Buddy going for surgery tomorrow

[oconnorjoy]

Buddy saw the oncologist today. He had some tests and chest x-rays and she says that she believes his cancer has not metastisized and that he is a good candidate for surgery. He would need to have some of his jaw bone removed but she explained it better to me. I know it is a complicated surgery, but I think he will recover well. The thing we need to decide now is whether to have the surgery here or in Calgary. The Care Centre that we visisted specialzes and has 2 board certified surgeons on staff. My vet here had already said she had a surgeon in mind in our town who she was very confident in. I will be talking to her tomorrow and will ask if he is board certified. What is your take on this Tracy...should we stick to using a board certified surgeon? I would have thought that they had to all be board certified???

[Traci]

Joy, personally I would choose the board-certified who specializes in this surgery and post-surgical treatment, assuming they are specialized in oncology surgery, correct? Key word here, specialized. Of course board-certified is important as well, those vets have extensive experience, knowledge and studying in their specialty.

Yet, if the referral by the oncologist you saw today, is also board-certified in onco surgery, there's no harm in consulting with him. If not board-certified, however, I would chose the one who is.

I'm thinking of Buddy and you, and hoping that surgery is uneventful and he recovers with flying colors! Please keep us updated.

[oconnorjoy]

Buddy's surgery is booked for next Tuesday. We went with the care centre's surgeons as they specialize in Oncology. I am counting on their expertise to get it all and to not cause anymore pain than they need to. I will update

[Traci]

Sending good vibes and healing energy for a successful surgery! Please do keep us updated and give Buddy tons of hugs for us.

[Cleo]

Sending good thoughts and healing energies for Buddy!

[oconnorjoy]

Buddy came through his surgery well. The surgeon says he thinks he got it all. He did have to remove a part of Buddy's lower jaw. Buddy can come home tomorrow if he is eating and relieving himself. Will update when Buddy comes home.

[Traci]

He sounds like such a great trooper! I'm so glad to hear he came through surgery so well.

Please ask the surgeon/vet for appropriate pain medication to take home, ask about soft or canned food during recovery, and a full instruction sheet (including when to schedule a recheck). I'm so hoping he's feeling good enough to come home with you tomorrow!

[oconnorjoy]

Buddy is home. He will be on soft food for life. He is on Clavamox for 7 days, Tramadol every 8 - 12 hrs for pain, Medicam every 24hrs for inflamation and Tobrex eye drops..(not sure why the eye drops...he didn't have any eye issues when he went in) I have to admit I was shocked when I saw what they did to him...I know it was necessary but my poor boy. He does seem so very happy to be home. I'm going to go spend time giving him some cuddles.

[Traci]

The eye drops may be due to the surgery, i.e., relation to the surgery site, and to prevent infection and inflammation.

Are you considering chemo, or palliative care?

Is Buddy able to eat and drink on his own? I realize the surgery was drastic but most pets compensate fairly well once recovered. Please make sure he goes in for a recheck, usually within 7-10 days post surgery, weigh him and let the vet know how he's eating/drinking etc (important that he's recovering well, getting adequate nutrition etc)

Buddy's in our thoughts and prayers, please keep us updated and give him lots of hugs for us.

[oconnorjoy]

Buddy seems to be feeling a bit better today...still pretty tired from the pain meds. The oncologist is going to call us next week with the bone margin biopsy results. She had lead us to believe that if they were clear, there would be no need for radiation or chemo. Keeping my fingers crossed!