If you guessed Doggy Bladder surgery, you are right. You don’t get a prize though, because we’re spending all our money on the aforementioned surgery.
Rigby has been just miserable for a few weeks now. Last week, the vet did an ultrasound and determined that she had stones and crystals in her bladder. We had to drop off a urine sample this week, and when the results from that came back the vet’s office called us to schedule an x-ray and blood test right away. So off we went, and we also brought along one of the stones Rigby had passed.
That would hurt if it came out of ME. Poor Rigs.
The vet took Rigby back for her x-ray and I fretted about her being scared. Luckily it was a quick picture and blood draw and then she was back in our arms. A few minutes later the vet called us back and showed us her x-ray.
So I’m like, sweeeeet, dog skeleton! And then he shows us a zoomed-in version of the x-ray.
Those are GIGANTIC stones in her bladder. Gigantic stones that can only come out one way – through surgery. We talked the whole thing out with the vet, and he showed us some example stones that he’d pulled out of other dogs (GAG) so we could get a good idea of the size of the stones inside Rigby. We’re talking the size of malted milk balls and candy corn…annnnnd now no one wants any candy.
It’s a bummer for poor Rigby. She’ll need the surgery right away. The vet’s office is going to call today around noon with her blood test results, and assuming everything is OK she could even get in for the surgery a few hours later. She’ll have to stay in the animal hospital for a few nights, which makes me sad – she’s my buddy and protector, and I hate to think of her scared, hurting, and alone. Oh, and did I mention today is Rigby’s fifth birthday? Bladder surgery isn’t a great present, even if it will make her feel better.
So, it’s not the most ideal 35th (in dog years) birthday for poor Rigby. But hopefully the surgery will insure that she won’t spend her 42nd (in dog years) birthday in a diaper.
it ain’t dignified!
catherine lucas says:
Poor doggie… Remember Cesar: stay calm and assertive and she will be OK. She will be a newer dog after surgery. But my heart would bleed as well…
Lucky they have all the means to do all this now. Imagine her having no surgery… I will send good vibes for a cured Rigby!
Your defender will soon be back home protecting you full force!
.-= catherine lucas´s last blog ..Good Bad Boys… =-.
missy says:
Aww poor sweet Rigby. I can only imagine how she feels, my daughter has a chronic KS problem, she gets one every couple of months. As a matter of fact she has a 6mm stone their are keeping an eye on right now. I feel for Rigby, I hope she is feeling better very soon. Hugs and Love for all. Still love that Binky bump : )
missy says:
ans Happy Birthday Rigby!!
Cinthia says:
Get better immediately!!
cheryl says:
Poor Rigby! What a horrible birthday. I hope she gets well soon. My heart ached too when my dog (7 in dog years) had to undergo a minor operation
Noelle says:
Poor puppy! I can’t believe the size of that stone…especially in proportion to her little body. Lots of good thoughts being sent for a speedy recovery!
.-= Noelle´s last blog ..Giveaway: Only 5 Days Left! =-.
Loralee says:
I am not totally sure why but seeing that stone makes my boobs TOTALLY HURT.
UGH.
btw-sick or not, you have the cutest doggie ever.
.-= Loralee´s last blog ..Sometimes the biggest comforts come from the smallest things. =-.
Krissa says:
Aw Rigby. What a birthday, huh? Sending you (((hugs))) and hoping you feel better as soon as possible.
Lynn from For Love or Funny says:
Poor little Rigby!
.-= Lynn from For Love or Funny´s last blog ..Friday night traditions =-.
Lissa says:
Poor Rigby!
Take heart though, bladder stones are easily removed and it’s good that you’ve caught it now! I’m a vet tech so I can really understand what’s going on. Don’t worry, the surgery isn’t so terrible and the pets usually recover so quickly…within 12-24 hours usually! They are so happy to be able to pee again that the discomfort of the surgery is nothing, specially with good drugs!
Elizabeth says:
I totally agree! I’m a vet tech too and we did the exact surgery about 2 weeks ago and te dog is now doing great!
Happy Birthday Rigby! Feel better soon.
Heather says:
YAY! Both of your comments make us feel SO much better!
cj says:
poor Rigby…..hoping for quick healing!
amanda says:
Poor Rigby! Those stones look AWFUL. I hope they can do the surgery quickly and then it will all be over with.
I was planning on taking a little family vacation in January this year until my Great Dane got bloat. So now our vacation funds (and then some) are sitting in his abdomen.
But we love our pups!
xo from CT,
Amanda
.-= amanda´s last blog ..My weekend in review =-.
Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba) says:
Poor wee dog!
.-= Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba)´s last blog ..It’s my Toby-versary =-.
Kelly says:
Poor, Rigby! What we do for our pets! They are just furry children. Hoping for a speedy recovery for your furry girl!
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..Aunt Becky Interviews ME, and everyone else in the internet… =-.
AmazingGreis says:
Poor, poor Rigby! Hoping everything goes smoothly and that recovery is quick for Rigby dog. Happy Birthday Rigby!!
.-= AmazingGreis´s last blog ..Blogger Football League – Week 12… =-.
ClassyFabSarah says:
Poor girl – let’s hope she feels much better soon!
.-= ClassyFabSarah´s last blog ..Favorite Christmas Song =-.
Christine Hendricks says:
Poor girl! Sending her hugs and pats for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. My belly hurts just looking at those rocks. Thankful my girl, now 11 (what is that 77 in doggy years?) remains in good health and great spirit.
.-= Christine Hendricks´s last blog ..Culture Clash =-.
Amelia Sprout says:
I guess it is a present for her if it means less pain.
Those things are HUGE! We are so lucky they can do stuff for our pets. I don’t know what I would have done without my dog through all of the stuff that has happened to me.
.-= Amelia Sprout´s last blog ..Eviction =-.
Maura says:
Poor baby!
My Spud had 3 surgeries before we worked out the right diet for his stones… lack of stones… whatever.
Ask your Dr. about using distilled water.
It really helped us. *Keep in mind that it might not be appropriate in Rigby’s case.
Hugs to all of you!
Snuggles to Rigby!!
Heather says:
hmm…will definitely ask about the water. We use one of those Britta filters but maybe we should get her something different. And, we did just change her over to prescription food now, so hopefully that will prevent them from coming back!
wendi says:
my yorkie had several stones removed about two years ago. they were huge, scary huge. the proper prescription food, NO PEOPLE FOOD (that’s how our vet said it), and bottled water have helped. she hasn’t had a recurrence.
i hope rigby does well after surgery. good luck!
Pgoodness says:
Aw, poor rigby!!!
.-= Pgoodness´s last blog ..MRI-2 =-.
nic @mybottlesup says:
awwww….. sweet rigby!!!!! gosh, those things are giganticmajormassivehuge.
good luck!!!
.-= nic @mybottlesup´s last blog ..“Rate that bottle” GIVEAWAY!!! =-.
charlane says:
Poor Rigby. I hope that she is on the mend and without diaper soon!
.-= charlane´s last blog ..A Pre-Christmas Gift =-.
Janet says:
Ok is it wrong that i still want candy
Poor puppy! Isn’t she a Bichon?? VERY common problem for them unfortunately:(
she will feel soooooooo much better after that’s for sure.
.-= Janet´s last blog ..Poor Onyx =-.
Heather says:
she is a maltese! We’re hoping that it was caused by diet…if this is a chronic thing, well, I don’t want to think about it!
Jen @ lifelove'n'wine says:
Awwww, poor Rigby! I’d feel sad too if I had to leave my little guy at the animal hospital for a few days. Here’s hoping everything goes well and she heals fast!
.-= Jen @ lifelove’n’wine´s last blog ..I’m baaaaack =-.
Claire says:
OMG poor thing! Good luck in surgery Rigby! Get well soon!
Kristie says:
Aaw, poor little Rigby. Sending good vibes from Arizona, from my furry family (three cats and one dog).
And lots of good vibes for Binky too.
Shannon Kieta says:
I know the feeling; I just lost my beloved White German Shepherd in May. He was 11 years old. I loved that dog. You get so attached to animals it isn’t funny. God bless Rigby. I am sure Maddie Moo will take very good care of her. After all, that was her best Bud! Hope everyone is back to normal soon! Happy Birthday Rigby!
Karen Chatters says:
Aww, poor Rigby!! I hate when those little doggy’s get sick, it’s so sad. She lucky though to have you and Mike to take such good care of her. Good luck today and happy birthday!!
.-= Karen Chatters´s last blog ..“Wordless” Wednesday =-.
Jenn says:
Poor Baby Girl!!! Hope her surgery goes well and she is out of pain a.s.a.p!!! Thinking of all of you!!!
Jennifer says:
The hole cut out for her tail is just breaking my heart. Hope she’s better soon!!
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: Playground =-.
Deborah says:
Poor Rigby! Those stones look HUGE. Blech.
I would still be able to eat candy, though. *hangs head in shame*
Hugs to you all today!
.-= Deborah´s last blog ..New Drawing =-.
Heather says:
I totally could still eat some (sugar free) candy, too.
Megan says:
Oh no! Poor Rigby. Any clue why she developed the stones? My friend’s cat needed surgery for the same thing last year (which was bought with a bonus she got for doing really well at work) but now she’s doing fine. My kitty has also had crystals and now has to eat a special (read: expensive) diet but hasn’t had any more problems. I hope you all get through this with minimal anxiety and no complications! I will be thinking about you.
Heather says:
the vet seems to think it was her previous diet, so now she’s on prescription food. Hopefully that will prevent them form coming back! But we’ll know for sure once she has the stones removed and they’re analyzed.
Barbara Howard says:
My heart aches for you right now! I went through this with my little lhasa apso about 5 years ago. She was on a special diet for the rest of her life, but thankfully never had a serious recurrence of the stones! We truly do have special relationships with our doggies-they warm our hearts, and our hearts need them. Wishing you all the easiest outcome. After her surgery, I went and visited my little girl while she had her IV in, and it really seemed to cheer her up. It’s expensive, isn’t it? Sheesh!
Kim says:
As someone who has had both kidney stones and bladder surgery, my heart goes out to poor Rigby! It is not fun. Hang in there, baby, and Happy Birthday!
Heather says:
Good Luck Miss Rigby
.-= Heather´s last blog ..did I or didn’t I?? =-.
Lisa says:
Awww, poor Rigby. I hope the surgery goes well and she feels much better afterwards. You’ll have to throw her a kickass birthday party when she feeling better to make up for having to have surgery on her birthday
Happy Birthday, Rigby, feel better soon.
Love and hugs.
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Christmas Shopping =-.
Midwest Mommy says:
Oh no! Those are huge!!!
.-= Midwest Mommy´s last blog ..A Letter =-.
leel says:
poor you! poor little rigby. its so tough when our furry friends are sick too. and that must hurt like an SOB. wish rigby a wonderful birthday from her online friends in canada. and hold tight, she will be back in no time, and pain free!
AmberMc says:
My dog, Homee had that same problem. I noticed when he was outside doing his business that he would cock up his leg, tinkle, and then stand there for 3 minutes doing nothing… with his leg still up. I brought him in and there were big ol’ stones blocking the exit. He got the surgery that night.
He recovered very well and enjoyed all the extra attention. He now gets a special food every night (Hill’s Science Diet UD). Our other dog continues to be very envious of him getting his special food.
I hope you pup makes it through with flying colors!
.-= AmberMc´s last blog ..LAS VEGAS! =-.
Heather says:
That’s the diet the vet put Rigby on a few weeks ago. Hopefully it will prevent them from coming back!
Also, your dog has the best name EVER.
Bridget says:
Poor Rigby! Sorry for her and for y’all. I know you’ll miss her!
(The picture of her in a diaper reminded me of our dog before she was spayed. We’d always put her in a diaper when she was in heat. Yuck!)
.-= Bridget´s last blog ..No NaBloPoMo for me =-.
Kellee says:
Oh poor little sweetheart. I can’t imagine how uncomfortable she must be. I’m so glad they know what’s going on and are able to do something for her. Feel better, Rigby!
.-= Kellee´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday and Love Thursday =-.
Anna Marie says:
Poor Rigby. I cannot believe the size of those stones! (That’s what she said.)
She will feel so much better though, and soon the surgery will be just a distant memory.
Hugs.
Heather says:
That’s what she said FTW!
kbreints says:
Poor doggie… and poor you!! Not easy to have to deal with doggie diapers I hope that it all goes well!
.-= kbreints´s last blog ..Thoughts from a tired momma =-.
sara says:
there’s something so pathetic about a dog when they are sick- they make the saddest faces! here’s to a speedy recovery for little rigby!!
Marti from Michigan says:
Awwww poor doggie!!! She does look kind of cute in those diapers though!
I had a huge kidney stone stuck in one of the tubes that leads from kidney to bladder. I had to have surgery and it was not fun! I know how poor Rigby feels.
Everything will be great soon and you’ll be starting the new year off in good status with Rigby and Binky!
Thank you for sharing, I’ll actually be praying for Rigby, God does listen to prayers for our beloved pets!
Jennifer says:
Poor thing! I hope she’s back to her ol’ self real soon. We’ll be praying for her speedy recovery!!
Kimberly Lee says:
Poor Rigby. My thoughts are with her and you — praying for a good surgery and quick recovery.
.-= Kimberly Lee´s last blog ..25 Weeks =-.
Kt says:
Poor Rigby – although imagine how much better she’ll be feeling after those things are outta there!
.-= Kt´s last blog ..Delayed =-.
Mary says:
Poor Rigby! I will be thinking of you and her!
My puppy Patterson got a hip replacement a day before his first birthday this year! I was a wreck–and guess what? He was FINE! Dogs are so resilient. He had a LONG recovery period (even though he wanted to run the day we picked him up from the hospital) but now you can’t even tell–he’s back to his old self! Don’t fret at all! Just give her some ice cream when she gets home!
Tami says:
OMG the size of those stones. My cat cat one but not near that size and he had to have surgery. Poor little Rigby. Are prayers will be with her. Hugs,
Terri says:
Poor Rigby! I feel so sorry for her, will say a little prayer that she gets over it quickly.
Michelle says:
ohhhh…poor rigby. can i just say that i got a little queezy though when i saw the stones on the x-ray. dang! that poor pup. i wish her luck and a speedy recovery! she’ll get back to peeing without a diaper in no time flat!
Heather says:
you should have seen the “examples.” GAAAAAG.
Stimey says:
Oh, your poor doggie. I used to work at a vet’s office and would occasionally watch the surgeries. The most vivid one that I remember was when the vet took out a bunch of huge stones from a dog. And that puppy did just fine afterward. Big hugs to your little guy.
.-= Stimey´s last blog ..The Doodle’s Doppelgänger =-.
Heather says:
I like stories that end with “and that dog did fine!” so thanks for sharing!
Ali says:
Poor, poor Rigby. I have had Kidney stones and they weren’t anywhere near that big, but I thought I was going to die!
Hope her surgery is successful and she recovers quickly!!
.-= Ali´s last blog ..White Rose =-.
Michele says:
Poor little honey – wishing her a speedy recovery. While the x-ray was super cool to see, those stones were not – way too massive for a little doggie like yours! And the hole cut in the diaper for her tail just about broke my heart.
Thinking of you and your family everyday,
Michele in Staten Island, NY
.-= Michele´s last blog ..Satisfying Saturday =-.
Lisa_in_WI says:
Aw, poor Rigby! I hope the surgery goes well and she’s back protecting your belly and Binky very soon!
.-= Lisa_in_WI´s last blog ..Turkey Day Recap =-.
Jess says:
Poor Rigby .. Happy Birthday and best wishes on your surgery. Being sick is no fun!
ruth says:
Damn. Those stones are the size of planets. My poor kid had to pass one a few years back and it was a bitty thing compared to what that poor pooch is carrying. Poor Rigby!
OTOH, the diaper looks pretty damned adorable.
Andria says:
Poor girl! I recently had some stones, and since I’m pregnant, was hospitalized. I have to say— that was truly the worst pain I’ve ever experienced. I’ve had two natural childbirths, and would go through that any day over kidney pain!
It was explained to me that the ureter is the size of a hair, and even a stone the size of a grain of sand can cause intense pain. I can’t IMAGINE passing a stone as big as the one she passed!!!
.-= Andria´s last blog ..Christmas Card Pic FAIL =-.
Heather says:
I have heard that about stones! OMG you poor thing!
Crystal says:
I hope Rigby feels better soon. And can get out of diapers. Because there’s nothing worse than laughing at someone/something in pain.
.-= Crystal´s last blog ..Seven =-.
Michelle says:
Poor Rigby. Been there – my little one was given the nickname 5k and it wasn’t because she was a runner ; ) Talk to the vet about food as well. We were on a special food after surgery that helped prevent recurrence of stones – Can’t remember the brand but variety was Urinary SO. Good luck to you all!
