We had our dog neutered couple days ago and are still going through horrors now. I dropped him off in the morning and when I went to pick him up in the afternoon, the vet said he has some swelling and would like to keep him over night. I didn't think too much of it at the time; but then I got a voice mail that night saying he put a drain in the dog to help and would like keep him until 5pm instead of 12pm the next day. I started to get worried and called the vet the next morning and he said the swelling is still pretty bad and he wants to keep him one more night. I am a little freaked out and went to see what's going on right after work. And I was shocked to see the swelling is as big as a grape fruit ( our dog is 75 lb, 8 month old ). He can't or doesn't want to walk for more than a few steps.

I asked the vet what happened and he blame it all on our dog saying he chewed himself real bad after the surgery when no one is watching. Apparently they went for a lunch break and didn't even put a corn on him. By then I lost confidence in the vet and took him straight to the Penn university vet hospital ER. Finally saw the vet there around 10pm and she ordered some blood work and asked to keep Felix over night. She called around 1am saying the swelling is not getting better and there is still some bleeding . She sent some more blood work to see if Felix has some condition that makes him easier to bleed and recommended some blood infusion. She said all vitals are fine but will need to have some surgeon to take a look this morning after they come in at 8am to see if surgery is needed.

I can't even sleep after the call and am worried sick. It is already 1500$ for the night and certainly more if surgery is needed. More importantly, it is heart breaking to see Felix going through this.

Has anyone seen or heard similar neuter complications? I probably won't hear back from the vet till 9 or 10am...

That is a pretty severe case. Especially for a younger dog, we usually see that type of swelling in older dogs as they are usually bigger down there.. There can be numerous reasons why it happened, too much activity, licking but that would have to be really intense licking/chewing so not my first choice, bleeding disorder that wasnt known about and if he was too active caused something to bleed or even herniate. Your dog is definetly in a more qualified place and albeit expensive they hopefully will be able to help him more so than your regular vet. Complications can (and do) happen, you control it sometimes, you just do what you did by taking him to a good doctor. Good luck and hope your pup is feeling better!

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Alison and 2 Furry Kids and 2 non furry kids

Lilly- Golden DOB 1/28/11
AKC name: Goldridge Lights Action Lilly RN CCA
http://k9data.com/pedigree.asp?ID=433352
Sanford- JRT DOB-9/5/06

Bridge dogs
Toby-Boxer 10 yrs. old (rescue) 9/17/2002-11/1/12
Charlie- Boxer (1st "child" together)2/19/02-3/18/12
Julie- golden retriever ( my heart dog) 5/6/96-3/3/07
Ruby- terrier/chow mix (my 1st dog) 8/1/90-1/15/05
Rusty-shih tzu (million dollar dog) 2/5/99-1/20/04

Au

I am praying very hard for your dog and for you. Please give us an update when you can!

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[IMG]http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii215

Tonka & Tucker

SNOBEAR at the Bridge
Dec. 23, 1999-March 27, 2010


SMOOCH at the Bridge.
Feb. 14, 1999-Dec. 7, 2010

I am so sorry that both you and your dog are going through such a difficult experience. Sending you and Felx positive thoughts, I'm so glad you had the presence of mind to remove him from the original vet and take him to the university hospital. Please keep us posted....

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Ellie and Mack

Thanks all. Talked to the vet again this morning; they need to keep him there one more day for observation. Mainly he want to monitor the blood loss;his red blood cell count dropped 10% last night; if the count remains stable, it will be great; if like last night, they will need to do a blood transfusion. The swelling is about the same, maybe a little better; so he want to see how things are by tomorrow; he thinks by then he will know for sure if we can take him home for him to recover or another surgery is needed.

As for the reason of the swelling, he is positive it's the licking and chewing. He said Felix chewed through the original stitching and the other vet did a second surgery to restitch it. Right thing to do, but somehow didn't mention it to me. The two surgeries in a row also contributes to the swelling.

Anyway, fingers crossed and hope for a no call tonight (he said he will call if things got worse and they need consent for blood transfusion, etc).

On the bright side, last week I did convienced one of my colleague how wonderful goldens are and she got her puppy yesterday

Au

Please keep us posted on him-I'm praying for your pup!!

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[IMG]http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii215

Tonka & Tucker

SNOBEAR at the Bridge
Dec. 23, 1999-March 27, 2010


SMOOCH at the Bridge.
Feb. 14, 1999-Dec. 7, 2010

Talked to the night shift vet just now; she said the surgeon department come took a look last night and since the swelling is not getting better, they are worried about infection and are recommending for surgery now. The surgeons are gone now, so I need to wait for them to call back later this morning to get more details and to decide whether to go forward or not.

It will be expensive, another $3500, which will surely be a big hit on our finance. And I am also worried about if Felix can take another surgery so soon; guess I will find out when I talk to the surgeon.

Au

I am praying for Felix and you. Did they say what type of surgery they will do?
As far as the expense, many vets have a credit card with no interest if you pay it off within a year, or whatever the time period is.

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[IMG]http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii215

Tonka & Tucker

SNOBEAR at the Bridge
Dec. 23, 1999-March 27, 2010


SMOOCH at the Bridge.
Feb. 14, 1999-Dec. 7, 2010

Look into Carecredit. I am pretty sure U of Penn accepts it and i did check and they do take it. Its the medical credit card Karen was talking about. Even if you dont get approved for the whole amount something is better than nothing. I feel so bad for your poor pup. This is such a rare complication.

Healthcare and Medical Financing for Consumers | CareCredit™

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Alison and 2 Furry Kids and 2 non furry kids

Lilly- Golden DOB 1/28/11
AKC name: Goldridge Lights Action Lilly RN CCA
http://k9data.com/pedigree.asp?ID=433352
Sanford- JRT DOB-9/5/06

Bridge dogs
Toby-Boxer 10 yrs. old (rescue) 9/17/2002-11/1/12
Charlie- Boxer (1st "child" together)2/19/02-3/18/12
Julie- golden retriever ( my heart dog) 5/6/96-3/3/07
Ruby- terrier/chow mix (my 1st dog) 8/1/90-1/15/05
Rusty-shih tzu (million dollar dog) 2/5/99-1/20/04

I just wanted you to know I'm thinking about you and pulling for Felix... I'm so sorry for your worry about him and also about the money... Praying for you all.

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Ellie and Mack