Questions for Vet before Anal Gland Surgery

[Kendra K. Rhoton]

Remington is having his anal glands removed Wednesday of next week.  Of course I have about a million questions written down that I want to ask the vet during our consultation at Purdue, but I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything. Below are my questions...

 

Please explain to us what you would do exactly during the surgery?

What are ALL the risks involved?

How many of these surgeries have you done and how many have been successful/failure?

Explain to us Remington's recovery period?

Tips on how to care for him and prepare our home?

Will steps and getting into and out of a car be difficult or should we stop him from doing certain things?

Will we have to bring him back to remove stitches or be checked on or can our regular vet do this?

Should I be aware of anything during his recovery process such as if a stitch would pop what to do?

How long until he is back to normal?

Pain medication instructions?

Will dogs treat him differently after the removal of the glands?

Certain things to do for the transportation of him back home?

 

The closer we get to the surgery the more I realize how nervous I am.  It's not that I don't think things will go smoothly... it just hurts my heart thinking about Remington being in any kind of pain and not understanding why.  I wish I could take his place.

 

I'm only 26 years old, so I'm definitely not experienced in this area or ever had to deal with something such as this.  Even though I feel prepared, my DoodleKisses Family always seems to think of things I haven't.  Please post other questions you feel might be important, helpful, or informative :)  Dan, Remington and I appreciate you all so much :)

 

 

 

[Bonnie and Kona]

Sweet Remington. I mentioned to you earlier that one of our dogs had this surgery many years ago. I do not recall that there was anything difficult about the recovery at all. I hope that is what you will be saying years from now when someone on this site asks questions about anal gland surgery. I know it was the very best thing for Dudley and the family. I am hoping Remington comes through like a star and all of your fears are allayed.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Kendra, You are rightly nervous about this but obviously this is not a decision you have taken lightly and Remington has obviously been having lots of anal gland issues.  All your questions are relevant but there is one question that I would ask before I bring him in and it's the one which asks the Vet 'how many operations of this type have you performed' In my opinion this is the most important one of all.  I would ring the Vet Hospital and ask to speak with the vet who will be performing this operation.  You want a vet who has done lots of this particular operation.  

Hopefully other DKissers will have lots more information to add to this.

I wish you and Remington all the best and hopefully by the end of next week you will be heaving a big sigh of relief.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I think Kendra has done a lot of research on where and to whom she is taking Remington.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Kendra, know that all of us share your sadness and concern that Remington has to go through this. I can tell you that I am more than twice your age, and while I have gone through surgeries with dogs in the past, I would be feeling exactly the same way you are.

I think you're about as well prepared as anyone could be for this. I think a lot of your questions regarding post-surgical care and recovery will be answered in literature that you will be given after the surgery, but it certainly doesn't hurt to ask the questions anyway.

I think I would ask the surgeon's opinion on how Remington compares to other dogs on whom he has performed this procedure, in terms of the chances that the surgery will be successful and the likelihood of there being any complications in his case. When my miniature poodle had knee surgery, I was told that her surgery was more likely to fall into the success category and that she was less likely to develop complications due to factors such as her weight, size, general condition, and the extent of her exisitng problem. That made me feel much better than just knowing that 90% (or whatever) of the surgeries had been successful...I wanted to hear that my dog would be in the 90% that did well and not the 10% that didn't.

Likewise, prior to starting JD on his immunotherapy treatment, I asked what determined whether a dog would fall into the 75% for whom the treatment was helpful, and the 25% for whom it wasn't. I learned that a lot depends on what the particular allergens are, and that JD did not test postive for many of the allergens which are known to be resistant to this therapy.

Other than asking for that kind of info on where the severity of Remington's condition falls in the spectrum of dogs the surgeon has treated, I can't think of anything you've missed.

Know that our thoughts will be with you and Remington, and we will be hoping for a very successful, uncomplicated surgery and the fastest, easiest recovery possible! Hugs to both of you.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Kendra, I am so sorry that Remington and your family has to go through all of this. I wish all of you the best and think you have done a super job of preparing your questions. Paws and fingers crossed for a speedy recovery!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I think you've got a great set of questions.  The only other things I'd ask would be whether or not he'll be on a special diet when he first comes home, and any signs you should be looking for that would require a call to the Vet (e.g. infection).  I really believe that everything will be fine, and he'll be better than ever without these darn anal glands.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Also ask if the medication has any side effects.

I know you are worried, but I have a feeling it will all turn out fine.  We are here for you :)

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

It sounds like you have it covered and I know you are very nervous. I'm sure it will turn out ok. No harm in making sure how many are successful! We will be thinking and praying for you, keep us informed! Good luck!

[Leslie, Dexter & Kirby]

I have nothing to add but wanted to wish you luck.  I was in tears at the animal hospital when Dex needed knee surgery (which isn't even that major of a surgery) so I can understand your anxiety.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Your list sounds good to me. Good luck!

[Beth Lord]

Kendra, I think you've got it covered...you're such a great doodle mom!  Sending you lots of well wishes & tail wags...may everything go smoothly and well!

[Camilla and Darwin]

Good luck to you and Remington. Let us know how it goes!