Update*My dog needs good thoughts right now

[Deleted]

My doxie/chihuahua mix got in a little tiff with another dog on Sunday. Well, the dog ended up stepping on O's neck. He was okay for the first couple hours then his neck started to swell somewhat and refused dinner that night. He was breathing fine and ate breakfast the next morning so we opted out of the E-vet.
I took him in on Tuesday to get check out. He has a small tear in his windpipe thats leaking air into his neck area. The vet said 90% of time it heals on its own with rest. Gave him an anti-inflammatory and antibiotic because infection is the real risk. Well, the swelling is getting slightly worse and I'm contemplating E-vet (45 minutes away) and emergency repair surgery. I'm so sick to my stomach and I can't decide what to do because it isn't terribly bad and he seems ok.
His vet appointment is tomorrow but I could call and ask to bring him in ASAP when they open if the swelling is worse. The problem is that it's air and moves oddly and freaks me out. His breathing is fine, he doesn't act like he's in pain, and he eats/drinks/potty fine. And I'm thinking to myself "if I had 500 to blow, I'd take him in now. But since I'm poor, I have to second guess myself". Mommy guilt.

Thanks for listening to my ramble/worry/vent.

[basilosaurus]

If your dog doesn't seem to be bothered with lethargy or pain, I'd wait. Dogs have a high pain threshold, so lack of pain wouldn't mean much, but the other signs make it seem like he can wait til morning. Just get the earliest appt. Or show up when they open and ask to be seen.

[honeybadger]

May 30, 2012 19:11:00 GMT -5 basilosaurus said:

If your dog doesn't seem to be bothered with lethargy or pain, I'd wait. Dogs have a high pain threshold, so lack of pain wouldn't mean much, but the other signs make it seem like he can wait til morning. Just get the earliest appt. Or show up when they open and ask to be seen.

ITA.

Sending positive thoughts your way, though! I'm sorry this happened. It's so hard to see your pet in a rough spot.

[Deleted]

I guess I just needed reassurance that it's okay I'm holding off on the vet visit.

[prettyinpink]

I'd wait L. I'm sorry O got hurt but it sounds like its healing so wait until the morning and your vet appt to make any further decisions.

[Deleted]

My mom told me to leave the air in his neck. As if I'm going to try to get it out... My mom doesn't give me enough credit.

[amaristella]

May 30, 2012 20:38:29 GMT -5 @lemonlover33 said:

My mom told me to leave the air in his neck. As if I'm going to try to get it out... My mom doesn't give me enough credit.

Moms just like to worry.

I posted on Facebook that I was having trouble because my cat figured out how to lift up the vent covers on the floor for the AC system and my mom calls me and tells me that I just can't be letting her roam around in there. Yeah, no shit, that's why I was looking for solutions.

[brandienee]

I agree with PP's. Wait for the morning. He is functioning well, I would be worried if he wasn't eating/lethargic. Sending you good vibes. I hope he feels better.

[letsbeawkward]

Saying a prayer for your little guy. I would be worried sick but I agree with everyone else, get him there tomorrow.

[justaname]

I didn't know that could happen. Sending good thoughts his way. Keep us updated.

[amaristella]

update?

[Deleted]

UPDATE: O is resting comfortably at the ICU at a nearby vet college. He looks good and breathing is normal and not labored. No signs of infection or problems from the swelling. The swelling/air has extending down to one shoulder and up to in front of his ears and cheek area (think chipmunk face). His neck is all ballooned out and the vet student declared O as "neat" since he has never felt air under the skin like that before.
He got X-rays, IV, and some nice meds for tonight. He looks awesome and hopefully this will jump start his healing. We think he can heal on his own. If he can't, I'm starting a "Save Lemon's Weenier" fund.

[sookie]

I'm just now reading this, so I'm seeing the update at the same time - I'm glad O's doing ok, though the student calling him "neat" bugged me for some reason. :/ Keep us updated, but I'm positive he'll be fine!

[Deleted]

I think he meant that the case was neat. It was his first subcutaneous emphysema he had seen. The skin crackles when you press on it where the swelling isn't extreme. It's a really odd sensation on your finger tips and you can manipulate the air into moving around. It freaks me out and could take up to three weeks to re-absorb into the body if the vet doesn't want to remove it which I think she doesn't since it isn't restricting air flow and isn't around his lungs.

[beachy]

Glad to hear he is doing better, and I hope he continues to heal.

[prettyinpink]

Glad to hear he is doing better. My mini's send their love and healing vibes to O from S and D.

[basilosaurus]

I'm glad they're optimistic about his recovery.

I totally would have said it was kinda cool to feel the crackles. I just hope I would have had the wherewithal to not say it in front of a patient (or his mom, in your case).

[Deleted]

UGH. He's staying in the ICU until Monday. He has air around his heart. They are compressing his neck and sedating him. ::shakes tin cup for collection::

[brandienee]

:-(

[jamesonontherocks]

Sounds like he's in a good place where they are taking care of him. Thoughts and prayers.