Interesting Case – Millie’s Story April 28, 2010
Posted by theanimalhospital in Client Pets, Surgery, Uncategorized.add a comment
This is Millie and her owner. Millie is a Shih Tzu and is 6 months old. She was brought into the practice when her owner noticed something strange in the corner of her eye.
Millie and her Mum
When we took a closer look we saw that she had a problem in her right eye which we call “Cherry Eye”, when you see the picture you might understand why!
Millie's "Cherry Eye"
“Cherry Eye” happens when the third eye lid protrudes in the corner of the eye. It is a condition most commonly seen in American Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Beagles and Shih Tzus. In many cases this does not cause a problem or irritation for the dog and can be corrected with medication. But in Millie’s case it was causing her discomfort and she was scratching at her eye. We treated her conservatively with medication but unfortunately it didn’t help and we had to have Millie in for surgery.
Millie during surgery
In a lot of cases the gland can be replaced back into its normal position, however, with Millie, this was not possible and it had to be removed. When this is done there unlikely to be any side effects.
Millie went home that evening to her Mum. Keep an eye out for pictures of Millie after her surgery!
In the Spotlight – Geller Armstrong! February 16, 2010
Posted by theanimalhospital in Client Pets, Surgery.add a comment
Geller is a 2-year-old Bichon Frise owned by Phyllis Armstrong and her family. He has been with us since he was 10 weeks old. He came into us on the 11th of February to undergo his neutering operation. He was checked over by Paul at first, to make sure that he was healthy enough to undergo a general anaesthetic. Here he is with Amy after his inital check.
Amy with Geller before his surgery
After this Geller was given a small injection, which helped to relax him and maked him a little sleepy. He was then brought into theatre where he was given his full general anaesthetic, and was prepared for surgery.
Neutering is generally done at 6 months of age. There are a few reasons for it to be done. The main reason being to stop some behaviour problems, such as marking around the house, aggression and posessiveness over toys and food which are all controlled by hormones. It also helps with stopping them wanting to get out of the garden to go looking for a girlfriend! Which is most definitely hormone driven! It also completely prevents testicular cancers and greatly reduces the chance of prostate cancer later in life. The surgery generally takes about 20 – 30 minutes, during the procedure they are monitored at all times by a veterinary nurse.
Paul performing Gellers neutering surgery.
After the surgery, they are placed under an infra-red heat lamp and monitored by the nurse. The heat lamp helps to keep them warm and comfortable while they are coming around from the effects of the anaesthetic. When they are able to stand up and walk they are placed into a kennel with a nice bed, where they can relax until their owners can come and collect them. This is generally about 4pm or 5pm the same afternoon.
Geller recovering in his kennel after surgery.
When their owner arrives the nurse goes through our post surgery care sheet. This is just a few tips for how best to look after their pet after they have had an anaesthetic. It also covers how to give any medication given and when we would like to see their pet back, just so we can make sure things are going well.
Geller’s surgery went very well, and he will be coming back into us on the 25th of February to have his stitches removed. I will make sure to keep you updated with how he is coming along. But as you can see his Mammy was very happy to take him home!
Geller's Mammy was very happy to come and collect him and take him home.
