Our family is very thankful for amazing veterinary surgeons this week! Madison’s mom here posting about what happened to Madison on Tuesday. I realize people want to know and I want to share what I know and have learned. Most of all, I’m thankful Madison is still here with us! Madison went from normal to something is really wrong in less than twenty minutes. I needed to load her up and get her veterinary care quickly.
She is my goody two shoes, rule follower, tattle on others girl. I left her and Nelson home after an hour walk and took Bailie for a twenty minute walk. I returned to Madison ripping up and eating the carpet in the living room. She has never done anything like that before. As I told her to stop, she became more aggressive with the behavior. It was shocking! I sent her to her kennel while I fed the others. When I went to get her for breakfast, she had thrown up all over the kennel, a foam and lots of carpet. Not knowing the gravity of the situation I fed her breakfast which she ate. Upon returning to her kennel, she was panting like crazy and began pulling the fur out of her front legs.
Time to call the vet. The first appointment was too soon, we couldn’t make it there in time, but they had one in the afternoon. I said this can’t wait, something is really wrong. After talking to triage, we got one at 10:30. After the exam she thought we needed x-rays and I agreed. They were inconclusive and were sent to a place that reads them. For a dog like Madison to get bloat is extremely rare. They felt it was bloat as her stomach was very enlarged and was starting to squish other organs. We could try keeping her at the clinic to see if it would go away on its own, or do surgery. Because carpet was still in her belly and could get stuck in her intestines when it passed, we opted for the surgery.
It would be a long surgery they said, and I was advised to stick around in case anything went wrong or they found something bad when they opened her up. I was terrified. As the dogs and I always do when nerves are getting the best of us, we took some photos including the above selfie. I wanted one more photo of us together just in case. Madison was finally calming down a bit with the sedative they gave her.
Surgery lasted three and a half hours with two surgeons. Madison did great and was strong the entire time, no problems at all with the vitals and the long time span. They opened her and checked her abdomen for anything unusual, and they had to open her stomach to get anything left in there out. She also had her stomach tacked in two places just in case. For me the surgery time felt like weeks. Evidently, there are two types of bloat, the kind where the stomach twists, and the kind Madison had. They don’t know what causes it, but her stomach was full of air and gas. I know about bloat, so I thought, and all the dogs always have to rest or be in their kennels for an hour after meals. Now I know even that can’t prevent bloat in all circumstances.
Being a very large and invasive surgery, recovery, meaning rest and bland diet will be about three weeks. At that point she can slowly start getting back to her activities. The incision is quite long, but all the stitches are internal and will dissolve. When I am not present, she has to wear the donut or a cone to make sure she doesn’t bother the incision.
I’m keeping her and the other dogs separated for at least the three weeks. Since Madison has her belly completely shaved and smells different, you never know how the others will react. I kennel the other three and let Madison out to wander around a bit every couple hours. She also gets carried outside to use the bathroom. No stairs the first weeks.
She is on a bunch of drugs for pain that also make her a bit unstable and drowsy. Of course we are about to have an Arctic blast, so her poor belly will get really cold with no fur, but she isn’t outside long. The biggest issue now is to get her to eat. She has never been very interested in eating, so a bland diet is a pretty hard sell.
Being my rule follower, she is a pretty easy patient. Being cozy is something she loves and she will have plenty of cozy time in the coming weeks. I’m just so thankful for the amazing veterinary surgeons that kept my little Madison alive and got her back on the road to living life. GBGV’s are known as the happy breed, but Madison is always such a happy girl, it kills me to see her in pain. I know she will be better before I know it and we can get back to life as it was. Always remember to love on your pets because in an instant their lives or your life can change, possibly forever!
I’m joining Brian’s Home Blog in the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
When we saw this new on fb last night, we were so shocked and scared for both of you. What an awful experience. We are so happy that she pulled through and is home and resting. We send Madison TONS of healing vibes and hugs for you both♥
Madison still won’t eat and she isn’t drinking as much, but I’m keeping an eye on her constantly. If she would just eat, I would feel better, but she has never been very into food so it is hard.
I held my breathe all the way through this horror story. My friend has a ranch, 17 horses, many other animals, she lost two of her horses to bloat. when i hear the work my heart hurts. I am so happy the vets could save her. prayers for her as she spends her 3 weeks getting back to normal. also praying you can find a bland tempting food..
She ate a few bites of turkey this morning, hopefully she will slowly feel better and get hungry. It was very scary and the beginning of recovery is scary too.
I was glad to read that they tacked Madison’s stomach. I was wondering about that. Bloat is a very serious condition, as you know, and I am so happy she is okay and that her stomach didn’t twist. I have had several German Shepherds to bloat with torsion. A very scary thing to go through. I love Madison and am thankful you got her to the vet so quickly.
