|
(click above link for entry story)
March 2006 Emergency Surgery When Zena entered LILRR January 21, she was placed on a feeding program common for megaesophagus. It was agreeable to her and she did not regurgitate meals. In the interim, we awaited x-rays from CT vet that would substantiate their diagnosis of megaesophagus - for our specialists to review and compare to new x-rays, with hope Zena be determined a suitable candidate for corrective surgery (making life so much easier for her and future adopter). Suddenly, Wednesday (March 15), Zena regurgitated dinner. Suspecting she had not been relaxed when feeding (familiar issue with megaesophagus), we let her stomach rest overnight but she regurgitated Thursday breakfast and lunch ... and, she walked away from dinner, with no interest. Thursday night, she began to regurgitate water! Friday morning, she had no interest in eating or drinking and rushed to our vets who x-rayed her throat and stomach. X-rays showed no blockage AND (strangely) did not show sign of megaesophagus. But Zena would not eat or drink. We left vets and rushed her to the Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center in Riverhead where a dozen more x-rays were taken - they found no blockage and (strangely) their x-rays showed NO megaesophagus! Emergency vets put her on IV and kept her for observation and potential explorative surgery. Saturday, 1 a.m., LILRR received call from surgeon, requesting permission to immediately perform exploratory surgery; Zena was weakening fast and it was the only hope, only option ... surgeon would call with any concern or negative change and we would speak next morning. LILRR called surgeon Saturday 6:30 a.m. to inquire of Zena's status and outcome of exploratory surgery ... surgeon said they found remnant of a nylon collar and plastic clip in her stomach and intestine - there had been a blockage!!! They got it all and she was resting, vitals signs slowly improving. The surgeon reiterated she does NOT have megaesophagus but her intestines are covered with old scarring from damage sustained when she was younger ... she had either ate glass shards, sharp metal or large splinters or other excessive, dangerous chewing that left her intestines damaged and heavily scarred. The surgeon insists her esophagus is as damaged and heavily scarred as her intestines and, most likely, the reason she regurgitates regular kibble and requires a modified diet and feeding regimen. Zena needed to remain at emergency for another day or two, for close observation and after she recuperates a few weeks, the surgeon will perform an endoscopy of her esophagus and stomach sphincter. Monday, Zena returned to LILRR foster. Her surgery closed with staples and on antibiotics and antacid, she is resting comfortably and, again, retaining meals and water. Her appetite returned to delightful gusto; she is regaining strength and tail wags nonstop as she happily shares face-cleaning kisses. She wears a 'Bite Not' collar, a neck wrap, to prevent her licking or chewing surgical incision and staples. She cannot run and romp with other Labs yet (she strolls with them, on leash) but relaxes alongside them on dog beds and sofa. Zena's Lab pals immediately recognized she is 'delicate' and are very gentle and slow with her.
Zena is not a "destructive chewer" - the collar either fell off other Lab or (why we recommend plastic-clip collars for in-home wear), became caught around Zena's jaw as she licked neck of other Lab. Foster recalls finding a Lab's collar, missing clip & couple inches of nylon Sunday morning prior to Zena's blockage. Her life-threatening, frightening and very expensive (over $3,000) experience is not over yet ... numerous new x-rays have disproved former diagnosis of megaesophagus and surgeon expects an endoscopy will accurately diagnose problem to retain food and water. AND it may be surgically correctable! Please keep Zena in your thoughts and prayers! Donations are needed and greatly appreciated.
Summer 2006 Update The numerous xrays were WRONG ... Zena DOES have megaesophagus and - just like Pipsqueak - requires a milkshake consistency (using blender) diet, fed elevated and solitary rest immediately before and after. Her special need is very easy to prepare and the sweet, loving, happy, easy-going, good natured gal makes the effort enjoyable and fun to do. |
