Shetland Sheepdogs are the poster child for Gallbladder Disease!

As the date is getting closer to the surgery, I am on pins and needles...

I came across an article that piqued my interest.
https://dogdiscoveries.com/health/dog-gallbladder-removal-costs

I emailed my surgeon to ask if she performs this laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery. I decided to hedge my bet and searched the web for vets that provide this surgical procedure. Michigan State University does...

https://cvm.msu.edu/hospital/services/soft-tissue-surgery/minimally-invasive-surgery

"A less invasive type of surgery is what's known as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In this type of surgery, also known as keyhole surgery, several small openings in the abdomen are made versus a larger incision. This leads to less post-surgical pain and a faster recovery."


WHAT IS MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY?
Minimally invasive surgery allows for a surgeon to examine the internal structures of the abdomen or chest through a very small incision while using a high-definition video camera. One to two additional small incisions are made to introduce custom-designed instruments to undertake various surgical procedures.

When minimally invasive surgery is performed in the abdomen, it is called laparoscopic surgery. When it is performed in the chest cavity, it is called thoracoscopic surgery.

Once a surgeon has undergone training in minimally invasive surgery, many procedures can be performed without having to make a large incision into the abdomen or chest cavity.

ADVANTAGES OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY OVER TRADITIONAL OPEN SURGERY
  • Less post-operative discomfort
  • Shorter hospitalization (some procedures are performed on an outpatient basis)
  • Lower risk of serious incisional complications
During a laparoscopic spay, two or three tiny 3/16” incisions are made in the abdomen. Laparoscopic gastropexy can also be performed through the same small incisions, which is recommended for breeds that are predisposed to stomach bloat.

Minimally invasive surgeries include:

  • Chest cavity explorations
  • Gallbladder removals
  • Gastropexies
  • Laparoscopic-assisted intestinal biopsies
  • Liver biopsies
  • Lung lobectomies
  • Pericardiectomies
  • Spays
If my current surgeon does not perform this I may have to go to Michigan State.
 
I can tell you from people that lap choleys are done if at all possible, but sometimes during the surgery they have to "convert" to open surgery - not sure what the parameters are for that. Keep in mind the time factor as well, Gloria, if he's at stage 4 you may not want to wait a whole lot longer. I know this is all a very scary set of circumstances and decisions for you and Beau. :hugs I would think they want to get that thing out in one undisturbed piece so the contents don't erupt, and I don't know if that can be done laparoscopically.
 
Sharon7 said:
I can tell you from people that lap choleys are done if at all possible, but sometimes during the surgery they have to "convert" to open surgery - not sure what the parameters are for that. Keep in mind the time factor as well, Gloria, if he's at stage 4 you may not want to wait a whole lot longer. I know this is all a very scary set of circumstances and decisions for you and Beau. :hugs I would think they want to get that thing out in one undisturbed piece so the contents don't erupt, and I don't know if that can be done laparoscopically.
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Good point, Sharon! I did ask the surgeon if Beau could be a candidate for the surgery laparoscopically. She has not responded yet.
 
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ghggp said:
That maybe, I just would not allow it on Beau. Others may feel comfortable making that decision. Unfortunately, I just could not. I would instead opt for the conventional surgery with an experienced surgeon.
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I have to agree with you on that as well Gloria. I don’t care if the surgeon is standing right beside the student…that student isn’t cutting my dog! I understand they have to learn but I’d hate to be #1 on his list!
 
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