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Hi Vicki, I understand the concerns and fear of doing the surgery. The other alternative is not a good one either. No matter how we approach it, our pooches can suffer. Bosco had exactly the same symptoms as Lillie. Labored breathing on walks, lethargy. We actually had to carry him home from walks, several times. When the weather started to get warm last month , it did him in. He went into respiratory distress and we almost lost him. Until you see them actually intubated and struggling for their life , you don't know what the right thing to do is. It was clear for me. I had to try, I felt "how can he suffer anymore than he is now". I will be honest with you, I worry everyday that he may aspirate or get to excited and the tie back won't hold. I gave some advice in one of my posts about food and water. Let me share them with you, they have worked for us. Invest in a waterer called the "Dogit". Petsmart sells it. It is a fountain that lets the water fall over a dome and provides a sheet of water for them to drink off of. The top is the fountain, they can drink out of that too. We covered that option so he is not able to gulp the water. Can dog food is the only food she should have for the rest of her life. The vet told us to give our dog, can food meatballs. I was worried he would get a meat ball and aspirate it, so we take the can food and smear it on the side of his food bowl. This makes him eat slower and he is not able to get large amounts. After he was home for a few days and I observed he was doing well, I made meatballs for treats only, I am able to give them to him slowly. You will be given several pills for her to take, antibiotics, inflammatory meds, etc. If Lillie likes peanut butter, give them to her with peanut butter, it is successful, she will swallow them, then lick, causing her to swallow some more. My biggest challenge is not letting him bark. They have to stay calm for a good month. Keep her sedated (well sedated) for the 1st 2 weeks. It is not cruel, it is for her good. I have found in most of the posts and research I have done most aspiration happens early on, at the vets. Stress to the vet and his staff, if your dog gulps her food or water. Ask them to be extra cautious. It is stressful at home at first but easier. It is a relief when you hear her take the first clear breath, amazing actually. You are making the right decision. Good luck and please keep me posted on her progress. If I can be of any help, write me again. I would love to share how Bosco is doing. Sincerely, Pam