Heather says:
YES! She is on it, the vet started her on it a couple of weeks ago when this all started. So, fingers crossed it keeps them from coming back.
jen says:
Oh, poor Rigby. I feel so bad for her, and I’m not even a dog person…..
.-= jen´s last blog ..Oh happy day! =-.
Michelle Pixie says:
Happy BIrthday, Rigby! You poor little girl, I hope you feel better soon!
.-= Michelle Pixie´s last blog ..To Be Five Again =-.
Courtney says:
Aww poor Rigby!! I’m sure everything will be ok! Praying for Rigby and you! God Bless.
Tara. says:
Oh, poor Rigby! I hope the surgery goes well!
.-= Tara.´s last blog ..What If This Year at Christmas… =-.
Camie says:
Poor little Rigby! Hopefully once she has the surgery she will be Much Happier (even if she has the incision to heal from. . . that must be better than passing those stones!)
TJ says:
Good lucky Rigby…you are sooo cute!
Jessica says:
I hope Rigby feels better soon! Tell her I said Happy Birthday! Today is my dog, Kira’s 6th birthday.
Heather says:
Happy Birthday to Kira!
cindy w says:
Oh lord, poor Rigby! I have to admit that the doggie diapers crack me up, but that x-ray is SCARY. Poor little pup. Hope she gets fixed up & is all better soon.
.-= cindy w´s last blog ..this is why I don’t drink beer anymore =-.
Rebecca says:
Poor pooch. I know it can be difficult to have your pup in the hospital. Rigby will come though just fine and feel like a puppy again when it’s all over.
.-= Rebecca´s last blog ..Aunt Becky’s Interview =-.
Heidi says:
Poor girl! Healing vibes coming her way.
.-= Heidi´s last blog ..Infamous =-.
Della says:
Hehe, it’s not dignified, but it’s cute. I like the tail holes in the diaper.
.-= Della´s last blog ..GTT – Heartbreak =-.
Just Jiff says:
Poor Rigby!
Hopefully she will get a small birthday party after she heals up.
Hope YOU are okay. At least she’ll get some good pain meds and be sedated; can’t say the same for you.
*HUGS*
.-= Just Jiff´s last blog ..Hannah Grace =-.
Aunt Becky says:
I am INSISTING that you buy her ice cream afterward. Because obviously.
.-= Aunt Becky´s last blog ..Aunt Becky Is Annexed To Canada =-.
Debby says:
My prayers are with Rigby.
.-= Debby´s last blog ..SO HERE IS WHAT I AM WORKING ON =-.
Yvonne says:
Poor sweet puppy!!! I hope it all works out ok – can they give her something afterwards to assure that this won’t be an ongoing problem?? Happy Birthdy, sweet Rigby!!
Heather says:
the vet started her on a new prescription diet, so hopefully that will prevent them from returning!
Michele says:
You are a great dog mommy! Poor Rigby, but I’m glad she is with you, someone who will spend a great deal of money to get her the care that she needs! You guys are in my thoughts!
Lisa from WV says:
Praying that all goes well for Rigby’s surgery and he will be back by your side in no time. I used to have a maltese myself, and they are wonderful dogs, aren’t they?
Thoughts and Prayers,
Lisa
Heather says:
I love my little maltese so much! She really is a great dog.
Erin says:
Oh the poor thing!! She must have a lot of pain with those giant stones from the xrays – those xrays really do tell the story.
Will be sending healing thoughts to your Rigby from us and our four legged’s.
Rigby will feel sooo much better after those suckers are out. I’m sure it will be hard, but she’ll be grateful when it’s all over, I would bet. You’re a good dog mom!
.-= Erin´s last blog ..Those Rascally Salahi’s =-.
Bobbi Janay says:
Poor Rigs, that isn’t how I would want to spend my birthday.
.-= Bobbi Janay ´s last blog ..My Parents =-.
Melanie says:
Awww.. Poor Rigby. What a sweet girl. I’m praying for her quick recovery.
.-= Melanie´s last blog ..Fill in the Blank – Friday! =-.
Jennifer says:
Ouch–those stones must really huty! Poor Rigby–wishing her a speedy recovery!!
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..House Pics Part Two! =-.
