get her on a good probiotic while on the antib. Be sure to give it 2-3 hours away from the antib. and continue it for weeks after the antib. is finished.

Praying for you during this difficult time.