We have 14 year old (maybe more) miniature schnauzer. This dog has had so many problems. First surgery was an un-descended testicle at 3 or 4 years old. Second surgery was a mass in his prepubice last year. Both times he made it through the surgery just fine and then ripped stitches out, which got infected and caused another week stay at the vet's office.
This time he has a stone in the urethra and they have surgically remove it. Apparently this is not a common surgery and our vet has only done 2 in her life. I've been quoted $2000 for the x-rays, blood work, anesthesia to drain the bladder today, tomorrow's surgery, and after care of the dog.
I feel so bad for the dog. His life has been one problem after another, but nothing that is killing him. I'm also feeling guilty about the money. We can afford to have this done, but if the cost gets doubled (as it usually does with this dog because of complications) we'll be in trouble.
I'm hoping everything goes well during the surgery and that we have a miraculous recovery. I don't even want to think about euthanize my dog for monetary reasons. This sucks
UPDATE: Buddy had his bladder drained through a something-centesis. They got all the urine out and he is in much less pain. He couldn't pee for almost 2 days, so it was insanely full. They put the catheter into his urethra and were able to push the stone back up into his belly. This makes tomorrow's surgery much less delicate. He is sedated and on pain meds, but is doing well for a dog of his age. If all goes well he will be back home in 4 or 5 days.
UPDATE #2: They got the stone out of his bladder and he woke up from the anesthesia. He seems to be resting comfortably and they're very surprised at how well he is doing. He might even get to come home tomorrow evening or Saturday morning. Let's hope those stitches hold
This time he has a stone in the urethra and they have surgically remove it. Apparently this is not a common surgery and our vet has only done 2 in her life. I've been quoted $2000 for the x-rays, blood work, anesthesia to drain the bladder today, tomorrow's surgery, and after care of the dog.
I feel so bad for the dog. His life has been one problem after another, but nothing that is killing him. I'm also feeling guilty about the money. We can afford to have this done, but if the cost gets doubled (as it usually does with this dog because of complications) we'll be in trouble.
I'm hoping everything goes well during the surgery and that we have a miraculous recovery. I don't even want to think about euthanize my dog for monetary reasons. This sucks
UPDATE: Buddy had his bladder drained through a something-centesis. They got all the urine out and he is in much less pain. He couldn't pee for almost 2 days, so it was insanely full. They put the catheter into his urethra and were able to push the stone back up into his belly. This makes tomorrow's surgery much less delicate. He is sedated and on pain meds, but is doing well for a dog of his age. If all goes well he will be back home in 4 or 5 days.
UPDATE #2: They got the stone out of his bladder and he woke up from the anesthesia. He seems to be resting comfortably and they're very surprised at how well he is doing. He might even get to come home tomorrow evening or Saturday morning. Let's hope those stitches hold
. Can you ask your vet about wrapping the abdomen? Darn little kitten I have couldn't wear a cone post-spay because she couldn't figure out how to get into the litterbox with it on (not the smartest cat). She took her stitches out without the cone on (grrrr) so after they were put back in we just kept her abdomen wrapped for the next two weeks, changing the wrap every 5 days. Given where the incision is usually done for a stone removal it should be in front of the penis and in place that could be wrapped.
