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Topic Dog Boards / Visitors Questions / Dog not recovering from Anaesthetic
- By Guest [gb] Date 17.07.05 12:57 UTC
Hi

My 10 year old bichon frise had an operation to repair a torn cruciate ligament on her hind leg 4 days ago.  She has not come round from anaesthetic.

I have her home at present, but she cannot hear, I don't know if she can see, she is very lethargic.  She cannot stand or walk, although she tries to move when she needs to go to the toilet - using her hind legs to push her along the floor.

She won't eat - there is no sign of wanting to.  I am giving her water through a syringe, although this is not very successful - I have tried putting her on her back to take from the syringe - she can lick and swallow, but now she is struggling.  She is probably in lots of pain, but because she won't eat, I can't get her to take the antibiotics and pain killers the vet gave to me for her.

I don't know what to do.  It is very distressing watching her in this situation.

Has anyone any experience of this type of thing? I wonder will she come around and, if so, when.

I have to take her back to the vet tomorrow, but we don't really know what the prognosis is.

Regards

Vardy
- By Brainless [gb] Date 17.07.05 13:19 UTC
I can't understand why the Vet would release her in this condition she needs to go straight back in.
- By Daisy [gb] Date 17.07.05 13:22 UTC
Usually the vet says that if you have any worries to contact them immediately :(

Daisy
- By Brainless [gb] Date 17.07.05 13:49 UTC
I have never known a vet send an unconcious/unresponsive dog home though???
- By Daisy [gb] Date 17.07.05 13:51 UTC
Well, no :( I thought perhaps she had deteriorated .......... :(

Daisy
- By Vardy [gb] Date 17.07.05 14:14 UTC
just spoke to on call vet... apparently she was walking and eating yesterday, although very limited at both.  He seems to think she may have some brain damage and that's why she doesn't seem co-ordinated.  It's hard to know what to do - she just looks as if she is sleeping most of the time.
- By Brainless [gb] Date 17.07.05 14:18 UTC
I would take her back in, if she was healthy going under then something has gone badly wrong.  What kind of anasthetic did she have?  Was she given an antidote?  Certainly needs the Vets attention especially in this weather and her possibley dehydrating, they will need to get her on intravenous fluids.
- By Daisy [gb] Date 17.07.05 14:28 UTC
You're probably right about the dehydration, Brainless. Having seen what dehydration did to my elderly mother (one symptom was that she couldn't keep her eyes open during a conversation and kept going to sleep, which was very unusual for her) it sounds a very good possibility.

Daisy
- By Vardy [gb] Date 17.07.05 14:31 UTC
thanks - will try to keep giving her fluids - vet said he would take her in this evening and put her on a drop if I wish, but he thinks she may get more attention at home, it being the weekend and all - luckily I have time at present

Regards

Vardy
- By jdp1962 [gb] Date 17.07.05 15:45 UTC
This sounds very serious indeed!  Our bichon-westie cross has this operation carried out on both back legs, and on each occasion, he was on his feet (albeit pretty wobbly) within 12 hours, eating, drinking & wanting to go in the garden to do his business.  I think you need to get your dog back to the vet and under medical supervision as a matter of priority.  The vet should never have allowed the dog to leave his/her care until completely satisfied that the dog had come round properly from the anaesthetic.
- By Dill [gb] Date 17.07.05 16:03 UTC
Dehydration would make the dog seem as if brain damaged, also unco-ordinated and lethargic.  So would low blood sugar, have you tried adding glucose to the water?  If the dog hasn't eaten anything then that could be the problem. 
- By spitzed [gb] Date 17.07.05 16:32 UTC
Call the vet now and ask to bring her into them right now. If they refuse then call another practice and get her seen immediately.

This complication could have arisen due to having a severe reaction from the anaesthetic, or she may have an underlying problem that has now emerged. Your current vet is being a tad stupid, threaten to sue if they do not take your dog back in right now to assess what is wrong. Them saying to bring her in tonight is disgraceful.

Spitzed x
- By spitzed [gb] Date 17.07.05 16:50 UTC
If the vet can find no problems then it may be that there is a psychological reason for this behaviour. My partner tells me a similar thing happened to his brother's GS after an operation to amputate a toe.  The dog seemed to lose all interest in anything and just laid there feeling sorry for himself. 

