Has your 'Senior' had palate/nares surgery? Or have you repeated the surgery?

[Ibelongtobetty]

Hi! My baby Betty is 10. She's in pretty darn good health apart from her breathing gets noisy and labored - when it's warm or she's over excited or a little longer walk. My vet recommended she has her palate and nares done again - she was 3 the first time. I've been to see a surgeon who could and would do it... he seems very experienced and competent... but I'm terrified.... and am frozen by fear to make a decision either way. Of course if she was suffering I'd do surgery... anything to help her.. but this is a little different... it would be a risk but may make great improvements even lengthening her life.... but I can of course keep her cool and calm also.... but I could help her but but.... Argh! Help! do any of you have any experience of a situation like this? Can you offer me any advice? Thanks!! Ali and Betty (yeah I just joined and can't work out why the photo rotated!)

 

[Alice Kable]

:smileywelcome: to you and Betty! I have had palate surgery done on 1 year old English Bulldogs but never on an old dog. English Bulldogs usually live 8-10 years. I know Frenchies average a couple years more. I think for me to have that surgery done on a 10 year old, it would have to be lasar with a minimum amount of tissue removed, with less recovery time and swelling. Honestly, I'd keep her calm and cool.

 

[Ibelongtobetty]

:smileywelcome: to you and Betty! I have had palate surgery done on 1 year old English Bulldogs but never on an old dog. English Bulldogs usually live 8-10 years. I know Frenchies average a couple years more. I think for me to have that surgery done on a 10 year old, it would have to be lasar with a minimum amount of tissue removed, with less recovery time and swelling. Honestly, I'd keep her calm and cool.

Thanks!
I am going to take her to a second surgeon to see what they say... the surgery would definitely be laser.... why oh why can't they live forever

 

[2bullymama]

I agree with Alice.... I would be very hesitant at her age. Unless it was an extreme issue and she was having great difficulty, then I would. The process (laser vs. knife) is the lesser issue, the anesthesia would be more my worry.

My Cheli had to have his done twice, maybe three times... I am confused right now.... but his first was at 8 mths and the last was at 5 yrs. He was having sleep apnea issues and it was a lot of episodes every night.

 

[Ibelongtobetty]

I agree with Alice.... I would be very hesitant at her age. Unless it was an extreme issue and she was having great difficulty, then I would. The process (laser vs. knife) is the lesser issue, the anesthesia would be more my worry.

My Cheli had to have his done twice, maybe three times... I am confused right now.... but his first was at 8 mths and the last was at 5 yrs. He was having sleep apnea issues and it was a lot of episodes every night.

Hey! Thanks so much for your reply... and sorry for the delay.
Your poor baby! Are you going to do 3 times? I’d not say my Betty is an extreme case. I’m going to say mid to severe depending on the weather. I am extremely careful but she’s (i believe) not constantly suffering in ‘normal life’. I’m looking forward to seeing what the other surgeon (apparently other top palette surgeon in portland ) advises. She had however had multiple anaesthesia that’s she has done ok with. Although I 100% agree that’s wat more concerning than the surgery per se. Thanks again... I’ll report back after the next consult.
Ali