Saturday, May 26, 2018

Vet Approved Roll in the Grass

My dog Valentino had a stress-free vet visit today. He celebrated his happy Saturday with a vet-approved back-scratchin' roll in the grass!



My dog Valentino in a happy Saturday back scratching roll in the grass.


Valentino showed no signs of canine PTSD when the dog doctor removed the staples on his back. He stood for a minute then sat down and still as the vet removed all fourteen staples. I think he handled it much better than I!

The doctor checked his gums and found only one suture that had not yet dissolved. She assured me the dissolvable stitch would disappear in its own time.

As for Valentino's canine gingival hyperplasia, it would appear as though he is predisposed for the disease. This means we need to keep a watchful eye on his gums for its recurrence. Further, there is not much I can do to stop the idiopathic gingival hyperplasia from returning.

I will begin more care in brushing my dog's teeth and gums and schedule veterinary dental cleanings as needed. However, the vet said while this will not prevent the recurrence of excess gingival tissue growth it may delay it as well as the surgery to remove it.

For now, I watch the hair re-growth over the scar on my dog Valentino's back. And Me and V fully intend to enjoy each blessed day of the rest of our journey together.


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Saturday, May 19, 2018

Dog Surgery Lab Results

My veterinarian suggested surgery to remove the growth on the gums of my dog Valentino. I did not hesitate to follow her advice.

We chose the course of action best for us: mass removal as well as a dental cleaning. We also chose to send the mass off to the lab so we would know for sure what we are dealing with.

The gingival mass removal took place this past Monday. (Read more about it HERE.)

Lab Results Are In


I am happy to share with you the report that the gum tissue sent for pathology was not a form of cancer. Bravo!

My vet assured me this is good news. However, tests shows my dog Valentino has canine gingival hyperplasia.  She says this indicates inflammation, persistent irritation, or possibly a bad bite.

Valentino has his follow-up visit with the vet in a week. At that time I will know more about the cause of his gum disease and what we may be able to do to prevent it from recurring.

At that vet appointment Valentino will also get the staples removed from the mass removal on his back.

Post-operative recovery for my dog Valentino is going well. He misses rolling in the grass and misses gnawing on his meaty bones. But, he will survive!

I had the day off from work today and spent it walking the neighborhood with Valentino. We always manage to find a bit o' sunshine between the raindrops that fall our way.


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Monday, May 14, 2018

Post-Operative Canine PTSD

Does my dog have post-operative canine PTSD? No. However, my dog Valentino did have surgery today.

Canine Cyst Removal Staples

Just as with humans, the night before his surgery my dog was to have no food or water after midnight. We awoke this morning and went straight outside for a quick walk, then we headed to our veterinarian for Gingival Mass removal and the removal of a mass on his back.

Surgery went well, with no major surprises... meaning no tooth extractions or jawbone issues. A sample of the growth on Valentino's gums was sent to the lab. The vet is pretty sure the mass on his back was a sebaceous cyst. The dog did get fourteen staples on his back for that one!

When it was time for my dog Valentino to come home I was instructed he could have a little water and if he held it down could have a bit more later in the evening, as well as a tidbit of food. If all was well he could eat again in the morning.

Upon arriving home, Valentino headed straight for his dog bowls. Sniff - no food! Sniff again - no water! He was not a happy camper!

I poured a half cup of water into his bowl, which he lapped right up and asked for more. I tried to distract him but he was having none of that. I even grabbed his leash, hoping going outside would work. Not!

My Dog Valentino Post-Surgery


For a couple of hours my dog did nothing but pace the kitchen, sniffing for food and drink. He sat alongside the fridge as if he might will the food out the door into his mouth!

I finally gave in and allowed him a small mixture of the two. Although he wanted more, Valentino realized he wouldn't get it and agreed to a short walk outdoors. It was a good sign to me when he peed on the nearest tree.

I am ever so thankful for all the support, prayers, and gifts from friends and neighbors for my boy. I am thankful for a boss and co-worker who covered my job duties for me so I could be with my canine life mate today. I am thankful for the great care we received from everyone at Canal Animal Clinic of Canal Winchester.

Though Valentino is a wee bit hungry at the moment, I am grateful his post-operative canine PTSD is merely a momentary surgery thing soon to be forgotten. No doubt my hound dog will be eating his usual meals within a day or two. Besides, I feel it wouldn't hurt him to lose a pound or two!


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