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.
So glad to hear that dozer is doing better. Our golden of 15 years had the same diagnosis. Originally they thought it was congestive heart failure until we found a vet that correctly diagnosed it. Unfortunately surgery was not an option for her.
Enjoy every minute that you have with your baby. They give us so much. I can tell Dozer is having the best life ever!!
Thoughts and prayers are with you!
Reading Dozer’s story has eased my mind a bit, and given me an idea of what to expect. My 12 yr old golden boy, Midas, is having this surgery today. I have been following Dozer’s amazing recovery and it gave me ideas of what to ask the vet. Thank you and I am so glad Dozer is doing so well.
Omg!!! I just read this tonight and i am so sad 😭!!! Nagi this must be so hard for you, and you are handling it so well and i just adore how much you care for dozer. I would be willing to do the same for my dog- i think anyone would. I hope all the best for you and dozer!!! Good luck and thank you for having the best food blog ever !!!!! You are a hero in everyone’s world!
Hi Nagi,
It’s so good to hear that Dozer is back to his old self.
Can you please share the recipes that you’re making for him?
I’m sure there’s lots of people, and their doggo, who would love to try them!
I’m so glad Dozer’s doing better, even playing with toys and wagging his tail. I know there were many times you were terribly worried about him, before and after surgery. You made the right decision for him to have surgery. Enjoy the love you two share.
I am absolutely thrilled about Dozer. I love your recipes and followed you a long time. Having dogs all my life I know exactly what you are going through but as my family always say good things happen to good people….
Dozer is pure love🍀🌷💜
I just came in here looking for a recipe and left with a love of all things Dozer. We, too, are dog parents and we get it. We can learn so much from dogs, we just need to apply it in day-to-day life. Thank you for sharing the story here. They don’t ever live long enough. This is why they must be cherished and protected. As lucky as you feel to have him in your lives, he is very lucky to have you in his!
I’m so pleased to read that Dozer is doing well. What a gorgeous boy. Please give him a big hug from me and a kiss (lick) from my little girl dog Molly.
Love your recipes.
I never expected that looking for a simple and delicious green beans recipe would bring me to a website of such wonderful content. So happy I stumbled onto recipetineats and the wonderful life of Dozer. Thank you for sharing your love of cooking and your love for your beautiful and lovely dog with us. Hoping Dozer stays strong!!
PS. The green beans were a hit!
It’s so difficult because our fur babies don’t live long as compared to humans. And because we love them so dearly, it hurts to see them suffering as much as it does with any other loved one. I think Dozer will be with you awhile yet. I know you are taking great care of him! Give those old fuzzy ears a little ruffle for me and kiss the side of that broad head.
Dozer has given all of us so much joy, I am so happy to see that he is on the mend and getting so much love💕🥳
Nazi. I am so happy for you and Dozier. God blessed you both when you became a family. I also wanted to thank you for your recipes. When I first found your web page I hadn’t even read your recipes but saw a photo of you. You were so happy , your smile was so joyful that I downloaded your site. Every day since then I have found wonderful simple recipes that my family loves. You truly are a great inspiration to us. Thank you for sharing your recipes and of course for sharing Dozier with us.
Love every minute We are given with our fur kids. I know I do. Bless Dozer he is a beautiful boy.
and bless You also Nagi keep cooking keep and smilng.
So glad Dozer is getting better!! I love all your little stories of him. Reminds me of my sweet dear Mikko. I miss him so much! I always tell my daughter (18 yrs) that he was my first born!! lol.
Soooo happy to hear Dear Dozer has recovered.
They are such a huge part of our lives. Very, Very SPECIAL.
Thank you also for your wonderful recipes. you are so very talented. Thanks again.
So glad Dozer is improving. That’s a great relief 😢
Much love from NZ ❤️
Hadn’t heard for a while about Dozer and was worried for him and his Mom. This is Dana in San Francisco. I love the cooking tips AND the “Life of Dozer”. So grateful that we can all cherish him for a bit longer.
❤️ Dana
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Nagi, we had a dog just like Dozer, his name was Jake. I loved that dog SO much. He had to be put down and there is not a day that goes by that I don’t miss him. I am so happy you can have your Dozer longer. Give him a big hug for me and God bless you for being such a good dog mom 💞
Oh Dozer, you are a champion! You’re a big bundle of Golden fur that brings so much joy into so many people’s life, and it’s not your time to go. You are a lucky boy to have such a loving mummy who will do anything to keep you well, so keep on improving and make sure you enjoy naps in the sunshine, snuggles with your humans, smooches, ear tickles and belly rubs <3 xxx
So happy for you Nagi and Dozer to have your extra special time. Have followed you and Dozer from the beginning and love you both. Lucky boy with all that yummy food. We lost our beautiful Lab,Hamish 12 months ago at 13, They are so much part of your family.