Colby's Story: Dead at the Age of 3
Thanks to Vocal Cord Surgery He Didn't Need...
But Was Helpless to Refuse
Thanks to Vocal Cord Surgery He Didn't Need...
But Was Helpless to Refuse
Colby, a sweet little Pomeranian, coughed and gagged relentlessly, dying a few years after his first owner had his bark "softened" by a licensed veterinarian. This risky, unnecessary surgery is done to cats too! Here's what Colby's heartbroken adopter says:
"I am a Registered Veterinary Technician of 20 years, and I've witnessed many dogs who suffered complications after licensed veterinarians performed surgery to stifle their voices, including scar tissue build-up in the throat area causing partial airway blockage.
They gagged while trying to eat their food and drink water, and some had fainting spells (syncope). Some suffered so badly that the humane option was euthanasia.
One of my own dogs, Colby, suffered daily coughing and gagging spells that sometimes caused him to faint because his previous owner subjected him to 'bark softening' surgery. He died at the young age of 3 as a result.
There is no need for this surgery. I don't understand how anyone, especially a veterinarian, can ethically justify it."
Kristy LaDue, RVT
Meet Kristy and other adopters of devocalized dogs in this short video.
"I am a Registered Veterinary Technician of 20 years, and I've witnessed many dogs who suffered complications after licensed veterinarians performed surgery to stifle their voices, including scar tissue build-up in the throat area causing partial airway blockage.
They gagged while trying to eat their food and drink water, and some had fainting spells (syncope). Some suffered so badly that the humane option was euthanasia.
One of my own dogs, Colby, suffered daily coughing and gagging spells that sometimes caused him to faint because his previous owner subjected him to 'bark softening' surgery. He died at the young age of 3 as a result.
There is no need for this surgery. I don't understand how anyone, especially a veterinarian, can ethically justify it."
Kristy LaDue, RVT
Meet Kristy and other adopters of devocalized dogs in this short video.
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