MOLSON

We *nearly* didn't have to do Reno's 2d ear but spring allergies came with a vengeance and he literally woke us up with a SCREAM one night.  He'd been pain free for a long time and suddenly it hurt again.  And trust me -- we did that one as soon as we could schedule it. 

As surgeries go, this one is a biggie.  They literally are 'under' about 4 hours or so because unless the vet wants the dog to wake up not being able to blink, etc. they literally have to stand and chip away at that boney ossified ear canal hoping the tendon/nerve doesn't break away.  Since he's already got nerve involvement that's going to be a risk with him -- but the risks aren't life-threatening ones.

 I went to see him EVERY day -- it's hard to envision but when they get done you'll still see his ear flaps.  But when you lift them up all you'll see is furry head.  He will literally look like a stuffed toy -- no ear hole - nothing but fur.  So it's not at all unsightly -- the Zepp procedure is (and that one is pointless). 

I'll be home Thursday no problem.  But trust me -- I know exactly how draining this is -- that was one of the worst decisions I ever had to make and we agonized for MONTHS because I just couldn't wrap my brain around not being able to defeat an infection.  I honestly didn't realize then I was playing Russian Roulette with his life at the time cos I couldn't envision how completely swollen shut and boney it becomes.  It's not merely swelling -- it's that it swells shut AND then becomes like bone so there's no 'reducing' it at all usually.