Halle's Surgery Rescheduled Again!

[Guest greyhound_mommy]

Ok well our doctor ran some more tests and said that he is confident that her levels are "greyhound normal." He said that after speaking with vets in Akron and probably OSU that they are very confident that she'll be fine during surgery. (she is having reconstructive surgery on her backend.) I know there is a name for it but I can never remember.

 

Anyway, it is January 18th. They recommended that he put her on iv's as soon as she arrives, during, and after the surgery to make sure she doesn't dehydrate. We still have to with hold water the night before but because her blood was so extremely thick they think it's best for her to have her on them.

 

Anyway, thank you all for all your thoughts and prayers during our kidney failure scare. Thank you all for the links and information on greyhound normal levels. It definately helped!

 

I'm sure I will post freaking out in a few weeks.

[Guest vahoundlover]

Halle will be in my prayers that all goes well.

[Guest greyhound_mommy]

Thank you

[Greytlady94]

It's called episioplasty

 

Hopefully nothing else will come up to put the surgery off again. She will feel so much better after it is over and she has healed.

[jamngrey]

hope all works out

[Guest LindsaySF]

[Guest greyhound_mommy]

Ok, so wow who knew one health issue could cause so many twists and turns! Something just was not sitting right with DH and I. Especially after reading so many posts from you all on different conditions. I was very drawn to OSU's website and Dr. Freeman III DVM. I put a call in like recommended by some GTers in the past. He called me last night around 8 and we discussed Halle's symptoms and issues. He like many of you believe it's not her being a hermaphadite but have clitoral Hyp. which hardly ever requires surgery!!!

 

He said the main concern is getting her to stop licking it while it heals. Sooooooooo I put a call in to my vet and left a voicemail asking him if he would be willing to discuss this with Dr Freeman and that I didn't want to offend him by "second opinions" but my concern for my baby was too great.

 

He already told me he respected me looking up information and talking around to other people. So.......we're back to square one. And by the way Dr Freeman is only an hour and a half away and told me I could bring her in if I needed to but he'd consult my vet over the phone. He was very kind and so sweet to spend his time calling me! If we were closer, he'd be my vet permanently.

 

 

[Greytlady94]

I agree it is unlikely that Halle is a hermaphadite.

 

After spending several thousand dollars with several specialists trying to get my Renie healed from licking, I can tell you it is not going to happen long term without the episioplasty. The episioplasty does correct the problem, and Renie has never had the swelling an soreness again since the surgery. In all due respect to Dr. Feeman, having had a greyhound with the same condition that you have been posting on Greytalk about for the last couple of years, I feel sorry for Halle if you now feel she does not need this surgical correction.

[Guest Jennifer4719]

Ok, so wow who knew one health issue could cause so many twists and turns! Something just was not sitting right with DH and I. Especially after reading so many posts from you all on different conditions. I was very drawn to OSU's website and Dr. Freeman III DVM. I put a call in like recommended by some GTers in the past. He called me last night around 8 and we discussed Halle's symptoms and issues. He like many of you believe it's not her being a hermaphadite but have clitoral Hyp. which hardly ever requires surgery!!!

 

He said the main concern is getting her to stop licking it while it heals. Sooooooooo I put a call in to my vet and left a voicemail asking him if he would be willing to discuss this with Dr Freeman and that I didn't want to offend him by "second opinions" but my concern for my baby was too great.

 

He already told me he respected me looking up information and talking around to other people. So.......we're back to square one. And by the way Dr Freeman is only an hour and a half away and told me I could bring her in if I needed to but he'd consult my vet over the phone. He was very kind and so sweet to spend his time calling me! If we were closer, he'd be my vet permanently.

 

If you do come to see Dr. Feeman, stop by! I live only a few miles from his office. I have heard great things about him, but as of now he is not my vet. If my current vet that I have been using for almost 7 years ever gives me a reason for leaving, he will be my first choice. Glad he is helping out with Halle and that your vet is willing to listen to him.

[Guest greyhound_mommy]

I agree it is unlikely that Halle is a hermaphadite.

 

After spending several thousand dollars with several specialists trying to get my Renie healed from licking, I can tell you it is not going to happen long term without the episioplasty. The episioplasty does correct the problem, and Renie has never had the swelling an soreness again since the surgery. In all due respect to Dr. Feeman, having had a greyhound with the same condition that you have been posting on Greytalk about for the last couple of years, I feel sorry for Halle if you now feel she does not need this surgical correction.

 

I don't understand why you "feel sorry for Halle" I am TRYING to do the best for her and by trying to use other medications, creams, ointments and solutions before putting her under the knife I feel I am doing what I feel is best for her. I was told that she had a 50/50 shot of actually making it through the surgery because when she water fasts she gets too dehydrated and it's dangerous for her. So my first thought was pull her from the surgery. Then I was told it's safe for her to have the surgery. So I put her back on surgery. Several GTers have posted and sent me PM's regarding Dr. Freeman and I spent a very long time on the phone with him. He did tell me that he was not diagnosing her over the phone. He said that he doesn't feel her having surgery for a condition she most likely does not have would not be beneficial to her.

