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BlueKota

(3,656 posts)
Tue Oct 22, 2024, 06:51 PM Oct 22

Feeling very anxious

On top of the fear about the election I am really having anxiety about taking my dog into the vet on Thursday. He freaks there and snaps at the staff, when he is normally a sweet dog with everyone.

As a result we have to sedate him before we go. Then they put him totally out so they can give him his shots and a full exam.Then they keep him until he comes to enough to walk and get in my sister's SUV. We've done it before, but it's hard for me to leave him even for a little bit. We are rarely apart.

Part of me is scared what if something goes wrong and he doesn't come out of the anesthesia. I would be lost without him. I have my sister, a few cousins, and a few friends, that I love but they aren't here with me all the time. Sometimes I feel like he and my shed kitty are all I really have.

Then I go on Facebook and see a post on a cat group that I follow where a kitten undergoing a spay procedure had an allergic reaction to the anesthesia and died. Then a post on a German Shepherd group showing a post of puppies in a field and it says when I die I hope this is what greets me in heaven. He's a GSD. I know it's silly but now I am even more afraid.

My sister helps me out in many ways but she's not very patient about my anxiety and just thinks I am being ridiculous, so I can't talk to her about this. My anxiety is being treated professionally, but lately it's been breaking through more. Thanks for reading this.

Please cross your fingers for me and Dakota that he comes out okay.

14 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Feeling very anxious (Original Post) BlueKota Oct 22 OP
If he's been fine under anesthesia before, an allergic reaction is highly unlikely. TwilightZone Oct 22 #1
Thank you so much. BlueKota Oct 22 #4
step one is get off of facebook. nt msongs Oct 22 #2
Yeah, that's not bad advice. TwilightZone Oct 22 #3
I think that's a good idea for me. BlueKota Oct 22 #6
Everything will be okay XanaDUer2 Oct 22 #5
Thank you! BlueKota Oct 22 #7
I have anxiety too ... crosinski Oct 22 #8
Thank you so much! BlueKota Oct 23 #9
Dakota's Vet visit had to be canceled BlueKota Oct 24 #10
Dakota sounds like he is smart and strong willed! crosinski Oct 25 #11
He does fight being muzzled BlueKota Oct 25 #12
Sounds like Dakota is a free spirit. crosinski Oct 25 #13
Thank you, I will. BlueKota Oct 25 #14

TwilightZone

(28,833 posts)
1. If he's been fine under anesthesia before, an allergic reaction is highly unlikely.
Tue Oct 22, 2024, 06:59 PM
Oct 22

Other complications can occur, of course, but they're pretty rare.

I completely understand, though. We had a cat who had a chronic medical condition, and she went under several times over the period of a couple years, and those were the few times we were ever apart. She was always fine with it, but there's concern each time.

Crossing fingers and sending positive thoughts.

TwilightZone

(28,833 posts)
3. Yeah, that's not bad advice.
Tue Oct 22, 2024, 07:06 PM
Oct 22

FB can be anxiety-inducing on its own, more so when a furry kid is involved.

crosinski

(562 posts)
8. I have anxiety too ...
Tue Oct 22, 2024, 09:27 PM
Oct 22

… and I know how painful it can be. I’m sorry you’re feeling so anxious about your Dakota. Veterinarians are very smart about anesthesia, but I know that won’t make you feel any better. As a fellow anxiety sufferer, I know how brave you’re being by making sure Dakota sees the vet.

BlueKota

(3,656 posts)
10. Dakota's Vet visit had to be canceled
Thu Oct 24, 2024, 09:31 AM
Oct 24

We couldn't get him to take the sedatives. We tried pill pockets, and rolling them in canned dog food, even trying deli ham. He must have smelled the pills because he wouldn't even take a small piece of ham with one in it.

We tried to shove it down his throat but he clenched his teeth. I spoke with our vet. She is sending links about the baskerville muzzles, and how to get them fastened securely. She suggested if he still figures out how to get them off, maybe we can try liquid meat flavored sedatives.

She said the only concern about delaying the appointment was the blood work, as his critical vaccines aren't due for update until 2 years from now. He is never with other dogs so bortetella isn't critical.

crosinski

(562 posts)
11. Dakota sounds like he is smart and strong willed!
Fri Oct 25, 2024, 06:48 AM
Oct 25

The muzzle sounds like a good idea, and you wouldn’t have to worry about sedating him. Do you think he would fight being muzzled?

BlueKota

(3,656 posts)
12. He does fight being muzzled
Fri Oct 25, 2024, 09:48 AM
Oct 25

His vet sent me a video series on how to desensitize him to the muzzle. Hopefully it helps.

crosinski

(562 posts)
13. Sounds like Dakota is a free spirit.
Fri Oct 25, 2024, 01:41 PM
Oct 25

With time and patience, hopefully you’ll be able to train him. Please let us know how it goes!

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