Hi Everyone!

[Jake's mom]

My name is Lauren and I have an almost 11 month old frenchie boy named Jake. He is a reddish fawn with a black mask, very very cute. Hopefully soon I am going to get his picture on here. I am happy to have found this board, my Jake has to have surgery for his breathing and I am so worried about it. I can't seem to find any info about the healing process of this surgery. Beside that Jake is the best dog I have ever owned, so lovable, funny and extremely cute! I live in Chicago by the way, (downtown area).

[Louis mum]

Hi Lauren, and welcome!! I am a newish owner too, have had my little Louis for four months now and am in love! I have found this site to be a hugely useful resource and also a great place to chat with like-minded people, and I am sure you will too:D .
I can't give you any advice on the surgery I'm afraid, but hold tight, I know there are far more knowledgable people than me that will read your message and give you whatever guidance they can - they are good like that.:)

[Jake's mom]

Hey, do you know how to get a picture by my name like everyone else does? I cannot figure it out and I want everyone to see Jake.:)

[lovemyfrenchy]

Hi Lauren! French bulldogs are the best companions ever!

[imogene]

There can be complications any time any pet is put under anesthetic. There are even more risk to our babies because they are flat faced breeds but there are some things you can do as a precaution.

Book an appointment with you vet to discuss their Anesthesia Protocols. Frenchies have specific needs and there are major do's and don't that not all vets are aware of. If your Vet objects to you questioning this or is adamant about using any of the procedures warned against by Dr. Lori Hunt, I would find a new vet. I would also ask them to do a blood panel. It is the best way to find-out if the dog is healthy enough for the procedure. A blood panel is not standard practice and they wont do it unless you ask. At our practice they seemed relieved that I want a panel done for Sam - they prefer to do it, but most owner won't pay the extra money to cover the cost. Where we live it cost around $100. This is especially important if this is your dogs first experience with anesthesia. I have been told that once a dog has a medical history with a successful response to anesthesia the risk of a complication due to anesthesia go way down. Belzie did very well both times she was under (for her spay, and for a corneal graft) and the corneal graft was a very long surgery.

I know dogs that have had their nares widened. Healing time is usually about 14 days - although your dog will probably be back to normal with in a day or two. I have also been told that the stitches get itchy. If Belzie ever has to have surgery again I will consider having her nares widened - she has no breathing problems - no one can figure out how she breaths, but she is incredibly active. She does however snore as loud as a freight train some nights.

I copied the Protocol into this thread so you wouldn't have to search for it. I keep a copy in Belzie's medical file. I have never had a negative reaction when discussing it with a Vet.

This was written by Dr. Lori Hunt, DVM. Please read this and keep it with you whenever you find your FB needs to undergo surgery. It wouldn't hurt to show it to your vet (if he/she isn't familiar with brachycephalic breeds), and have it kept in your dogs records .

Anesthesia Protocol

NEVER GIVE FRENCHIES: Ace promazine Pentobarbital aka Pentathol (injectable anesthesia) Metofane (inhalant gas) Halothane (gas anesthesia)

USE WITH CAUTION: Dormitor (reversible anesthesia/sedative)

SATISFACTORY CHOICES FOR FRENCHIES: Ketamine (usually used in combo with valium as an injectable anesthesia/sedative) Valium (see above) Torbutrol (analgesia)

OPTIMUM CHOICES: Propofol (injectable) with either of the following 2 gas anesthetics as a maintenance: Isoflurane(aka IsoFlo) OR Sevoflurane (aka SevoFlo)

EXTRAS FOR C-SECTIONS: (This is in addition to the Optimum anesthetic protocol listed above) Atropine given at induction Place the mom-to-be on IV fluids Oxytocin injections (usually one after all the pups are out and she begins sewing up the uterus and the second about 20-30 minutes later) Antibiotic injection post-op

INTUBATION vs. MASKING/CONING DOWN: EVERY brachycephalic dog that goes under anesthesia should have an endotracheal tube (ET) placed in their trachea! Always! We need to protect that airway at all times.... The tube should be left in until they are VERY awake and about to chew it out... I use the intravenous propofol to induce anesthesia (which puts them under) this gives me a few minutes to place the ET tube... then I connect them to either the sevo or iso... so they are always tubed...

Be Careful when masking a frenchie down. Masking them down can sometimes be harder on brachycephalic dogs because they struggle to hold their breath (so they don't inhale the strange smelling gas) which can irritate the airways and deplete their oxygen levels (which you do not want before surgery). It is my opinion that using injectable and then tubing them gives them an optimum oxygen supply which is ideal for frenchies.

Lori Hunt, DVM

[Jake's mom]

I think Jake needs more than just his nose done, they said the only way to tell for sure was to put him under, but he seems to have all the symptoms. He vommits white foam every time he plays with other dogs, and I watch him closely and never let him play for more than 15 minutes, especially if he is really excited because I know whats going to happen. Also when we go to the vet he gets so nervous he does the same thing and he isn't even being active, I hold him. I feel so bad for him because he is so cute, he loves everybody and wants so bad to play, and I'm so scared that something will happen to him.
Another worry I have is that when he goes into the "hospital" he will be so scared that his trachea will already be filled with mucus or whatever happens that makes him vomit. I'm just so worried that I'm scared to schedule it, maybe I'm over-reacting but I wouldn't know what to do if something happened to him. Thank you so much for that info, I'm bringing it with me!!
Have you heard about how the post surgery for the soft palate goes?