My partner, who was very close to the dog went round because he was concerned and as soon as the dog saw him it snapped out of its mood.

I would suggest a visit from someone whom your dog trusts and who is not a direct member of your household.

Spitzed x
- By jdp1962 [gb] Date 17.07.05 17:29 UTC
Just get it to the vet now!
- By Spender Date 17.07.05 17:34 UTC
Agree with everyone's response on this thread.  Get your dog to the vet immediately. Dehydration can be very serious indeed, especially in this weather not to mention what else may be going on. 

Is she urinating at all?

Don't answer that, just get to the vet.
- By Brainless [gb] Date 17.07.05 18:02 UTC
Take he4r to a Vet that has staff 24hours on the premises.  This would normally be called an Animal hospital.  If your vet has no-one on premises at night then yes she is better off at home, but she needs to be under a Vets supervison as dehydration can kill your dog causing metabolic processes that may become irreversible.
- By Vardy [gb] Date 17.07.05 18:24 UTC
Thanks everyone

Just taken her to the vet.  She has been put on a drip and has had antibiotics and pain relief administered.  It has put my mind at rest.  The vet thinks it is still early days and she may come around.  Apparently she had cardiac arrest just as the operation was finishing and they had to recussitate her.

Regards Vardy
- By jdp1962 [gb] Date 17.07.05 18:28 UTC
When did they tell you about the cardiac arrest?  When you first collected her, or just now when you took the dog back?
- By Vardy [gb] Date 17.07.05 18:30 UTC
I read it on the computer when the vet was out of the consultants room. 

They told me just at the end of the op that she had gone into a very deep sleep and that they had to bring her around.  They were very concerned about her and kept her in for two days.  She seemed to be getting better, i.e. walking, but not very responsive.  That's why they allowed me to bring her home.  I just got worried today and was wondering if anyone had any experience of this sort of thing.  I'm happier now and she doesn't seem stressed at present. 

Thanks everyone
- By jdp1962 [gb] Date 17.07.05 19:40 UTC
Will you keep us informed as to how she gets on ! 
- By cooperscrossing [gb] Date 17.07.05 18:31 UTC
Ask your vet exactly what anaestic he used on her.  At 10 years old he should have been using a very light one.  My own bitch underwent a severe reaction and since I've discovered that other dogs in the breed have also had severe reactions and in some cases died from the same anaestic.

Good luck, I understand completely how you feel.
- By Fillis Date 17.07.05 21:27 UTC
My breed also are prone to react badly to anaesthetic, which is why I get so annoyed when vets mention spaying/castration at a puppies initial consultation! :( In this position I would be horrified if my vet hadnt mentioned that there had been complications during the operation. I do hope your baby recovers with no ill-effects.
- By denese [gb] Date 18.07.05 17:41 UTC
Hi Vardy,

I feel for you, Be strong don't stand NO! nonsense!! Don't ask the vet
if he will see the dog! tell him he will!!! You need a drip.
Love isn't enough!!
This is my greatest fear, my breed have bad reactions to Anaesthetic..
I wish the vet's were more truthful to us, and cared a little more
for animals and people Than there profit. I read this, and it makes me
so angry. To leave you in a position like this.
Best Wishes
Denese
- By pinklilies Date 18.07.05 18:05 UTC
In your position I would most certainly be asking the vet why they did not have the decency to tell you that your dog had a cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest can cause brain damage, and you have
1. a right to know that it happened
2. A right to know WHY it happened.
There is a suspicion here that your vet was neglectful in the administration of anaesthetic, and their secrecy about it heightens my suspicion of this.
- By LJS Date 18.07.05 18:24 UTC
I agree totally pinklilies :)

I do hope that your dog makes a full recovery.

Lucy
xx
- By Vardy [gb] Date 18.07.05 20:24 UTC
Thanks Everyone

Had her to the vet this morning expecting the worst.  The vet is very concerned, but thinks it's too early to be letting her go.  We decided to keep her on a drip for another day to see if things improve.

Took her home - after vet sedated her and gave pain killing injections.

She had a few convulsive fits when I had her at home and decided to take her back to the vet.  Again, expecting the worst. 

