Friday, September 27, 2013

MY LITTLE STINKER



My little Stinky had surgery yesterday.  When I was walking him on Monday, it looked like his urine had a pinkish tint to it. It was hard to see because it was so light but when we got home, I took a paper towel and wiped his pee pee and sure enough, it was a little pink.

So I took him to the vet and after ruling out the two most common problems, UTI and prostrate, they diagnosed bladder stones after an X-ray. Luckily, I noticed it early enough before any crystals had formed. And if left untreated, it can lead to heart failure, liver failure, kidney failure, pancreatitis, high blood pressure and chronic renal failure.

My vet ran blood work to make sure he was healthy enough for surgery and gave me pre-surgery instructions, which I pretty much know by now, but it doesn’t hurt to go over them.

There are five different types of bladder stones but only two are really common in canines. They are Struvite and Calcium Oxalate. It was kind shocking to see these seven little rocks that had come out of his bladder: Three larger ones, about the size of my fingernail, and four tiny ones.  Once they come back from the lab, we’ll know if we need to change his diet.

I think part of the problem is that he holds it forever. In fact, I’ve always said “good boy, Stinky”. He doesn’t make me get up in the middle of the night and holds it in the morning until our walk (and he walks second).  So I can’t let him do that anymore even if I have to walk him out in the yard on the leash, which is what I’m doing now.

I’m also going to start pouring bouillon water over his dry food. The extra water will be good for him and the sodium will make him drink even more water. 

Last night was a little rough and he didn’t care that he didn’t walk this morning, but he seems to be feeling pretty good now. He even tried to sneak out the door when I took Mac for his afternoon mobility walk.  I can’t walk him for almost a week so hopefully, he’ll be agreeable. For those of you that know Stinky, I’m sure you are laughing!

Enjoy your weekend!

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