Health
Bibi's Story
Mammary Strip
August
2005
I thought that it may be
encouraging to many people pondering on the scary stories about the outcome of
laryngeal tie-backs to know that six months on from BiBi`s operation, she is
well and active, and that even in this hot weather she is no longer panting or
showing any signs of distress. It is so easy with more mature dogs to think the
symptoms which are in fact, those of laryngeal paralysis are those of `old age`,
since they appeared so gradually at `that time of life`. In our case, however, I
would go through it ALL again, to see my best friend restored to the vigour of a
normal `youngster`.
We had, as you know, the most scary complication of pneumonia, causing BiBi to
be in an incubator for days, but she was in very good hands at the veterinary
college, cared for by a team of experts led by James Grierson, giving her the
best chance of pulling through not only the tie-back, but the removal of a
mammary lump at the same time. She was in hospital several weeks, and remained
on anti-biotics for 6 weeks, until all symptoms subsided.
Following several weeks of restricted excercise and great care with her diet,
she has now adjusted to normal feeding, and daily gallops free-running on
Windsor Racecourse, chasing anything she can hunt with the vigour and condition
of a four year old. It seems to have turned back the clock, and given her a
completely new lease of life. I had worried for ages about taking the steps
towards this operation, and spoken to so many people to gain information about
her best chances, and whether we should go ahead. If the same situation
re-occurred I would go ahead unhesitatingly, but only if the treatment was
carried out by the experts at the veterinary hospital., and the most difficult
obstacle I encountered was getting that referral. So many vets are keen to state
that they are capable of performing tie-backs, but I held out and insisted on
the veterinary hospital to give her the best possible chance.
With the current hot weather, i am so grateful to see BiBi laying relaxed,
healthy and happy--not struggling for breath even in the sun.
I must thank you, Sylvia, for all your unstinting support, advice, encouragement
and help throughout. I just don`t know how I would have got through it without
your kindness, and will always be so grateful to you--more than I can express.
The other `star` to whom I will be eternally grateful is James Grierson, whose
skill and care saved BiBi`s life. He spent a lot of time explaining every step,
and telephoned BiBi`s progress to me each night, even when he was operating
until 10pm-I always had a courteous explanatory call.
You are welcome to use this letter in any way you wish, as I imagine there must
be lots of worried people trying to decide about this operation. James tells me
he has never had a failure, or to re-do a tie-back!
Update: 12-01-07
3 Days later I found a lump
on Bi-Bis chest, and within a week she was back at the Royal College having her
womb and ovaries removed and all her mammary glands removed on one side.
The vets said she stood a very good chance, and after x-rays, blood tests etc,
to check for any other nasties the operations were carried out successfully and
the tie back still seems ok thank goodness. I thought this would please you, as
you have so kindly shown such an interest in our previous plight. She is now
very happy with no discomfort, although she likes to gallop as soon as we turn
for home in case she is going to be left again. She had a 'short back and sides'
haircut for which the vet was very apologetic, but apart from that she is fine.
I must tell you that as she's never been apart from our family, the lady vet
said she laid in the kennel with Bi-Bi to keep her company, thus encouraging her
to eat. They also said again that all the racing she's done throughout her youth
had strengthened her heart so much that it gave her a much better chance of
survival. At least we now don't have to worry about the 'ladies problems' that
so many older bitches can suffer!
I am pleased to be able to tell you at least this good news, as an operation after a tie back is worrying. The vet however told me his dog had 2 operations following a tie back and was perfectly ok.
Thanks to your advice and my insistence to be referred to Queen Mothers Hospital, I can honestly say that BiBi is happy, active and normal.
When I recently found the mammary lump, my vet said she could probably cope, but agreed with me and said she understood when I asked for a referral because of the tie back, also agreeing that any surgery following a tie back needs a referral.
Bi Bi looked a sorry sight
following surgery, with a scar right from between her front to her hind
legs-very thin, and most of her coat clipped, she was happy and excited to be
home and is now completely back to normal.
Thank you so much for everything, Sylvia--I will always remember your kindness
Suzanne Ellis
© Suzanne Ellis -2005 - all rights reserved