Dog had emergency surgery last night.

Published

Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

So I know this is more personal than nursing but I hope you will all get the picture. I got home from work last night and my son went out to feed the dogs. He came in to say she looked really sick - so I went out to look at her and she was panting heavily, pupils were dilated she appeared dehydrated in spite of lapping copious amounts of fresh water. She would only stand up for a few minutes at a time and had no interest in food or her toys. Now she's not a young dog but not terribly old either (10) but I found an emergency vet and my son and I put her in the car and off we went. All the way there my son (14) is asking "Is my dog going to die?'" crying a demanding answers about weather or not I've seen anything like this before. I'm worried about the dog, trying to navigate rush hour traffic and field his questions and I just lost it. "I don't know." I screamed at him. I felt awful as I am usually a pretty therapeutic nurse. After we got to vet and she had blood work, X-rays, US and IV fluids she turned out to have a ruptured ovary and septic abdomen. then they presented my with the "Estimate" of around 2 grand for surgery and after care etc........

Well al is well so far this morning she went through surgery and we transferred her from Emergency Vet Clinic to her regular vet this am where she continues on IV ATB and fluids.

Not sure why I am sharing all this except that my husband doesn't see why she has to stay in the hospital since I can do her IVs etc......I guess I just needed to vent.

Hppy

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm so sorry! Don't beat yourself up about snapping - it happens to the best of us.

I'm glad your pup is okay. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Not sure why I am sharing all this except that my husband doesn't see why she has to stay in the hospital since I can do her IVs etc......I guess I just needed to vent.

Hppy

Oh, for crying out loud :no: You're a people nurse, not a dog nurse.

I'm so glad that your dog seems to be on the mend! Being a dog person myself I know how much of a family member they can be.

All the way there my son (14) is asking "Is my dog going to die?'" crying a demanding answers about weather or not I've seen anything like this before. I'm worried about the dog, trying to navigate rush hour traffic and field his questions and I just lost it. "I don't know." I screamed at him. I felt awful as I am usually a pretty therapeutic nurse.

Don't feel bad. You're only human. You probably have already, but all I think that you need to do is explain to your son why you snapped and apologize. I'm sure that he'll understand when you explain how you were worried and scared for your dog and felt frustrated that you didn't have an answer to his question. That you were just as worried as him and perhaps felt helpless.

Being a therapeutic nurse is one thing. We don our "professionalism" when we go to work. We are mentally prepared to face difficult situations. It's different when something unexpected and stressful happens in our private lives.

I wish your dog a speedy recovery and be kind to yourself, OP!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

I'm glad to hear your doggy will make it. Don't be hard on yourself, you're only human. I hope your pup has a quick recovery.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice.

A lesson we all have to learn:

Yes, we are nurses, we are professionals, we know how to deal with anxious patients and/or family members.

HOWEVER, when the patient IS a family member, all bets are off. We are allowed to get upset, cry, worry, snap on occasion, and totally forget everything we know about being a nurse.

We SHOULD be able to act like a civilian without feeling guilty about it. I'm not talking about being out of control or a full on *****, but being human is ok.

P. S. Glad the fur baby is doing better.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

Stressful times means reacting in ways you usually don't, I'm sure your son will not suffers irreversible harm from your momentary snap. FWIW, $2000 means we'd be dogless in this house, so you're already a hero compared to if I was the momma in your house!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Boy I am sorry.....been there myself.......hugs

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Registered Nurse.

My golden is my furbaby and the princess of the house. My boyfriend and I dote on her non stop. Im in recovery as well so I feel kindred spirits with you. My heart hurts for you! They are members of the family don't let anyone make you feel crazy or less than for being upset. Sending good vibes your way!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry.

Agree with previous posters.

Much easier to keep calm and professional when you are in the role of "nurse" - totally different when it is a loved one.

My cat recently had an ORIF after a cat vs car incident. Expensive! Glad my mother was able to help.

Also, while some of our patients are a little hairy, we aren't used to dealing with furry IV insertions!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

Oh I wanted to add, I've had to try to give IVs to my mom's barn animals & it's a million times harder than on any person. All that hair, it's so difficult to get a stick. So don't feel bad one bit!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
That's really cool and interesting, Cheerios. What size IVs do they get (it might be a silly question, but I'm curious in the comparison.)

Lol. I think my mom has 18G & other various sizes. It just depends on how sick the animal is & how big the animal is.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Burn, ICU.

One of our cats had emergecy surgery last fall & spent a week in the hospital. (We have pet insurance!) Around the same time, we had a pt on my unit who was very sick...cancer, septic, just looked awful. I've never been more aware of how I compartmentalize than during this time...I could objectively think about my pt--who I knew was going to DIE young leaving behind a wife & kids and still think 'that's really sad but it seems like there are no more options. This cancer is aggressive and he is obviously very ill with no quality of life, how can we support them through this time?' Meanwhile, the cat survived the surgery and I would STILL dissolve in tears thinking about how sad he looked with his cone & staples, and have anxiety dreams before having to give him injections. No way would I have wanted to keep him at home before he was ready to be discharged!

I don't have kids, but maybe this is a chance to talk with your son about how you felt then and how you might have wished you had responded? My teenage niece did a lot of work around emotional 'literacy' & it seems to help her understand how she reacts and acts in the world.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion