QuestionBilly, our 11 years old Bichon Frise, must have his tail amputated due to a large sebacious cyst. He had the cyst removed last year which had become infected and had grown to the size of a walnut. However it has reappeared and is already weeping profusely. It is almost the circumferance of his tail about 2 inches from the base and is growing at an alarming rate. Please can you give us reassurance on how he will be affected by the operation? We hate the thought of him having to endure the trauma of it all. Billy also has mitral valve disease and is on medication, Vetmedin. He is cheerful, outgoing and happy and would never think he had a care in the world! Our vet has looked after Billy over the past 3 years and is well aware of all his ailments but it doesnt stop us fretting about him. We love him so.
AnswerHello Averil
I am sorry to hear of Billys ailments , there will be some residual care needed after surgery but providing he is well enough for surgery he will recover in accordance with any other dog facing the same health issues.
What I think the vet is worried about is , if the cyst gets much larger then part of his rectal sphincter muscles will be affected so its best to get this sorted now rather than wait a few months.
Billy will be sore after surgery but dogs recover far quicker then us humans and soon he will be his usual self.
If its left then part of the muscle which controls his bowels will be affected and that can lead to incontinence so hey, get this done asap.
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