Thanx for all the kind words and thoughts guys - sorry for the lack of communication on my end. Jen and I just kinda "checked out" last night... I basically just went to bed.
Jen just left to pick up Hilo. We talked to the vet and his vitals have stabilized and he is more alert and normal now. He is still very swollen but not bleeding and due to his collagen issues he had to be double stitched, so he is in a bit of pain.
The doctor said the swelling is due to a "testosterone surge" and happens in a bout 1 and 20 neutering. His vitals were low due to the Anastasia apparently. Hilo has always had issues with Anastasie [a lot of Akita do not due well with Anastasia], so apparently he had some type of reaction to it this time.
Its frustrating because we picked this vet because they use quality Anastasie and have more of a holistic approach... We had talked to them about his issues and sensitivity a head of time so we felt he was in good hands. I guess we were wrong - I'm starting to lose faith in vets and surgeons.
Great news that Hilo's doing better and is on his way home!
Again, keep your chin up. You made a thoughtful decision and you should have no regrets whatsoever. I don't know the details, so its difficult to assign blame to the vet, but think of it the other way: Imagine if you hadn't taken Hilo to a vet that uses quality anesthesia. Think of how difficult it may have been for him then.
Give him lots of hugs and lovin from me! And I'm sending hugs to you and Jen as well. :-)
You and Jen both deserved to check out. Very happy that the update, is for the most part a good one. It stinks that Hilo is not good with anastasia, that could make the "fixing Hilo's teeth project" kind of picky.
Brad, even in good hands things can go wrong. I don't know details, but don't blame your self about your choice of vet. You chose the best you could, I'm sure. But some things can go wrong, even in the most capable hands. It's a good thing he's better and can be discharged, it's a good update of this thread. Hilo, and your entire pack, is lucky to have you guys caring for him. They also have loads of people all over worrying over them.
I about had heart failure when I read this. Then I got to Brad's post about Hilo feeling better.
Yes, Akitas are funny about anethesia - they are not only sensitive to it, they have a much harder time coming out of it. Tasha has a hard time coming out of just a teeth cleaning procedure. I'm hoping he's doing better now.
Brad - I certainly understand your feelings about vets and stuff. I absolutely freeze and go into panic at the mere though of ANY surgical procedure for my dogs after losing Jack to the biggest vet screw-up ever.
It's so wonderful to see how much support you have here, Brad. It's rare in the dog world and people here are so kind!
I'd like to be a dog in several households here:-}}
Britain
I know just what you mean Britain - from spending some time on other lists I have really grown to appreciate this forum and all of the members... it is like a nice little family. )
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Thanx again guys for all the kind words - Hilo is doing surprisingly well now... even gave Jen a little "WoooooooWoooooo"! ]
Yea for Hilo! I'm glad he's on the mend and able to finish healing in your capable hands. See my remarks on vets on your other post about the tummy skin issues. We have always found our family member who's a vet (and alas, all the way across the country from us) to be so much more competent than anyone we have found in the city near us. Don't know why, but we have learned to call him for a "before" or "after" opinion after seeing the local vet whenever anything unusual comes up. Most of the time we find he can do better over the phone with diagnosis than the one seeing the dog or cat in person... go figure! Maybe he's got that "intuitive" process going for him (many natural/alternative healers have that capability, and he does do some alternative treatments in his practice).
Anyway, all the best to Hilo for a speedy recovery, and to your entire human and doggie family! You've had a lot of different things to address with your pets!
Hey Brad and Jen, I just returned from a week in Boston and read your thread concerning Hilo. I am so happy to hear that he is much better and is getting back to his old self. As always, we send our very best to you and "the pack".
Hilo is doing well, he is still very swollen but not bleeding. The meds he is on keeps him less active, which is good... he seems pretty uncomfortable but he sleeps a lot so it can't be that bad. He is eating well too.
The swelling is slowly going down - he hates being iced tho so that makes it harder.
He is doing better, the swelling has gone down and the bruising is almost gone... his spirits are up too. So things are looking good right now - I hope he is back to normal by the end of the week. )
Comments
Jen just left to pick up Hilo. We talked to the vet and his vitals have stabilized and he is more alert and normal now. He is still very swollen but not bleeding and due to his collagen issues he had to be double stitched, so he is in a bit of pain.
The doctor said the swelling is due to a "testosterone surge" and happens in a bout 1 and 20 neutering. His vitals were low due to the Anastasia apparently. Hilo has always had issues with Anastasie [a lot of Akita do not due well with Anastasia], so apparently he had some type of reaction to it this time.
Its frustrating because we picked this vet because they use quality Anastasie and have more of a holistic approach... We had talked to them about his issues and sensitivity a head of time so we felt he was in good hands. I guess we were wrong - I'm starting to lose faith in vets and surgeons.
He should be home in an hour or so.
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Thats what I'm saying, man, you and/or Jen need to just study canine medicine yourself! You can have your own Nihon Ken Clinic!
Again, keep your chin up. You made a thoughtful decision and you should have no regrets whatsoever. I don't know the details, so its difficult to assign blame to the vet, but think of it the other way: Imagine if you hadn't taken Hilo to a vet that uses quality anesthesia. Think of how difficult it may have been for him then.
Give him lots of hugs and lovin from me! And I'm sending hugs to you and Jen as well. :-)
Poor guy.
Britain
It's a good thing he's better and can be discharged, it's a good update of this thread. Hilo, and your entire pack, is lucky to have you guys caring for him. They also have loads of people all over worrying over them.
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Yes, Akitas are funny about anethesia - they are not only sensitive to it, they have a much harder time coming out of it. Tasha has a hard time coming out of just a teeth cleaning procedure. I'm hoping he's doing better now.
Brad - I certainly understand your feelings about vets and stuff. I absolutely freeze and go into panic at the mere though of ANY surgical procedure for my dogs after losing Jack to the biggest vet screw-up ever.
Come on, Hilo! Feel better!
I'd like to be a dog in several households here:-}}
Britain
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Thanx again guys for all the kind words - Hilo is doing surprisingly well now... even gave Jen a little "WoooooooWoooooo"!
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Anyway, all the best to Hilo for a speedy recovery, and to your entire human and doggie family! You've had a lot of different things to address with your pets!
I miss hearing that sound. Tasha doesn't make ANY noise.
Akita is brave!
;-)
Hilo is doing well, he is still very swollen but not bleeding. The meds he is on keeps him less active, which is good... he seems pretty uncomfortable but he sleeps a lot so it can't be that bad. He is eating well too.
The swelling is slowly going down - he hates being iced tho so that makes it harder.
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Thanx for checking on him
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