Re: [PyrNet-L] Eyes & Dew claws

[MGApeach@aol.com]

I usually don't have time for Pyrnet with school and all. I try to drop in 
occasionally. So, hi everybody! :) Sorry this is so long :)

The eyelid surgery is rather uncomplicated. I have seen this procedure 
performed  quite a few cockers at the clinic where I work. It seems to be 
common in that breed, but we see it in other breeds as well. Depending on the 
severity of the problem, you could wait to correct them untill you have the 
pup sterilized.his way you would only be putting her under once instead of 
twice. I would get another opinion as well. You should get with your local 
Pyr club to find out about vets in your area that are knowledgeable about 
Pyrs, and knowledgeable in anesthesia, if you were going to go that route. 
But you could also find an eye specialist if you would be more comfotable 
with that. It is definantly a problem that has to be fixed. If not corrected, 
the lids and eyelashed will grow into the eye and cause severe irritation and 
possible some larger problems. Whoever you go with, ask about anesthesia. 
Alot of the problem with anesthesia is that some vets, believe it or not, are 
not weighing the animals before they administer anesthesia. If you don't 
knowexactly how much an animal weighs; how can you possibly figure the 
correct dosage to "give only to affect"? So this can cause problems, 
especially with your lower metabolism breeds. You should discuss the 
hospitals procedures for putting an animal under with the doctor. Also find 
out what type of anesthetic is used. Alot of vets use halothane gas, which 
IMHO is not safe to use. Some vets use halothane, with Isoflourane by request 
(at a substabtially higher price). We use a short acting pentothal injection 
followed by isoflourane gas. Iso is the same anesthetic used on humans. It is 
more expensive to use, but from what I have read, relatively safer. I have 
read about both types. According to some of what I have read, some advantages 
of isoflurane over halothane include: Slightly faster inductions and 
recoveries, Lowered incidence of cardiac arrhythmias, Better maintenance of 
cardiac output, No metabolism, with less potential for toxicity. We have 
knocked out several Pyrs wih Iso and have not had any complications. 

As far as the dew claws, they are breed standard. That surgery is usually 
uncomplicated. It depends on the amount of bone the dog has, and how old the 
dog is. Since dew claws have bone, the operation (to me) is like a toe 
amputation. The pain factor depends on the dog, and the vet. I have seen dogs 
butchered with the dew claw removal. (as well as the eyes) If it is done 
right, this is a relatively easy surgery with little pain afterwards. There 
is a low incidence of tearing with dew claws, allthough it does happen. The 
most common injury we see in dew claws is the toenails growing back into the 
foot pad. To me, removin dew claws is personal choice. If you plan to show, 
they have to stay. Personally, I would leave them, they are standard. If the 
dew claws are taken care of, the usually cause no problems.  If you chose to 
remove them, you can do it when you have the dog sterilized also. You want to 
minimize the amount of times your dog has to be knocked out. Also if you 
choose to remove, be sure you have a vet who knows how to do it right. 

Melissa, Maddie, Bailey, Samson, and Tanner(the wonder brittany)