Higgins has gone in for the snip

[Contratto]

I just dropped off my Higgins to the vet to get neutered. I just found it such a difficult choice really. I believe so much in the idea of leaving dogs as they are- no ear cropping and no tail docking, but then when it comes to this, we are advised to go and take their testicles off. It leaves me a bit worried at times.

Overall though, I thought it would be best for Higgins. There was a slight possibility that we would want to breed him some day, but since he's our first boxer, we decided to just keep things simpler. But I do find it a bit sad to know that there won't ever be any little Higgins running around.

And I just about started to cry when I dropped him off at the vets. I asked to be taking in to where they have the crates just to see the area and make sure everything looked in order and he started to shake a bit when they put him in the crate. I just felt so bad for him. Had to leave quick before I made a fool of myself blubbering over it all.

So hopefully later on today I will be getting a call to say that it's all done with and he's doing well and I can pick my little guy up. He'll probably never be quite so keen on going into the vets again I should think.

 

[matilda8255]

Sending all our love and wishes for a speedy recovery from the snip. You did the right thing for Higgins. It is much healthier for him to be neutered. I know your worried but he will be fine. You will just have to spoil him rotten for the next few days.

Stephanie, Caesar, Cleo, Molly, Matilda

 

[MarinaS]

Hope the surgery went well. Please keep us updated on Higgins. I wish him a speedy recovery

 

[Contratto]

Higgin's follow up

Well- my poor boy is absolutely miserable. Since he had to be put under for the neutering, the vet also did a little eye surgery on his lower lids to make sure that they weren't irritating his corneas. (We've had a persistent conjunctivitis problem). Because of this he has had to wear one of those cone collar things so that he doesn't scratch at his eyes at all.

I don't think the castration has bothered him AT ALL. But he absolutely loathes the collar. We once had to attempt to have him wear the collar once before when he had a little paw problem and quickly gave up because he went absolutely berserk on us. This time it's an absolute necessity so he's miserable. At first he just would stand in one place - not moving. If he had to move it would be in this quick panicked dart across the room. It's been about 20 hours since we've picked him up and he'll follow me around very haltingly now but he's still so miserable. At this point he won't eat or drink from a bowl because the collar taps the bowl and he doesn't like it. I hand-fed him some food this morning (appetite was great) but I am slightly concerned about how he will keep hydrated if he never will drink. I suppose I could always use a syringe to give him some in his mouth if he absolutely won't drink with the collar on. And he has to wear it for five days. Poor guy.

I warned the vet about the collar and asked them if all dogs hated them. They said some do, some don't care. Is this a boxer trait that they really can't stand the collars? Has anyone else had this result in using it? I think it will continue to improve over time and he'll be a little more used to it and move a little more freely but wow - this is going to be a long five days.

 

[bustermom]

I think ALL dogs hate the E-collar. It ruins their ability to determine which direction sounds are coming from, takes away their peripheral vision, is uncomfortable...

BUT it also allows them to heal so is a necessary evil, just like a cast or a bandage.

What you may want to do, if the vet hasn't already, is cut down the length of the E-collar. They're really designed with long-nosed breeds in mind, and you can safely take off a few inches to make it shorter. This will allow him to drink/eat a bit better.

You can also give him water from a bottle, or hold a bowl for him. A few drops of no salt broth in the water will encourage him to drink.

It may seem like a long few days, but they will pass eventually. Chin up and give your boy lots of love and snuggles!

 

[matilda8255]

I am glad your sweetie is ok. My Caesar (Am Staff) had a tumor removed from his eye lid a few days ago and has been sporting the trendy cone for 5 days so far. He HATES it!!! I can honestly say I have NEVER seen a dog who actually enjoys that cone. He has broken 2 of them so far. For feeding and water raise the bowls. I have mine on a brick right now and it is much easier for him to eat & drink. After 5 days Caesar has sort of adjusted to the collar. He is not as bad at walking down the hall without crashing in to it and seems to be able to manuver a little better.
Here is a picture of my poor miserable furbaby.
http://www.boxerworld.com/cgi-bin/photo/index.pl?photo=12839

Feel free to share it with Higgins maybe it will make him feel better.
Stephanie

 

[Contratto]

collars

Stephanie,

I looked at the picture of your poor fellow and got a big shock! His collar is blue and it's see-through! The see-through nature makes SO much more sense to me. That way they can still have some of their peripheral vision and not be so frightened of what's to the sides of them. The one we have on Higgins is white and opaque. I can't believe they don't have the see-through ones as standard - it makes so much more sense.

Thanks for the kind words of encouragement - that goes for everyone!!

appicon

Gina

 

[matilda8255]

The one we have on Higgins is white and opaque. I can't believe they don't have the see-through ones as standard - it makes so much more sense.

Go to pet** or petsma** the have the see thru ones. I have never even seen one that they couldn't see through! How are they supposed to manuver at all with the cone + no side vision?? Gina I hope Higgins feels better real soon!
Stephanie

 

[Contratto]

collars

Unfortunately, I don't live in the US - so those stores aren't good for me. I tried to find some at the stores here but couldn't find anything. But your point is exactly what I said as well - how can he see? Well - other than ahead of him- he can't, which is why he's completely freaking out most of the time. I have to bring him to the vet in a few more days to check his eyes and stitches and I am going to make sure I mention the see-through collars. It will be interesting to see what he says. There is no reason why they shouldn't have such a thing in this country.

Hour 28 and he's finally drunk some water with the cone on! Yeah!

Gina

 

[matilda8255]

I am so glad he is drinking water. A sign he is on the road to recovery. Bummer about the E-collars!! Definitely talk to the vet about ordering some. I hope he is feeling better and can get that yucky cone off soon. I just found out Caesar can have his stiches out Monday. Thank g-d!! Just a few more days.
Stephanie