After much angst, we decided on the extraction. While they did it, the vets realized that her upper and lower molars weren't correctly aligned. That might have been one reason underlying the broken tooth.
I don't know why I second-guessed our decision for the entire time that Shyla was in surgery but I did. I'm exhausted from all the second-guessing!
R will be very glad to have his little sister back home.
While Shyla was in the hospital, it was fascinating to see the change in R's behavior. Since Shyla joined our family years ago, R stopped alarm barking at visitors approaching the house. We've joked that he's "subcontracted the barking job" to Shyla. It seems to be true! While she was gone, he went back into watchdog mode for the first time in years.
Just R and I were home. His deep booming bark at anything moving in our clearing felt very protective. Thank you, R!
I am sure you made the right decision about the tooth. Preventing her from chewing ever again seems 'mean'. Hope the seizure was related to the drugs.
ReplyDeleteOh R - he knows someone needs to guard.
I wonder if the anesthesia might have triggered the seizure? I often think - partly from my own experiences, and partly from observations of several other species - that anesthesia upsets the entire physiological applecart in ways we have not imagined. Thankfully it passes, and I hope there will be no more seizures whatever the cause.
ReplyDeleteprayers for Shyla, I hope the seizure was a one off and not continuing. I think you made the right decision if that helps any. when Baby was alive she was our alarm, and quite loud, all the years she and Jake were together he never barked, we thought he could not. When Baby died, and he was alone, he started barking. the funny thing was he had a rasping hard to hear bark, after a year his barking is perfect to sound alarms..
ReplyDeleteNo chewing ever again? I think Shyla would approve your choice to extract if she could understand it. I hope the seizure monster settles right back down again.
ReplyDeletePoor Shyla! We think the extraction was the right choice -- Shyla wouldn't want to give up chewing! Hopefully the seizure was just a reaction to a stressful day.
ReplyDeleteOh my dawg! A root canal for a doggy!! Poor baby. Hope all is well
ReplyDeleteLily & Edward
If you ask Dr. Google, root canals for doggies are getting more common. Usually, a regular vet doesn't do it. It's a vet dentist that you need.
DeleteHowever, there are lots and lots of reports of dogs breaking the tooth or the cap soon after the root canal. It's really hard to keep dogs from chewing!
Maybe just a delayed reaction to the anaesthetic. A good decision, although what a worrying day. Today relax, maybe a ride, lots of hot drinks and rest time for you both. Hugs,XXX
ReplyDeleteI will edit that, no hot drinks for Shyla, can you rinse her mouth with a water and salt solution, how good would she be to spit it out? Maybe dab it on with a cotton bud, as I think that might help heal her gum. I guess the vets sent you home with lots of care instructions too.
ReplyDeleteYes, we have lots of instructions. The main thing is oral antibiotics, which I think serve the same purpose as rinsing/cleaning with salt water. I don't think that she'd cooperate with salt water in her mouth ;)
DeleteHope today is much more quiet and relaxing for you both!
ReplyDeletePoor Shyla, I hope it was just the stress of the extractin.
ReplyDeleteWe're glad she's home and hope that seizure is not repeated!
ReplyDeleteYour Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
That last picture of the two of them is so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHopefully the seizure was directly related to the stress of the operation and hospitalisation, and all will now be well.
Poor Shyla. Bella broke the top off one of her bottom incisors--catching rocks. We're in WATCH mode, as the extraction involves jaw work. We think a missing tooth is worth a life with toys and treats!
ReplyDeleteLove the subtracting story.
We are so sorry to hear that this had to be such an ordeal for both you and for Shyla. We are not surprised at all about the seizure. Any big change like that could surely bring on a seizure. That was certainly our experience with Ciara. Hopefully once she is back to her normal routine her meds will keep the monster at bay.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what others said; the seizure may be due to the meds or the stress. After I had surgery on my hand, I got the worst migraine in the world! I think it was due to either the stress or the anesthesia.
ReplyDeleteGosh, I had no idea root canals were even an option for dogs! I think the extraction sounds like the better option anyway, but totally understand the second guessing - I'm sure I would have done the same.
Our dogs bark a lot more when either my hubby or myself are gone from the house at not normal times. Perhaps one of the pack being gone triggers that protectiveness in them and that's why R was on alert.
Hoping Shyla is completely recovered soon.
Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets
I agree too, Jan! I suspect one particular med (tramadol) but it could've also been the anaesthesia meds or the stress of surgery. That's a hard part of epilepsy - I am constantly trying to figure out what "triggered" a seizure but it's hard to pinpoint!
DeleteWe agree with your decision on Shyla's tooth. Not being able to chew on toys or bones for the rest of her life would be awful for her. Our paws are crossed that the seizures stay away, Shyla!
ReplyDeleteI understand your angst over second guessing, but I believe you made the right decision. Sometimes decisions for our dogs can be tough. Glad Shyla is home and feeling better. Sorry to hear about the seizure, 24 Paws are crossed for you and her. (((HUGS)))
ReplyDeleteWe're glad to hear Shyla is home and recovering well. Paws crossed that the seizure is just from her procedure and won't return. Millie & Walter have their paws crossed that all goes well in her recovery.
ReplyDeleteI have noted in the past with multiple dogs in the house that they each seem to have their jobs. When one has passed or grown too old to care about performing their job one of the younger ones takes up the mantle.
I think you made the right decision. Good to know R still has the guard dog in him. Praying for no more seizure monsters
ReplyDeleteI hope Shyla is feeling better now,,, I think you made a very wise decision.
ReplyDeleteR is so faithful isnt it? He has so many roles!
love
tweedles
We are very glad to hear that Shyla is home and we definitely agree that extraction is for the best. Having read quite a bit about root canals, it would be so difficult to keep them from popping the cap off or breaking it. R and Shyla sure have bonded in a special way...just as Chloe and LadyBug have. It takes some time, but they each have their own "duties". Hoping that the monster is gone for good. Sending POTP that Shyla will be comfortable in her healing.
ReplyDeleteWe think you made the right decision. Even without you giving her a bone to chew, she could easily get something else in her mouth that would have broken a cap. So sorry about her seizure, we hope it doesn't happen again as they are so scary! That being said we saw this article about finding a gene for seizures in certain dogs...there is hope https://medicalxpress.com/news/2017-02-epilepsy-gene-dogs.html
ReplyDeleteOMD, I missed all the drama!!! Oh gurl, I am so sorry abouts your toothers! Butts, I do thinks you Moms made the right decision, and as with all the decisions peeps make for us, they are forever second guessing cause they loves us so much! I am glads you are home!!!!
ReplyDeleteSendin' lots of loves and POTP and healin' vibes and AireZens!!!
Kisses,
Ruby ♥
Paws and fingers crossed that the epi-monster was banished. Having a dog who suffers from epilepsy myself, I know it is no picnic and my heart bleeds every time I hear of another seizure by any pet. POTP thoughts flowing to your Shyla girl.
ReplyDeleteNitrous oxide depletes vitamin b12, if Shyla is b12 deficient it will make her seizures worse. The b12 bloodwork needs fasting for 12-15 hours beforehand to be accurate, might be worth getting b6 tested as well as b6 deficiency can also cause seizures. Sorry Shyla is going through this xx
ReplyDeleteThanks for these insights. I checked into it, and they didn't use nitrous oxide but instead used regular anaesthesia that had been "tweaked for epilepsy" - I need to educate myself about the best anaesthesia for an epileptic dog so I can weigh in on the issue in the future. However, getting B6 and B12 tested seems like a good idea. I will ask my vet the next time we talk. Thank you!
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