post operative treatment for gastric dilatation

[John Scipione]

Hey Folks,

Seeking advice for those of you whose Doods have had surgery for this.  Our boy, Dooley had emergency surgery early this morning.  He's still at the hospital and so far is doing well, though he is still receiving IV fluids as he hasn't taken any water yet.  Just trying to learn from any of your experiences what to expect - activity restrictions, medications, diet etc.  Thanks for any help you can give.

John Scipione

Hershey PA

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Sorry to hear this, John. I hope Dooley has an easy and uneventful recovery. 

I think a lot of members here may not know that gastric dilatation is commonly known as bloat. 

Did Dooley have gastropexy surgery? I'm not sure if any of our members have dogs who have had this procedure. Your surgeon will have lots and lots of instructions for you for Dooley's home care. Here's a sample of the post-op instructions from one vet practice: https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:V5bK_qCl9D0J:www.vsc...

Good luck to you and to Dooley, I hope he does very well. . 

[Rita and Fazzy]

Oh my gosh....I sorry you're guys has had to go thru this. This is like my worst fear. How old is he?? Can you pinpoint what may have lead to this?? I hope he heals well....keep us posted on his recovery....positive thoughts coming your way!!

[Lisa Turner]

Wishing you all the absolute best. There is no love love like doodle love. Xxx

[Donna K & Quincy]

I'm sorry that Dooley had to go through this, best wishes for an uneventful recovery. I've added the beautiful picture of Dooley so it is easier to see. I do remember one other member whose dog had bloat, here is a link to the discussion. Please keep us updated on Dooley's recovery.

http://www.doodlekisses.com/profiles/blogs/goldendoodle-and-bloat?x...

[F, Calla & Luca]

Aw, Dooley is a handsome doodle.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Get well soon, you handsome boy! 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I would think, providing the surgery was in good time, that your dog should recover well. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

[Gail and Bailey]

Sending get well wishes to Dooley and hoping his recovery is an easy one!  He is such a handsome boy!

[Bev and Tess]

Hope all goes well for Dooley, poor guy! What a great looking doodle!

[Tait & Finn]

Oh, so sorry to hear of poor Dooley. I have no experience with bloat but its something that really scares me. Wishing Dooley a speedy recovery.

[John Scipione]

Thank you all.  It is very comforting to have the support from all of you. I cannot express how much this means to me.

Dooley did have the gastropexy surgery and I will try to scan the instructions and post them for anyone who may be interested.

Rita, I was at work until 11 PM, so when I got home Dooley (he is 7 1/2 years old) was not acting normally.  He couldn't rest, he was panting, wretching, and he had the smell from his anal glands ( I know the smell because he also has a seizure disorder, though he hasn't had one since he was placed on his medications).  He was following me around and when I let him out he just stood there and quite frankly didn't look good.  I felt his abdomen and it seemed distended to me.  I woke my wife and she said he appeared differently than when she went to bed. 

He doesn't always eat when given his food, and I was told that after he ate his "breakfast" around 5 PM or so, he was given more food which he then ate.  I suspect that was potentially the cause.  He then played with another neighbor dog after he ate, and from what I have read online, activity after a meal can cause this as well.

We heard he is drinking and the vet will call us later this evening to report if he ate as well.  We hope to get him tomorrow morning.

Thanks again everyone!

[Jill, Woody & Maxi]

So sorry that you are going through this, but also, so glad that you were able to catch him in time, and he was able to undergo the surgery..wishing Dooley the best of luck for a speedy recovery!