I asked him if  she could be having an allergic reaction to some of the drugs.  He said that is possible and we have decided to try 24 hours without any drugs to see if she comes round.  I know she shuts herself down if she is in a situation she doesn't like - perhaps she is doing this now.  I also know she has had muscle spasm reactions to a certain off the shelf flea treatment a few years ago.... I am clutching at straws now.

I have no problem with the vet.  He is very caring and very distressed about the problems we are having.  I do not attach any blame.  It is one of the risks of surgery.  I'm just sorry to see her go through this.  At least when she is asleep she is not stressed.

Regards

Vardy
- By denese [gb] Date 19.07.05 09:15 UTC
Hi Vardy,
Take care chin up!!! thinking of you.
Regards
Denese
- By Vardy [gb] Date 19.07.05 09:21 UTC
Thank you everyone for your help and good wishes.

I had a rough couple of hours with her.  She is now in doggy heaven. RIP

Signing off Vardy
- By Natalie1212 Date 19.07.05 09:38 UTC
Oh I am so sorry Vardy, you will be reunited one day.

Run free xxxx
- By ShaynLola Date 19.07.05 09:40 UTC
So sorry to hear that, Vardy.
- By Val [gb] Date 19.07.05 09:43 UTC
So sorry.
- By Spender Date 19.07.05 09:48 UTC
So sorry Vardy
- By bailey [gb] Date 19.07.05 10:27 UTC
Thinking of you at this sad time.
- By Brainless [gb] Date 19.07.05 11:23 UTC
So sorry to hear the news :(
- By Lois_vp [gb] Date 19.07.05 12:00 UTC
I've only just seen this thread and I am so sorry to hear about what has happened, Vardy.  I had a very similar experience a few years ago. My dog lapsed into a kind of coma after a booster vaccination and died at home a few days later -it was very distressing and an experience I would not wish to repeat. 

My thoughts are very much with you.
xx
- By justlou Date 19.07.05 12:34 UTC
I'm so sorry to hear this :-( I'm also thinking of you right now. xxxxxxx
- By Lois_vp [gb] Date 19.07.05 13:49 UTC
Justlou - just wanted to say how kind you are thinking of others when you're going through such a worrying time yourself.  Hope you hear good news soon :)
- By justlou Date 19.07.05 16:21 UTC
Thanks Tyby :-) it's only CD thats keeping me going at the moment.....lol
- By LJS Date 19.07.05 12:43 UTC
Very sad news, so sorry :(

Lucy
xx
- By jonelle [gb] Date 19.07.05 13:48 UTC
so so sorry.
My love and wishes are with you and your family.

Jonelle
- By Lokis mum [gb] Date 19.07.05 13:58 UTC
I'm so sorry to see the end to your post - you did what you could for your poor girl - and she was loved to the end.  {{hugs}}

Margot
- By spitzed [gb] Date 19.07.05 17:25 UTC
I am so sorry to hear that she has gone. But at least you have gained some knowledge and know what to look out for if you see these symptoms again in your next dog or someone elses.

I understand this is a difficult time and my thoughts are with you.

Spitzed x
- By Moonmaiden Date 19.07.05 19:27 UTC
So very sorry She will be running free at Rainbow Bridge free from all her problems

{{{{hugs}}}} to you from my Cavalier boys & me
- By kayc [gb] Date 19.07.05 19:33 UTC
I am so sorry, My thoughts are with you
- By Dill [gb] Date 19.07.05 19:40 UTC
So sorry to see your last post, thinking of you.
- By jdp1962 [gb] Date 19.07.05 20:35 UTC
Have just read your sad news and we are so sorry you lost her. We too lost our bichon, before this one we have now, in a very traumatic way after a straight-forward operation and never      did get to know what really went on.  She was just 8 and my soul mate. I miss her still! Our present dog is a bichon/westie cross.  He's great but he too has had countless problems health wise.  But, on the whole, he is more robust than the other one was.  So take confort from one who's been where you are.....

In time you'll feel ready to have one again all the best .

jp
- By Lissie-Lou [gb] Date 19.07.05 23:40 UTC
I am so sorry.  I've just read all of this thread and I can't even begin to understand how you must be feeling.
My thoughts are with you,
Lisa x
Topic Dog Boards / Visitors Questions / Dog not recovering from Anaesthetic

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