I’m so relieved and delirious with happiness to share that Dozer just had his post-operation check up and he’s ok!! I’ve been overwhelmed by all the messages of support and cheering on his recovery. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. ~ Nagi x
I won’t lie – it’s been a worrying couple of weeks. But a weight has been lifted from my shoulders after getting the all clear from Dozer’s doctors today. So I came straight here to share this great news with you!!!
Dialling back: A fortnight ago, I shared the sad news that Dozer was diagnosed with bi-lateral laryngeal paralysis, a condition where both his larynxes are paralysed so it severely inhibits his breathing. It came on quickly – in January he was romping around at the beach with his mates, then by the end of February he was refusing to go for walks and did nothing more than sleep all day. His breathing was laboured, and he was panting heavily all day and night.
I was so scared. I had been researching endlessly and had read too many sad stories of people saying goodbye to their dogs because they couldn’t watch them struggle with laryngeal paralysis anymore, or losing their dogs because they were too old to cope with the trauma of the surgery.
I made the decision to do the surgery and 2 weeks ago, he went in for what is called a tie-back operation at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital in Ryde (Sydney). The surgeons went in from the outside of Dozer’s neck then tied back one larynx to open up his airways so he can breath more freely. He stayed overnight in their ICU, monitored closely for post op complications which are more prevalent in older dogs (he’s 11 years young!).
Dozer’s recovery from the operation was slower than I expected. On day 3 after the operation, he was still barely able to struggle to his feet and did nothing but sleep all day. His breathing was extremely hoarse and raspy which the surgeon said was to be expected to an extent from post op swelling in his airways.
Is anybody here surprised when I tell you that I’ve been sleeping on a blow-up beside him every night since the operation? 🙂
I even did an emergency run back to the hospital after I found him in what seemed to be in a barely conscious state. He was a dead weight, just lying on his side without moving as we slid him across the house on a dog bed and lifted him into the car.
Luckily, it seemed to be old-man slow recovery from surgery. Around 10 days after the surgery, he started showing signs of perkiness and was able to get up by himself without assistance. His breathing became noticeably quieter – albeit still a bit hoarse. He greeted me at the door for the first time in a couple of months (I almost wept with happiness). He started playing with toys again. And he even came into the kitchen again when I was cooking high-value food! (meat).
Also (and sorry to gross you out!) he was going to the toilet regularly. He didn’t 💩 for 8 days!!! EIGHT DAYS! That is a LOT of 💩 banked up inside him – I don’t even know how he managed to store that much!!! There was much applause and celebration the day he broke the seal. I even popped a bottle of champers to celebrate. 😂
(Oh yes, and this photo reminded me of how I tried to get his bowels moving 😂).
Dozer’s post op life
But the tie-back surgery does not come without repercussions. He is at higher risk of food and water getting into his lungs and causing aspiration pneumonia (lung infection) which can be serious and deadly. He is on a new diet of slippery, ball-shaped proteins (think, Asian fish balls, but homemade) and jelly cubes made with pureed vegetables that I feed him by hand in a standing position so it slides down his throat easily.
No more random taste testing, lest stray crumbs or little bits of food accidentally get inhaled into his lungs – and the sheer speed at which food disappears down Dozer’s throat means this is a serious risk (I am not joking).
There is also the fact that it’s likely that his laryngeal paralysis is part of a broader nerve weakening syndrome called Geriatric Onset Laryngeal Paralysis and Polyneuropathy (GOLPP) which will see a weakening of his hind legs. The question is just the pace at which this occurs. I can’t bring myself to think about this yet. I know how that story ends.
It’s unlikely that he will get back to the same level of activity and energy he was even just a couple of months ago. I’ll be taking his recovery slowly, re-building his strength (bearing in mind he’s basically done no exercise for over a month now) and giving his airways time to finish healing.
And while I do get sad when I think of how Dozer’s life as it was just two months ago is over – splashing in the water with his mates, bolting after any bird that dares to land in his park, getting the last (sometimes the first) bite of everything I eat – it goes without saying that I am just grateful to have more time with him.
Cherish every moment
The reality is, he is getting on in his years. Dozer is just a month out from turning 12. He is (was) in excellent physical condition. Strong, fit, his fur is shiny and smooth, his teeth and eyes in very good condition for his age. His hearing may have been fading a bit, but hard to tell if it’s just selective hearing (seems to hear the crinkle of food wrappers ok).
But this scare is a very strong reminder to me to cherish every moment I have left with him.
Right now, I just want to relish in the glimpses I’m seeing today of the Dozer that I knew. His tail is wagging again. He trots into the kitchen to scavenge for food. He went for a short walk today – 100 metres. Yay Dozer!
Thank you again for your support and cheering him on. Sometimes I feel like your collective positive thinking gave him strength. I know it did me. – Nagi x
Dear SASH – thank you for the gift of time
To everyone at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH) in Ryde, from the receptionists to the cleaners, ICU nurses to the anaesthetists, and most especially to Dozer’s surgeons and doctors – Dr James Crowley (surgeon), Dr Tristram Bennett (surgeon), Dr Alex Kennedy (internal medicine) and Dr Amy Dickinson (critical care specialist):
Thank you for the gift of more time with Dozer. I will forever be grateful. ~ Nagi x
Above photo – the incredible team at SASH North Ryde. Left to right: Dr Alex Kennedy (internal medicine), Dozer’s maid, Dozer, Dr James Crowley (surgeon), Dr Tristram Bennett (surgeon), Dr Amy Dickinson (critical care specialist).
