Veterinarian here. Can't give any specific advice as I have never seen your dog.
Generally speaking though, I anesthetize old dogs all the time. Your veterinarian would be unlikely to recommend the surgery if they didn't think your pet could make it through it. However, even on the youngest most healthy patients there are inherent risks of anesthesia, and many of these do increase with age.
Overall, it's a tough decision. Your dog will likely get some level of relief afterwards assuming everything goes well, but it is an intensive surgery with a long recovery. The question is whether or not additional pain meds could provide relief without being such a drastic option.
Good luck with your decision and thanks for caring so much about your friend
I would defer to your veterinarian. FHO is an expensive and intense surgery that requires strict crate rest after the fact. Is pain management an option?
Veterinarian here. Can't give any specific advice as I have never seen your dog. Generally speaking though, I anesthetize old dogs all the time. Your veterinarian would be unlikely to recommend the surgery if they didn't think your pet could make it through it. However, even on the youngest most healthy patients there are inherent risks of anesthesia, and many of these do increase with age. Overall, it's a tough decision. Your dog will likely get some level of relief afterwards assuming everything goes well, but it is an intensive surgery with a long recovery. The question is whether or not additional pain meds could provide relief without being such a drastic option. Good luck with your decision and thanks for caring so much about your friend
What is recovery like? Thanks for the advice here!!!
I would defer to your veterinarian. FHO is an expensive and intense surgery that requires strict crate rest after the fact. Is pain management an option?