 

He did say she could be the odd case that is truly a hermaphadite but he doubts it. I also don't have the $1000 laying around to put into a surgery that could possibly not help Halle. We have a credit card set aside to put her treatments on so it's not like it's coming right out of our bank account and we can pay over several years so that's not my main concern.

 

Scott and I look at it like this, if it were a human child, we would be taking the same precautions. So please don't "feel sorry for Halle" just because I pulled her from the surgery. I said we were back to square one meaning trying to figure out what the true problem is. And if medication, a little eye ointment for bad taste to treat the licking and a med collar will help with her problem I will most certainly try that first before ever taking a 50/50, 75/25 or 99/1 chance of losing her to surgery.

[Guest greyhound_mommy]

If you do come to see Dr. Feeman, stop by! I live only a few miles from his office. I have heard great things about him, but as of now he is not my vet. If my current vet that I have been using for almost 7 years ever gives me a reason for leaving, he will be my first choice. Glad he is helping out with Halle and that your vet is willing to listen to him.

 

I'll definately let you know when we get in the area!!! Glad you heard good things. He told me he has greyhound owners drive from hours away but he would prefer to save them the trouble and help them out over the phone. You're actually not too far away, we'll have to get together for a little play date sometime!

[Guest LindsaySF]

And if medication, a little eye ointment for bad taste to treat the licking and a med collar will help with her problem I will most certainly try that first before ever taking a 50/50, 75/25 or 99/1 chance of losing her to surgery.

But she has had this problem for quite a while right? Medicated creams and special collars won't work forever. If something is 'wrong' back there, it needs to be corrected.

 

What makes you think you would lose her during surgery? Does she have another medical condition?

 

 

 

 

~Lindsay~

[Guest greyhound_mommy]

And if medication, a little eye ointment for bad taste to treat the licking and a med collar will help with her problem I will most certainly try that first before ever taking a 50/50, 75/25 or 99/1 chance of losing her to surgery.

But she has had this problem for quite a while right? Medicated creams and special collars won't work forever. If something is 'wrong' back there, it needs to be corrected.

 

What makes you think you would lose her during surgery? Does she have another medical condition?

 

~Lindsay~

 

Oh I know that they won't work forever, we just were given new suggestions on it. I was told that we should culture the area and see exactly what bacteria is back there, that maybe we were using the "wrong" meds and creams for what might be there. I'm not totally dismissing surgery I just want to keep an open mind about all treatments. We think this is a condition she had long before we got her. We had it cleaned up for awhile then it really got agressive lately and thus the many vet trips.

 

We were told that it was 50/50 because she was so extremely dehydrated anyway and her fasting made it worse. He believes she has another underlying problem as to why she is so dehydrated. In the beginning her blood levels concerned him and he sent them to another lab and consulted someone in Akron and found out that because her urine gravity was "ok" they were her normal levels. He is just concerned about her drinking so much water and still being so dehydrated. We do crate her but she has a huge bowl bolted to her crate now so she can free drink.

 

He said he believes and so do the other vets that she will be fine under if they run iv's prior, during and after the surgery.

 

 

I just want to make sure we've done all we can before we make her go under. I know I'm probably over protective. Does that make me a bad mommy?

[Batmom]

Does she get excited about outings (walks, car rides), and is she nervous or excited at the vet's? Reason I ask is, my Zema is both; when she has to have a dental or other surgery, I arrange to take her in when they can get her IVed and under right away, so she doesn't get dehydrated, elevated temp, etc.

 

Sounds like your vet and Dr. Feeman are working the problem with you. Hugs and luck in getting your girl comfy and trouble-free!

[Greytlady94]

And if medication, a little eye ointment for bad taste to treat the licking and a med collar will help with her problem I will most certainly try that first before ever taking a 50/50, 75/25 or 99/1 chance of losing her to surgery.

But she has had this problem for quite a while right? Medicated creams and special collars won't work forever. If something is 'wrong' back there, it needs to be corrected.

 

What makes you think you would lose her during surgery? Does she have another medical condition?

 

~Lindsay~

 

She is not going to be dehydrated if she is kept on IV liquids before during and after the procedure until she is awake enough to drink. Episioplasty is not a procedure that is going in the gut, it is a pretty straight forward procedure that corrects an external problem.

 

Oh I know that they won't work forever, we just were given new suggestions on it. I was told that we should culture the area and see exactly what bacteria is back there, that maybe we were using the "wrong" meds and creams for what might be there. I'm not totally dismissing surgery I just want to keep an open mind about all treatments. We think this is a condition she had long before we got her. We had it cleaned up for awhile then it really got agressive lately and thus the many vet trips.