And the photo below – double stethoscope situation! With Dr Alex Kennedy and Dr James Crowley.
Oh Nagi, you have been extremely loving and strong through the entire time for Dozer and it’s so clear that you love him with all of your kind heart. I came for your recipes but stayed for Dozer updates 🥰 Stay happy you two, cherish all the time possible and I’m sure Dozer knows that he’s loved beyond measure 💓
Hi Nagi. I think you are amazing. I have your cook book which I got for Christmas. I absolutely love it. The recipes are all so tasty. I love Dozer like he’s my own. Love the updates. I myself have a boxer, I have grown up with dogs and would not be without one, the are family. And heartbreaking when they are poorly. Big hugs to dozer keep going strong buddy
I am so very happy for mr Dozer and you Nagi. It was truly wonderful to read this report. Keep up the great work guys…💜😎💜
Marvellous news.
👍👍👍🏴🇬🇧
Soldier!! Sooooo pleased your gorgeous fella has rallied! What precious times you both have coming! Best news for sure xxxxxxx
Dozer is lucky to have you, what a wonderful life he has had at your side. I have been to the team at SASH and they are great they deserve all the praise they get.
I love your report on Dozer. I feel every fear you had throughout your decision. Not a lot of people would have choosen surgery because of his age. I know Dozer and you will have much more love and time together because of your decision to perform the surgery. Also thank you for sharing his diagnosis and symptons. I had never heard of this, but now I am aware of it and that a senior dog can recover with lots of love and care! I have loved your articles of Dozer since I discoverd your website!! Thank you and may God speed Dozer’s recovery back to a healthy, energetic Dozer.
I’m so glad that you are getting this extra time with Dozer. I had a wonderful golden in my life who could inhale food faster than a vacuum so I understand that need for extra caution these days.
Thanks so much for sharing your life and emotions with Dozer. I am so glad to hear that Dozer has recovered. I have two boys; one of them is an energetic and mischievous golden doodle called Mowgli. Mowgli loves stealing hats while you are wearing them. He especially loves winter hats with pompoms because he loves shredding the pompom right after sneaking it off someone’s head. I don’t know what to do with this behaviour but he is delightful.
Hi!!!
I am cherishing every email from Dozer. Happiness and gigantic relief washes over me Chloe, Ellie and Achilles every time we see Dozer pics and read his accounts of his adventures. Keep cherishing Nagi he will always adore you more.
Happy cooking for the big fellow and us followers
Love from Canada!!
Hi Nagi – so, so happy to hear that your beloved Dozer is doing well. Makes my heart glad.
Hi Nagi & Dozer,
Soooo glad to hear the recovery is progressing positively! That’s the best news ever! Keep up the good work Dozer! Love to you both!
Hi Nagi,
I have been following you for several years now. Every recipe is fabulous.
Your love for Dozer reminds me of my heart dog, Kenan. I lost Kenan several years ago and there is not a day that I don’t miss him. I completely get how much you love Dozer. He is so lucky to have you. Enjoy the time you have and remember all the fun along the way! Nobody loves you like your dog!!!
I’m so sorry to hear you lost Kenan. I’m so sad for you, and I totally get it. HUGS – N x ❤️
This is such heartwarming news! God Bless both of you!
Hi Nagi, I’m so happy to hear that Dozer is doing so well after his operation. I know exactly how you feel about him as I have my beautiful girl Maisie, who is a German Pointer heading for her 14th year and starting her second round of chemo for anal and adrenal gland cancer this Friday. She is like your lovely boy, a real trooper, taking it all in her stride without any self pity. Thank you for all of your wonderful recipes, my adult kids are all fans of your website also. I wish you and Dozer many more happy times together ❤️
Ohhhhh Bernie! I’m sending all my positive energy your way to your beautiful Maisie. Please give her a big hug from me and tell her I’m cheering her on!! N xx
So glad he is ok.
I’m so pleased for you and Dozer. He is so special and I always love the bit about him on each recipe. Here’s to many more happy tail wags!
Dear Dozer, hope you get better soon! Goldies bring so much joy and happiness to the world. My beautiful pup Sunny and I are hoping it will be no time at all until you are happily sitting in a mud puddle again!
omg! i am so incredibly glad to hear about Dozer !!!! sending love and prayers to you and him and to rest of your family- my dog Lucy has had her share of health issues and i can completely relate. p.s. your recipes are amazing, i’ve made quite a few, the cheesecake, noodles, all fantastic. thanks again for all the effort you put into the site- XOXO to Dozer and the very best wishes. Happy Easter to you both
I am so happy to read your Dozer update and that it is such good news. May he continue to get better and soon be romping on the beach again with all his mates. I love the happy picture of you two and wish you many more years of happines together.