Post Surgery
Submitted by heathercmt on June 27, 2010 - 4:48pmHello my name is Heather. I just joined the site and I live in miami, florida. I just adopted a precious bully boy from the miami dade animal services. His name is Frank. When we got him we quickly realized that he had some tail pocket issues. When we took him into the vet we then realized how bad it was. It was so deep and whoever had him before us never took care of his tail pocket and it was pretty badly infected. The vet, who was recommended to us is great and experienced with bulldogs, suggested that he remove the skin around the tail to allow for air to get to the pocket and to avoid tail amputation. It is now 5 days post surgery and we have already taken him in to have it cleaned because it was infected, and he is still leaking fluids and bleeding from the wound. We have tried to clean it and he is going absolutely crazy growling and trying to bite. The vet said we can bring him in every day to clean it which is great but it is 40 minutes away and I dont want to traumatise him anymore than he already has been. Not that I wouldnt drive that far for him every day but if I could get a better solution it would help. He hasn't been left alone 24/7 since the surgery and is getting the best care that we know how to give.but if anyone has any experience with this type of surgery any ounce of help would be great. His current schedule is antibiotics, benadryl, and sodium chloride rinse twice a day. He sleeps a lot and I know eventually it will get better but I cant help but get upset everytime I think about what his previous owners could have done to prevent him from getting so bad. Also, I don't know if it is normal but this morning he sounded as if he had phlegm stuck in his throat as he was breathing and making that kind of roaring sound as they do if they have been over worked. PLEASE HELP!!!! Any info or support for Frank and us would help the vet said it was going to be a rough ride for the next 3 to 4 weeks. If nothing else just keep us in your prayers! Thanks for listening!
Heather & Frank
Heather, is he still sounding phlegmy?
If he is or if he's having trouble breathing, I would contact the vet and see what they advise. I would expect him to have some raspiness right after surgery because of the breathing tube, but after 5 days I think it would be gone. So sad that he has to go through all this pain. I have one with an inverted tail and we clean it daily, he comes right over and assumes the position when I get the wipes out. I'm sure once the wound has healed, your guy will be a lot happier.
I agree with Kathy. Any
Phlem sound should be checked by the vet this late after surgery. I imagine a good course of antibiotics might solve both issues...chest and tail pocket pain.
Amy and Sophia