Thank you. My gut said it was her stomach, tumor or bloat, but she is a highly unlikely candidate for bloat and she had not eaten when it all started. You just never know, but I am so grateful she survived the surgery. Recovery will be long, but being my good girl, it will make it a bit easier.
Just so scary. I’m so happy that she is on her way to healing. Do you think you will ever find out what caused it. Big hugs to you both.
They don’t know why it happens in her case. It was most likely too much air she took in somehow or something like that.
Sorry to hear about Madison’s troubles! A very scary situation indeed but am happy for you all that she is okay and has come out the other side. I can appreciate that the next few weeks will have stress and angst as well but hope the worst is over is with no repeats. Sending lots of positivity and love your way!
If she slowly starts eating regularly, then I will be able to stop worrying. She had a few bites this morning which is a start.
Prayers continue!!! Will vet give you some of that sticky brown high sugar food that comes in a tube and you can just squeeze into her mouth? Or is that just for cats?
.
I’ve never heard of that. Hopefully we can use some games to get her eating small amounts. It worked a little bit this morning.
Joy, it’s called CatLax…normally it’s used for cats with hairball issues. Our vet prescribed it for Ducky many years ago when her anxieties would overwhelm her…it relaxes the esophagus so that the hairballs (or whatever) can be regurgitated without damage. It worked well for Ducky most of the time, as long as I gave it to her before she got too “worked up”. It supposedly has an appealing odor to both cats and dogs; but Ducky would eat whatever I gave her. You can always try.
Right now she is starting to eat small amounts of food when Mom plays some nose work games with her. It is good for her mental stimulation and gets a bit of food in her belly but we will keep the idea in mind if things aren’t progressing.
Oh dear! Mom and I are so sorry to read about this scary time. Your Mom is so wonderful how quickly she responded to your behavior and got you in to see the vet. When you were tearing up the rug must have been scary and strange. Keep listening to your mom and take good care of yourself. We are sending good vibes and happy thoughts. your friend Chester
Thank you. Mom thought about you guys and another friend who recently lost their pup with a stomach tumor and she was quite worried. It was very painful.
There are some paste cat treats in tubes that might be something to try.
I am so very sorry this happened to Madison. I am thankful that treatments and surgery are now available, When I was a child we lost a Mini Schnauzer to bloat. Keeping you in our prayers for healing.
It is a super scary thing and to find out it can be caused by other things besides food or water, we had no idea.
Goodness. You’re such a good mom. I knew you would get her in and quick. Sending healing hugs to precious Madison.
Have a fabulous day and rest of the week. Scritches all around and a hug to mom. ♥
Spending the whole day at the vet worrying was just the worst. Such a long surgery is so tough, but Madison is tough and she is determined to keep on going in life.
thank goodness you acted fast and they were able to treat/operate on her quite fast! Praying for a smooth and uneventful recovery. Give her kisses from us and we send (((hugs))) to you……I know you had to be beyond terrified. Sending lots of love and healing prayers and positive energy!
I’m still nervous and worried. Once we get past the first week if she is eating and drinking and no infection, I will be able to relax. Now I’m still in a state of shock and fear.
What a horrible ordeal for you and Madison(and the whole pack). We are so grateful Madison is home, and are sending tons and tons of POTP she heals quickly.
xoxo,
Beth and the girls
Thank you. I’m happy she is home with us and she is a good patient. Normally she is good anyway, but all the drugs she is taking right now keep her sleeping most of the time.
We send POTP tosweet Madison and are gad she got her treatment so quickly !
Thank you. She is a very good patient so far and things are looking good.
I wonder if she had something wrong with her tummy before she started chewing at the carpet and was just desperate to do something to relieve it.
No matter the ultimate cause of her behavior, I am very glad to hear she’s going to make a full recovery.
It was definitely a bloat situation which is something that happens very fast. She is doing pretty well with resting here at home and we hope she continues to improve each day. The first week is when there is an infection risk, so once that passes we will all feel better.
Oh my goodness, how horrible and scary for you all. I’m so glad you acted so quickly for your sweetie. Prayers for a smooth and quick recovery.
Thank you. So far Madison is a model patient.
Dang, I got rattled reading this post and forgot to say thanks for joining Angel Brian’s Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
No worries!
Hugs and POTP to Madison. She is a very lucky girl indeed. Before our son retired, he was a K-9 police officer. His partner, Chase, (a beautiful German Shepherd) was diagnosed with bloat on Mother’s Day back in 2016. He was rushed into surgery immediately when the first symptoms presented themselves. Sadly Chase passed away during the surgery because the blood supply was cut off from all of his vital organs in spite of getting into surgery quickly.
