Permanent Tracheostomy info

[Shelltoes]

Hello everyone,

We've been away from the forum for some time. My little buddie Louie has had a rough go this last year. He had a ruptured disc in March resulting in paralyzed hind legs and emergency hemilaminectomy to decompress his spinal cord. He has made an amazing recovery and is doing well.

The last month or two. His breathing and sleep apnea has gotten progressively worse. I took him in for an assessment and he has been diagnosed with (Stage 2) laryngeal collapse. We opted for a second soft palate surgery and he had his nairs done this time. The Vet suggested if Louie continued to struggle the next step would be a permanent tracheostomy.

I'm looking for information or blogs of other people's experiences and outcomes with this type of surgery. I seem to recall a blog of a woman from Vancouver who's frenchie had this done, but I cannot find it anymore. Any info would be appreciated.

I feel so sad for my little dude for all he's been through yet he has such a bright "headlight" and nothing seems to get him down. He's only 2.5 years old and sharp as a tack. I would hate to do this to him and he be bummed out all the time.

 

[blushy]

Woah poor Louie! Little guy has had it rough!!

I'm of no help but here's hoping he won't need the 3rd surgery!!

 

[PugandTwoFrenchies]

Wow, I didn't even know that tracheostomies were options for dogs? I'm really keeping my fingers crossed that your Louie won't need one!

 

[hannah]

I have never even heard of this, I am no help I am sorry to hear this though! Hope things turn around for you guys

 

[Jakeyjake]

Poor Louie. So sorry he has gone through so much and I hope he won't need further surgeries. Good thoughts coming your way!

 

[2bullymama]

So sorry you and your baby are going through all this.... I have no experience and send many prayers he continues to improve so the procedure is not necessary

 

[Shelltoes]

Thanks for all the well wishes!
Louie seems to be benefiting from his second soft palate surgery although it's only 3 days after surgery, we won't know the full effects until his swelling fully subsides. Has anyone else experienced 2 pallet surgeries? Louie had his first at 9 months with his neuter. I'm guessing the surgeon didn't take enough off or he just developed some more with his head maturing.

I've been scouring the net for some info about tracheostomies. There is a few positive outcomes that put my mind at ease just praying we don't have to cross that bridge.

I know there have been a few discussions about pet insurance on this board. Let me just say if you are on the fence about getting it. Go ahead and do it, it's been a life saver for me.

 

[2bullymama]

Cheli had to have a second palate procedure due to scar tissue forming from barking while he was still recovering. And he had to have nares done a second time just recently at age 4

 

[Mavis]

Poor Louie, I'm so glad his spinal surgery worked out and that his palate surgery is over now. I hope he makes a full recovery and that is totally solves the problem.

Bambi will be four on 12/30/15. Can you get pet insurance then or is it too expensive when they are older? I will look it up.

 

[Alice Kable]

Sorry, I am not familiar with the trach surgery on dogs, but have had palate clips on 2 English Bulldogs. I know the palate gradually grows back and like Christine said scar tissue builds up from barking before it is healed. I would get more specific info from your vet before putting in a permanent trach.