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.
More time with Dozer cannot be beat. Enjoy!
Thanks Nagi for taking the time to give us a Dozer update. Doggy years go past so quickly so enjoy every precious moment ❤️
I’m so very happy that Dover is getting better, and recovering nicely. Animals are so resilient and they simply accept the way things are for them now. It sounds so scary because of the way he has to be so careful of how he eats, especially since you can’t tell him to slow down and be careful. I admire your patience with your boy, and I know he appreciates everything you do for him and loves you very much. Thank you for letting me know he’s fine, and I really like the pics. Best to you both.
Proverbs 12:10 “The righteous care for the needs of their animals.”
Nagi, may all the love that goes into your cooking, website, books, free meals for those in need and to your beautiful Dozer – may it come back to you many times over.
Oh no N! I hope Dozer makes a fast recovery! I lost my dog last yr 3 1/2 months after I lost my Mom last yr! He went fast! I hope u get to have a lot more time with Dozer with tons of hugs too!
I think humans live longer than dogs because we have more to learn.
Get better soon Dozer and keep teaching Nagi the simple joys of life
So glad you have more time with Dozer 💕🦮💕 Enjoy every moment!!!
He is such a gorgeous boy, big hugs to you both. It’s lovely to know he has recovered well from surgery and has all the support for a happy life. Thank you for updating I know he’s been in everyone’s thoughts and we are all cheering him on.
Fellow dog Mom and big fan of your blog – sending love to Dozer from Sweden. Praying he recovers in the best possible way!
I can’t even tell you how much I love your recipes with your videos🍽️
But have always loved to read up on dozer and see his photos with the recipes… I am so glad to see he is doing ok… know there is a a girl in Renton Washington cheering his health on and sending great vibes to you
Enjoy your Easter 🐣
The best news that Dozer is home and to be so lucky to have you to support him…and for you to have him Nagi!! Have a Happy Easter with your beautiful boy and God Bless xxoo
Hi Dozer, I’m so relieved you’re getting better, I was really sad. We pray you and Nagi will have many more beautiful moments together xx
Hi Nagi: Reading this made me tear up. I am so very happy that your beautifl boy Dozer is doing well.
I just recently started to follow your blog posts, so you will probably be hearing from me about your recipes.
Sending my best wished to you and Dozer,
Melissa
Thanks so much for sharing your personal struggle. We who have deep relationships with the furry four-leggeds in our lives are all a part of an interconnected web of support. With much gratitude for the importance of these relationships in our lives. Long live Dozer and all of those who are so loved.
I cried a little when I read this. Really happy that Dozer is able to bounce back and recover. I hope that he continuously gains more strength. Hugs and prayers for you and your sweet boy, Nagi. x
Nagi I am so pleased for you! It’s obvious how much you love Dozer and how much your heart is full as he recovers.
My heart is full of hope and love for you and Dozer. There is nothing that compares to the loyalty and companionship a dog brings to one’s life. We are forever grateful for teaching us to love unconditionally. And to greet our love ones with all the joy in our hearts. May you and Dozer have many more memories together.
My heart is full of hope and love for you and Dozer! There is nothing that compares to the loyalty and companionship a dog brings to one’s life! We are forever grateful to our furry friends for teaching us to love unconditionally. And to greet our loved ones with all our joy! May you and Dozer have many more memories together.
I am so glad to hear this. Thanks for keeping us informed.
Also for giving us the PSA. My golden is two years older and slowing down somewhat. Looking up GOLPP, the symptoms sound very similar to what we are seeing. Lately, his rear legs have weakened. Sometimes gasps/pants or clicking noises. 🙁. We will be taking him for a checkup soon. I don’t see surgery as an option at this age when the vet didn’t recommend minor anesthesia to remove a small cyst two months ago. We just want him comfortable and to enjoy the time we have.
I am so touched you have shared something that is pretty hard to go through. You and Dozer will stay in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so very happy for you and Dozer! Wonderful Pictures! Thank you for sharing. Pets are our hearts! Bless you and Dozer. 🙂