Please help me through this tough time

[CTYorkie]

We just got home and wanted to update you. The surgery took longer than expected. They were able to flush the stones from the ureter and removed nearly a half dozen plus crystals from the bladder. They did a post-surgery xray and unfortunately found two more stones at the mouth of the bladder so they actually had to go back in... When he was awake from the anesthesia, they bandaged his catheter, gave us the IV fluids, and we drove him over to the ER vet where he will spend the night and be monitored there. Being fresh out of surgery, we felt it was the best choice for him as the regular vet does not offer overnight hours. We will pick him up at 7:15 tomorrow and take him back to the regular vet for further observation. They are thinking he will be home Monday, but we are hoping for a much sooner release if he is up to it. Thank you again so very very much. Your support really touched my kids and I - we are so grateful for the good thoughts and prayers. Someone asked about me, and I appreciate the thought, I do have Xanax for my anxiety, but could only take partial doses bc I had to handle decisions and driving... The breathing helped too - thanks for the reminder! Pls continue to keep us in mind. My daughter is especially sad as he sleeps in her room and won't be there... So she is really missing him. Thank you all for your kindness and support. It was so helpful and much needed. All good thoughts back to you, from us

[boopster]

I'm glad to hear he did well. Hopefully you will get some good rest tonight knowing he's being watched over.

[ladyjane]

Wonderful news that he is ok! Thank you for updating. I hope he will be home with you soon.

[chachi]

Im glad his surgery is done and hes on the road to recovery

[Sammy Mommy]

I'm glad to hear that the surgery is over. Sending continued prayers and hugs to you, your family and your pup!

[CTYorkie]

Thanks wonderful YT folks for all the encouragement and concern. Here's the latest: Buddy spent Fri night at the ER vet then we picked him up 7 am Sat and brought him back to the surgeon for observation. She released him to us at closing time (1:00) with three meds: a pain killer, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory.

He is in pain which breaks our hearts but we are glad he is here with us instead of sitting alone in a strange place. (I'm still wrapping my head around how a surgical vet doesn't provide post-surgical care after-hours or on weekends!)

He is having bladder accidents and I hope that resolves as part of the healing process, he even wet on me while he was sleeping. It makes him very upset, poor thing, and we try our best to console him. I hope things resolve with time. If any of you has been through bladder-stone surgery with your dear Yorkie, I would love to hear how you dealt with these after-effects (his surgery was rather intensive with stones in the urethra, bladder, mouth of bladder).

We are having trouble getting him to take meds too - thank goodness for my daughter, he doesn't seem to suspect anything with her, lol. The syringe antibiotic is the worst, she can't give that :0 - and I wonder if his throat hurts or something. I will call the vet tomorrow to see what she says about these things.

They will be in touch regarding results of the stone composition and urinalysis so we can make the right adjustments for the future. It will take awhile to get results. We are feeding him home-cooked foods now as we transition to the Royal Canin OS. FWIW, I saw elsewhere online concern about a link between Innova and bladder stones. It's just anecdotal (haven't been able to research for any actual studies), but I wonder about it, until our switch from SD I/D (he refused it after they changed the formula) to the Innova, he had no issues at all. The composition of the stones will help us evaluate what's needed - we will likely test our well water too if that seems warranted from the results. Just trying to be proactive...

Again, thanks to all who replied. Your help is appreciated and your kindness helped us through the really rough beginning...

Health and cheer to all of you and your Yorkie babies! Please keep all the healing thoughts, prayers and well-wishes coming

[Patti]

I am just seeing this now and I am so glad he is home and recovering. I will keep him in my prayers for a full and speedy recovery.

[lexi43]

I'm also just seeing this for the first time. I've been so busy with my dog because we took her for her rabies distemper shots and she had a very bad reaction. We've been running back a forth to the vet with her I'm glad he's home with you and I have my fingers crossed for a speedy recovery

[ladyjane]

Poor Buddy...he had a tough week as did his mom. I am quite sure each day will get better!
The comment you made about surgeons is something you will want to remember for the future and is actually a great topic. With a case that is going to be complicated, I never allow a vet who is not open 24 hours to do surgery on one of my pups. For simple things, I have no problem. Often what happened to you is what happens and it is a major inconvenience and sometimes more expensive than if you had gone to a specialty 24 hour hospital with board certified vets. Just something for the future..hopefully you will never need it again.
Thanks for keeping us updated. I am happy that he is home with you.

[_Chrissy_]

Poor little guy
Thanks for the updates.
Still sending you all warm thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery

[CTYorkie]

Buddy is about the same. We are staying proactive. Right now he is bleeding drops after urinating - not a lot - but the vet said it's to be expected for a day or two... As for the antibiotic via syringe, I mentioned that too and they suggested trying a bit of applesauce. So I added a bit into the tip and then we follow up with a bit on his lip to take the yucky taste away. Just passing that along in case anyone else may be struggling - check first with your vet though to see if the particular med can be mixed with the applesauce.

I do think the topic of a 24hr vet is worthwhile and some areas have them but there are none around here - they all seem to rely on that ER clinic or feel comfortable just leaving the pets overnight. Our vet is actually in a new facility with state-of-the-art equipment built just last year, AAHA certified - so it really surprised me. I just emailed AAHA with a suggestion they consider the issue with their member practices and perhaps work with national sponsors too to help provide a standard level of care for post-op/ICU patients.

Wishing you all well-ness. Keep the healing thoughts coming please, Buddy and I really appreciate them!

[ladyjane]

Glad to hear that all is well! Thanks for the tip about the applesauce. I just went through it with one of my pups...she hated the pain med that was liquid. I got it changed to pills but that is a great tip for the future.

Will definitely keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

[kjc]

Glad to hear little Buddy's on the mend... sending prayers and hugs...

[susan lynn]

Happy to hear Buddy is home and you and your children are doing better. He will recover so much faster at home with lots of love. My Tessie was spayed last year and had a small blood pocket burst so I had to leave her at the vet. My vet being the wonderful person he is, stayed with her all night, wrapped her in a blanket and rocked her when he wasn't checking on other animals. This was a real blessing to me and made me love him even more. Every animal should be treated with this love and kindness from their vet.

[zowiandnikasmom]

so glad to hear buddy is on the mend!