Helen’s Second Chance

Seven year old Dachshund/Terrier mix, Helen, arrived at ADL on May 26, 2021 through transport from Animal Care Services, depressed and shy but very friendly. After arrival she was noted to have diarrhea, so staff immediately tested for Canine Parvovirus since ADL had no prior medical history. She tested negative and was started on our standard protocol of medications to help her get back on track. On June 10th, she was noted to have blood present in her urine, though believed to be a urinary tract infection since Helen was already spayed. She was started on antibiotics and pain medications for two weeks to see her response. She did well and was not reported for any issues.

Helen became eligible for adoption at our Paul Jolly Campus. On June 29th, she was reported for numerous episodes of blood in her urine. Dr. Ramsey requested Helen to be transferred back to the ADL Hospital to be examined and have radiographs performed. After examined, Dr. Ramsey requested two-view radiographs to be performed immediately. Upon Dr. Ramsey’s finding she reported 2 very large bladder stones present in her trigone (area at the base of the bladder). Helen was officially diagnosed with bladder uroliths (bladder stones).

The plan was to now keep Helen onsite in our Hospital care for emergency surgical removal. Helen’s emergency 2-hour bladder stone removal was performed on June 30th, 2021 by Dr. Ramsey and Dr. Bunning who successfully removed the 2 large stones from Helen’s bladder. Since surgery, Helen has been on a special diet of prescription urinary food only while in our care. The bladder stones are in the process of being submitted to Minnesota Urolith Center for dissection and assessment. Helen has since been bright and upbeat, all while having a new strut to her walk and a very heavy wag to her tail! Her surgery has given her so much relief that she was reported for excessively drinking water post op, leaving Dr. Ramsey to believe that her kidneys and bladder are finally working properly, so much that she actually had a huge quench for thirst!

The cost for a surgical procedure of this sort would range from a minimum of $3500-$7500 at any emergency hospital or private practice. The cost of a maintained monthly prescription diet is about $100, and medications pre-op and post-op ranged at about $200 for Helen.

Now more than ever, ADL needs your support by making a contribution below. Join us in providing highly complex surgical procedures to save these precious lives.

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