[ladyjane]

I have had three pups with bladder stones over the years and every one of them had surgery. I did not think that they ever left them because they can cause severe problems.

My Teddy Bear had bladder stones recently and they blocked his urethra...he ended up with a tiny rupture in his bladder that thankfully actually repaired itself. Anyway...he was taken to surgery and the vet was suspect of a shunt and did an exploratory and found one large portosystemic shunt. They called me and I gave the ok to repair it. He is doing fine....just went for his one month appointment and blood work, including BATs.
I have had Teddy Bear for 7 years and he never had a symptom at all...and all of his labs were within normal limits over the years. I test my pups yearly, sometimes more often. So, this was a shock to me. I did not realize that it is actually not surprising at all to find this.

As for gall bladder sludge, I have had many pups with it which were picked up on ultrasound. One specialist told me it is common and usually not a concern. I have two right now who have it and it really is not causing any issues at all. The interists are not concerned. I suppose it makes a difference what else is going on with the pup.

Hope all goes well with your pup whatever course you decide to take. Will keep you and Tokie in my thoughts and prayers.