Bernie had emergency surgery today
 

:( Poor guy. Today is the 4th anniversary of our meeting him, and his 3rd surgery since he came home to us. He was acting strangely this morning and I was on the phone with the vet when he began to try to pee on my leg...this was really strange behavior for him, made most worrisome by the fact that nothing came out.

He had some neurological damage when he came to us (he's a rescue) and I worried the whole way to the vet that something more had gone wrong.

Turns out he had bladder/kidney stones and needed immediate surgery to stop the blockage. He came through surgery fine and is recuperating at the vets. They want to watch him for a couple of days.

I know he's in good hands and everything that can be done for him is being done. I'm so relieved it wasn't neurological, but sad for him just the same.

I've begun researching diets for dogs with this problem. He's already on a holistic food that is low protein and low mineral (due to other issues)...it seems all I can do now is try to increase his water intake.

Oh well...if you remember Bernie (it's been awhile since I was around), please keep him in your thoughts/prayers...He's had a bumpy ride.

Ooops...sorry that was rude...
 

Happy new year yorkietalk!!!!

I'm sorry to hear Bernie had to have surgery today. I hope he recovers quickly. He's blessed to have been adopted by such a caring and loving person.

I'm glad Bernie came through surgery ok, but I'm sorry he had to have it. I hope he'll soon be home with his family.

Poor Bernie :( I little guy I rescued had to have bladder stones removed too, and he is doing great now.

I hope Bernie heals up quickly!

What a way for poor Bernie (and you) to ring in the New Year! Wishing him a speedy recovery and no further problems.

what a way to spend New Year's Eve! so glad he's on the mend already and hope he's back home before you know it. I know and I can't believe I'm going to say it BUT my girlfriend's chow/corgi mix had kidney stone surgery twice before she hit the age of 1. Brandy just passed away last May at the age of 16 1/2. she lived 16 years on Science Diet c/d. so if they suggest it then I'd say give it a try.

get well soon poor guy,

Poor Bernie. Hope he has a quick recovery and is home with his family soon!!

Sending my best to Bernie -- may his new year be his best yet!

I am so sorry Bernie had such a rough time. Hope his recovery goes smoothly and he will heal fast.

I hope Bernie is resting comfortably after getting those painful stones out. I am glad he has such a caring mom.

Poor Bernie! Thank goodness you were alert and noticed the symptoms. You are definitely a good mom!
Depending on the type of stones, your vet will recommend the food that Bernie should have. If you are uncomfortable with prescription food (which I personally use for one of my rescues who had bladder stones in the past and have never had issues with) then you might want to do a consult with a veterinary nutritionist.
Prayers for Bernie! I am sure he will be feeling much better soon! :)

Get well soon Bernie!

Poor baby, I hope the new year brings good health.

Wishing Bernie a speedy recovery!

Winston and I wish Bernie a speedy recovery, and is back home real soon.
I must say, good for you...you noticed there was a problem, and got him the help he needed quickly. Way to go Judy!!! Get Well Bernie, our thoughts and prayers are with you, always!

Update...
 

Thanks everyone for your kind words. The vet says he is doing really well and is urinating on his own. There was quite a bit of "material" in his bladder and they have already started him on a prescription food. They'd like to keep him under observation for a couple more days, but he is comfortable, walking and being his sweet self.

We miss him, but I'm glad all is going well.

Thanks again for thinking of him!

Hi Judy! It's so good to see you, but I'm sorry to hear that Bernie had these medical problems. Thank goodness he came through the surgery well and is on the road to recovery! Hugs to you and get well wishes to Bernie! Happy New Year to you!

Happy to hear that Bernie is doing well! :)

Poor little guy. Hope he's on the mend soon.

Judy, I am so sorry to hear that Bernie had to "go under the knife" again. Glad that he is doing well. I know you are anxious to get that sweetie home. Sending :hug: and :hands: your way.

Sorry to hear Bernie needed yet another surgery, but am glad to see he is doing better and getting well again! Heres to a speedy recovery!! :)

Sending well wishes.

Great that Bernie is on the mend... I had to laugh hearing he tried to pee on your leg... he knew where to go for help... :D

Thanks everyone. I don't think I realized how much I was missing the support and kindness around here! Bernie continues to do well.:)

Sending healing wishes for Bernie and hugs for his mommy!!! Feel better soon little man

Thoughts and prayers for you and Bernie
 

Ask the vet about weening him from the food he is on to another brand or perhaps make some of his food now and then. I am unsure but I know that sometimes dog food is not everything for every dog and maybe the vet can help you to modifiy his diet just a little to help him. You might want to call Innovoa and ask about their EVO dog food. I used it for several years and found it to be excellent. Just thoughts and please check with vet. Good luck and lot of thoughts and prayers.

update
 

The vet feels that Bernie is still struggling to pee and nothing is showing up on x-ray, so he'll be getting an ultrasound to check the bladder out. It's so hard to tell with Bernie because he's always had some difficulty controlling his bladder and his bowels due to the neurological damage. But, I'm glad we're taking the "better safe than sorry" route. I really miss his little face and worry about him being lonely. I'm hoping he can come home soon.

I hope Bernie heals and gets better each day. It sounds like he is in very good hands with your vet. Hope he's home soon with you.