 

We were told that it was 50/50 because she was so extremely dehydrated anyway and her fasting made it worse. He believes she has another underlying problem as to why she is so dehydrated. In the beginning her blood levels concerned him and he sent them to another lab and consulted someone in Akron and found out that because her urine gravity was "ok" they were her normal levels. He is just concerned about her drinking so much water and still being so dehydrated. We do crate her but she has a huge bowl bolted to her crate now so she can free drink.

 

He said he believes and so do the other vets that she will be fine under if they run iv's prior, during and after the surgery.

 

 

I just want to make sure we've done all we can before we make her go under. I know I'm probably over protective. Does that make me a bad mommy?

 

She is not going to dehydrate if kept on IV liquids before during and after the procedure until she is awake enough to drink. Episioplasty is a pretty straght forward procedure. It is not going into the abdomen, it is correcting an external problem/malformation. Yes, I do feel sorry for Halle because I know how sore and miserable the females with this problem can be, and I spent way more then $1,000. on creams, ointments, tests, specialists, collars (like the one I sent you) etc. before finding what the issue was and how to correct it. Once corrected there is no more swelling, sore, raw, miserable dog.

Edited January 1, 2008 by Greytlady94

[Guest greyhound_mommy]

I understand that she won't dehydrate with the iv's. That's why he wants to use them. But that tells me she is just higher risk while being under. There is no garuantee with her that it is the corrective problem in the opinion of actually a couple of vets we took her to. And in the end this MAY be the problem and she may end up having to have the surgery anyway, I know that. It's one of those looping things that happen. I just want to exhaust all of my other options first. We do take care of her by cleaning her area and putting creams on. I know it's still uncomfortable for her. I guess in the end, I'm going to take this one last step to see what happens and do what I feel is best for my girl. I do appreciate all the good thoughts and suggestions. I do take them to my vet and discuss them with him. And if she does end up having surgery I do hope I don't get "I told you so's" because I'm sure we all just want the best for our dogs.

[Guest LindsaySF]

I just want to make sure we've done all we can before we make her go under. I know I'm probably over protective. Does that make me a bad mommy?

Ok, I have to be honest here. I just searched through your old posts. Halle has had this condition for over 2 YEARS now and no surgery yet? I do think you are being over protective and you are afraid to put her under for surgery, but it really really sounds like she needs it.

 

You first noticed the "problem" when you fostered Halle in October of 2005. Clitoral hypertrophy was suggested by many (including Dr. Feeman).

 

In January of 2006 Halle had blood and yellow something in the flap.

 

In March and May of 2006 you noted that Halle "licks her rear all the time".

 

In June of 2006 your vet suggested that her "flap" was "holding moisture and irritating her" and "might have to be shortened".

 

In November of 2006 another vet recommended removing her clitoris, and you said "She's always licking back there and it drives her nuts."

 

An entire year passed, and in December of 2007 you made repeated posts about Halle finally getting her surgery. Now apparently it is on hold again.

 

I don't mean to be rude, but what exactly is the problem? It really sounds like Halle needs this surgery to stop the chronic bleeding, infections, and itchiness. I truly don't understand what has taken so long.

 

 

 

 

 

~Lindsay~

 

 

 

 

[Guest greyhound_mommy]

You know, I have to be honest, I don't understand why you continue to push the fact that you think she needs surgery when I said I am giving this one more shot. I know how long she has had the problem, we have been to several vets who have all told us something different. I already restated that another vet told us that she may need to have the skin fold removed, but when someone specializing in this condition says that they rarely perform the surgery and has had many successful cases by culturing and trying another method, I don't know why you don't just let it go and let me do what I am doing.

 

I honestly know that you're upset and I've probably been called a few names because I put her surgery on hold again but if you can't be supportive in my descision to try one more non surgical solution then I don't understand where you are doing anything but throwing things in my face. I am really not trying to get this thread locked and would appreciate it if you didn't just throw dates and statements from the past in my face. I already acknowledged that she has had this condition for a long time. You don't know what has been going on in between posts. It's not that I let her go for a year at a time with nothing being done. I've never spoken to Dr. Freeman prior to this so I'm not sure where you are getting that Dr. Freeman told me that this is what her condition is. Our original vet who was retired vet from a racetrack said that she didn't need surgery. Another vet said she didn't need surgery, another vet said she did but for something different. Wouldn't you be confused and cautious too? I've said that if this doesn't work she'll have her surgery.

 

I'm sorry, but I'm done replying to your posts. I am not trying to get blamed and told I'm a bad owner because I post poned her surgery a bit longer. A few weeks isn't a huge deal when you have another option. So thank you for your original suggestions but please refrain from "trying to help me."

 

[Guest LindsaySF]

I've never spoken to Dr. Freeman prior to this so I'm not sure where you are getting that Dr. Freeman told me that this is what her condition is.

http://forum.greytalk.com/index.php?showtopic=111948

 

http://forum.greytalk.com/index.php?showtopic=149338

 

"feemandvm" is Dr. Feeman.