Best wishes for a fast and full recovery, Madison! ♥♥♥
That is so sad. We have so much respect for K9 officers and their dogs. We know a lot of them as they are judges for our nose work trials and our favorite instructor is a former K9 handler. Bloat is fast and furious and very often fatal. Thankfully Madison’s stomach did not twist which probably allowed for more time to get things squared away in surgery. Nevertheless 3 1/2 hours of surgery is a lot and a dog who isn’t in good health prior probably wouldn’t survive that either. K9 Officer dogs are so precious, smart and well cared for, we feel very sad to hear about Chase.
Thank you. We all miss Chase. Hope Madison is doing well and regaining her strength. I just know a full recovery is just around the corner. Hugs…..
Thank you. She is getting a little better each day. The little one is very strong.
That must have been beyond scary! I am glad the vets realised how serious it was and got Madison in quickly. I have experienced bloat in cows and horses and know how dangerous it is. I wish her a speedy recovery and send my best wishes to you both.
Recovery will take a while as she will be resting from the major surgery for about three weeks before she starts to slowly resume her normal life. We are just happy she is still here with us. Bloat alone is very deadly, and such a long and difficult surgery isn’t easy to make it through either.
Dear Madison,
I am so very sorry to read about your emergency surgery. I know it was a very scary few hours. I send you
healing hugs. Your Mom was most observant and quick acting. Thankful for you wonderful vets too.
Hugs Cecilia
Mom is still worried because of the infection risk, but so far so good and today I ate for her which made her really happy. Most of the time I am just busy sleeping.
Sending a ton of POTP to poor Madison. What a horrible trauma for all you. I do hope she recovers well and soon.
All the best,
Gail (and Nobby).
We will all feel better after the first week is done and the infection risk will go down. She is a strong, fighter of a little GBGV.
Dear Madison and Mom,
Wishing you a speedy recovery and so far Madison has been quite a trooper!
Our pets are lucky for having us and with that access to good veterinary care.
Big hugs,
Mariette + Kitties
Madison is a real fighter and she isn’t giving up, nope, not at all! We are hoping for the best.
Healing purrs for sweet Maddison we hope she is better soon. Fenris sends POTP
Thank you. She is making progress. In a few days we should feel better about everything being good.
I am so thankful you are on the mend dear sweet Madison. THat is certainly a scary ordeal for you and your Mom. My heart was in my throat when I read what you both went through. Sending you lots of healing hugs Madison.
I’m doing better every day, but the first week is critical to make sure everything holds and no infection develops.
How incredibly scary!!! Sending purrs for a complete recovery.
It has been a very scary few days, but with each new day we hope things will stay fine and Madison will recover fully.
You saved your baby. Thank God you were there.
We are all thankful Mom knew something was really wrong and she insisted on getting Madison seen that morning. Thank dog she survived the big surgery and was able to come back home to recover.
So sorry you have to undergo such an intense situation, Madison and mom, but thankful that your mommy was alert on what you tried to tell her ♥ Healing Pawkisses and purrayers to feel better soon. Hang in there sweet girl…and your mommy too ♥♥♥
I feel better every day and am being a very good patient. We are going to get through this speed bump in life.
We read about Madison on the CB and came over. Thank you so much for all the information. As a dog owner as well, it is always good to know about these things. Here’s hoping her recovery is quick and full.
#1 of The Poupounette and the Gang.
Thank you for visiting and thinking of us. Madison is doing better every day and after the first week if things continue, the worst worries will be over with. It is surprising as we had never heard of bloat not being from food or water and not with a twisted stomach.
Yikes! Praying she continues to heal. I imagine it’s like after humans have a big surgery we don’t always want to eat either. Sleeping is great for healing. Is she drinking or at least licking ice cubes? You’re doing a great job with her and she knows she’s home and safe with you. Keep us posted. And hang in there. Hugs.
She has been drinking since she came home and I have taken the water away too keep her from drinking too much. She started eating a tiny bit but as of Friday afternoon, she is hungry as a bear and eating great, but in small portions, a few times a day.
Oh, MY! That sure was a scary few hours. Glad you got it taken care of asap….and now we send our best POTP and pawyers for a good, uneventful and fast recovery.
Hang in there Madison!
So far she is doing great, almost feeling too good, but that is a good thing. It will be weeks of recovery, but we are just happy she got help in time and survived a very long and difficult surgery.
Bloat is terrifying (Norman had it and I was lucky to know the symptoms and get him to the ER quickly). So sorry it touched your lives. Sweet Madison, we pray for your full recovery and glad you have such a good dog mommy to get you the care you needed in time.
Thankfully it wasn’t a full bloat with the twist, but it sure was bad enough. Unfortunately, since we don’t know the cause it is hard to know what to avoid in the future. We always wait an hour after eating before doing anything, and Mom doesn’t let us drink too much water in one sitting so who knows.
That is so scary. I’m relieved that you were able to get an appointment, and that the veterinary surgeons were able to save Madison. Hugs, purrs, and recovery energy coming your way.
We are all very thankful, and Madison is being a textbook patient. She should make a full recovery.