Hello! I'm Annie, from Arizona, USA, and my faithful furry friend Is Tundra, a neutered seven and 1/2 yr-old Siberian Husky.

I adopted Tundra from an animal shelter six years ago. He had been turned in by his owners at the age of one year, adopted by a new owner, then turned in again at the age of one and 1/2 years, then adopted by me.

Needless to say, he had severe separation anxiety when I adopted him. He would cry bloody murder and destroy the house if I even stepped outside without him. I gradually broke him of that by assuring him that I would be right back, then stepping outside the door, then going back in and rewarding him with lot's of love and sometimes treats if he was quiet and good. At first I could only be outside for a matter of seconds, but gradually I was able to leave him for longer and longer periods. It really took over a year before he seemed to realize that I would always come back. Poor thing had been so traumatized, losing two families/owners before I found him.

I don't work, so we have practically been joined at the hip ever since I got him, but now he doesn't go crazy if I have to leave him for awhile.

Anyway, I have a few concerns and am looking for some answers, so I think I've found the right place!

I will ask in the forums, but my current concern is that that our vet says he may need surgery because he picked up several foxtails this season, and one (or more) may need to be surgically removed, thus anesthesia. I am worried to death that he may have a severe reaction to the anesthesia, even die. I am waiting for a call-back from our vet, so that I can discuss the anesthesia worries with her. He is on antibiotics because at least one foxtail has burrowed inside (in his abdomen) causing problems, and our vet recommends surgery. Tundra had a reaction to his annual shots coupled with heartworm medication and an antibiotic for a urinary tract infection, all at once, a couple of years ago. So I am so worried about a possible reaction to anesthesia required to remove this foxtail (or maybe more than one foxtail). I read on this site that Siberians and arctic breeds often don't do well under anesthesia.

I will never again walk him where he can pick up foxtails!!

Anyway, I will bring this subject up in the forums.

I'm happy to meet everyone here, and this looks like a wonderful site.

-- Annie (owned by Tundra)

Hello and welcome

Welcome he is a beautiful boy..

Welcome to the forum and thank you for rescuing Tundra. It's so good he found you after being turned in those times before.

I'm really sorry to hear about the foxtail. Your vet will be able to answer your questions about anaesthesia and whether the reaction to antibiotics means any special precautions are needed. My Ghost has had to have general anaesthetic four times in the past year, and he's doing fine; and lots of people get their huskies neutered/spayed, so the anaesthetic isn't necessarily a problem. I guess there are risks with everything and you have to weigh up the risks of each side.

Oh and he is very beautiful!

Thanks, Gem, lgelgin, and Ghost! (And any others who respond )

Your dogs are all beautiful as well! I wish we could let them all run together, what a happy group that would be.

Ghost, yes, Tundra was neutered before I got him, so he obviously survived that anesthesia (I hadn't thought about that). That makes me feel better. And I also feel better that Ghost is doing fine, after four times under anesthesia the past year.

You have eased my mind.

I'm waiting for the call-back from the Vet.

Thanks,
Hugs,
Annie

Welcome Annie! Tundra is so handsome!

Thanks!

And what a beautiful trio you have!! wow!

Welcome! He's such a handsome boy!!!

Nice to meet you and Tundra. I'm new here as well, looking forward to getting to know everyone better. Sorry about the foxtails. I had heard abount the danger if these just this year prior to getting Char. I will have to edjucate myself on where they are, not even sure what they look like.

Welcome! Your dog is so beautiful (and fluffy!!!)! I adopted an adult repeat-surrender husky from the pound and went through the delightful separation anxiety training. Poor pups. Thanks for rescuing your baby.

Welcome to the forum.

I'm so sorry to hear you are probably going to have to put Tundra under to remove the foxtails..

Wishing you both the very best!!!!

~Chris~

Welcome neighbor (kinda) from California. Wonderful story to hear that Tundra found you. Poor guy must was so sad to see you leave the house.
Our Kayla had a lil episode with a foxtail in her eye. Hopefully the vet got back to you already and Tundra gets taken care of soon. He looks like happy in the pic.

Welcome

You could get an opinion form another vet before doing the surgery. Surgery is always a risk but if it is necessary it is the better way.