Scooby's Surgery


Today, I sent my doggy for surgery. Oh, don't be shocked... humans go for surgery, so do pets.

Okay, okay, my dog had hematoma/haematoma of the ear. That came from the vet. A quick check on Google defines hematoma as 'a localized collection of blood, usually clotted, caused by bleeding from a ruptured blood vessel.' Basically, a bruise is also hematoma. (LOL, hope the doctors correct me on this one)

Anyway, Scooby(my dog's name) has been excessively scratching his ear due to tick infestation in the head region. My family doesn't believe in keeping dogs indoors so they have a free run of the garden. The problem is the grass carries many insect pests like ticks and lice. So somehow, Scooby here has ruptured some blood vessel in the ear, and in the course of the week, his left ear ballooned with fluids. Ugh...

To cut a long story short, I took him to the vet early morning today. I have no idea why the vet and his son kept referring to Scooby as 'she', I kept correcting them. Maybe vets need to be impersonal with their patients like doctors. He didn't even ask for the dog's name until I told him. Personally, I believe calling a dog's name makes them more relaxed and friendly.

Anyway, the doctor said the ear was actually filled with blood. Ugh... and the dog needed surgery. I had to leave him there for the rest of the day. Poor chappie, I had to leash him. My dog is averse to leashes. When he was a pup, and I put a little bell collar on his neck, he became absolutely miserable and refused to move. Sort of like Superman when you chuck kryptonite on him. Now he has to wear a plastic cone collar to prevent him from scratching. Phew, fortunately, he has matured since puppyhood. Two more weeks of suffering for the poor dude..

If you are interested in how much it cost me, it cost a bomb. OK, I think I'll do the credit card style breakdown:
  • Surgery: RM 140.00
  • Grooming: RM 50.00
  • Frontline tickicide: RM 62.00
  • Owner's peace of mind: Priceless
Ooh, you should know about the tickicide. Nowadays, they have this cool topical insecticide where you can apply to the base of the pet's neck and it can repel and disable pests like ticks for about a month. I only learnt of this at the beginning of this year. Still learning more... Frontline is the brand I'm using.

My dog looks so funny with all the fur sheared. I didn't recognize the chap after all that grooming. Sigh, the next few days are gonna be hell, trying to avoid wetting the ear and feeding him antibiotics... The things we do for our pets...

Comments

Annie said…
Poor Scooby. Don't feel bad Jonzz, tons of people fork over money to save their animals. It's very human of you. Having a pet is very expensive. I had cats, then dogs and the cost is unbelievable just to keep up with shots and then they get sick. I believe I've seen health insurance coverage for pets at a Vet's office before. I'm glad the pooch will be okay. They do HATE those frisbee necklaces. Glad he's not scratching.
Anonymous said…
Well, at least he's cute in his collar, albeit the fact that it drains his 'mojo' when it's on hahaha....
dudu said…
The funniest part is Grooming : RM 50. They just shaved him.
Anonymous said…
Jonzz: u r Shaggy Rogers? Hehe....
Jonzz said…
annie: the worst part is feeding him medicine now.

ian: u seriously wouldn't believe how it's draining his mojo now.'

duzhai: lol, other place charge rm100 i think.

poohbearee: you have gotta stop watching so many cartoons.
Anonymous said…
jonzz aka shaggy: scooby doo is the era when we were kids. yes, i watched lots of cartoons then. but not now. LOL.
Jonzz said…
anonymous, are u poohbearee?
Anonymous said…
yes. not my fault they switched me to anonymous

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