Mama Cas says:
AW! Poor puppy! Is it me, or does she even look a little bit embarrassed to be caught in a diaper?
I hope she’s all better very soon!
Heather says:
it’s times like these I’m glad she can’t talk.
Leslie says:
Poor Rigs I hope she’s back to her old self after the surgery.
J says:
Oh, poor sweet girl. I hope all goes well, and she’s back to herself in no time.
Amy in Oregon says:
Poor little Rigby! I’ll be thinking of her!
My brothers dog (Australian Shepard) had the same surgery a year ago…he had a stone that took up almost his entire bladder removed. It was the size and shape of an egg!!! He’s a whole new doggie now!
Kirsten says:
Awww, sending lots of love and positive energy for Rigby! Get well soon!
.-= Kirsten´s last blog ..DAMN IT!!! >_ =-.
Molly says:
My dog (pug) Had bladder stone surgery as well a few years back. They told me to give him special UD food and filtered water. I always give him filtered water but after a couple of years of buying the way too expensive food I started back on his old food and he is fine. Hope rigby feels back to her happy self soon. My dog is quite elderly and he did well.
Heather says:
I’m glad your dog did well! That is really good for us to hear. She started on the UD food a couple weeks ago so hopefully that will prevent them from coming back.
belinda says:
aww poor rigby. one of my dogs, cheyenne, had this surgery last year. she had always suffered with UTI’s but we (i work at the vets) diagnosed stones via radiographs & started her on various meds & foods to see if they would pass. unfortunatley she got blocked which is not common in femal dogs so emergency surgery it was. cheyenne is old & she did just fine. she was uncomfortable a few days after when we finally got to take her home so if you are not offered some pain releif for her make sure you request some!. best wishes for a speedy recovery for rigby!.
.-= belinda´s last blog ..december! =-.
Heather says:
pain meds…OK I will be sure to ask. Maybe I can use them, too! heh.
Bec says:
OMG! Those are HUGE! Poor Rigby
monica says:
Give Rigby a big squeeze for me. She is so cute! What kind of dog is she? My Lexie (lhasa apso) is my baby and I understand not wanting to be away from her when she has to stay overnight. Hope the surgery goes well and that she recovers quickly.
Heather says:
Rigby is a Maltese. Lhasa Apsos are SO CUTE!
Jen L. says:
Poor sweet Rigby! MAN those are huge stones! I hurt FOR her. Yikes. Hope all goes well with her surgery. I’ll send up a prayer for her. God loves the puppies, you know.
.-= Jen L.´s last blog ..Why I haven’t blogged since NaNaBloPop ended =-.
Karen says:
My little Bichon had to have surgery for bladder stones two years ago. She was back to her happy self within 24 hours. Hopefully, Rigby’s surgery will be as smooth and successful.
Monica says:
That’s so sad…. Your such a good momma, even to your little dog!
Michaela says:
Bless her heart! I’m sending good vibes for a speedy recovery.
Summer says:
Poor Rigby, I know he’s not feeling good right now. We had a border collie that had bladder stones and like Rigby’s they were huge. The vet gave them to us after the surgery, kind of freaked me out. Believe me, even though it’s tough having the operation and being away from home for a few days he will feel immensly better and back to his old self.
.-= Summer´s last blog ..I guess it’s so… =-.
Heather says:
The vet “let” us keep the stone she managed to pass. As a souvenir. Um.
sensibly sassy says:
Poor Rigby But she will be back before you know it and you won’t have to worry about those stupid (huge) stones.
.-= sensibly sassy´s last blog ..I Wish I May I Wish I Might =-.
Shauna says:
Omg, I know she probably doesn’t FEEL cute right now, but I swear that is the CUTEST DOG IN DIAPERS EVER! Looking at that picture makes me ‘aww’ and my heart hurt at the same time, poor little thing! I will be thinking of her!
Mary says:
Aww, poor Rigby! Hope everything goes quickly, smoothly, and as painlessly as possible for her!
Kim says:
Poor Rigby, those look like they would hurt alright. Glad they can fix it easily and hope she is back to her Mama protecting self soon
.-= Kim´s last blog ..I’m Gettin’ Nuttin’ For Christmas =-.
Mary Ann says:
Awww poor thing – I hope you’re feeling better soon Rigby! Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Lindsay from Florida says:
In pain just looking at those, the poor pup!!!! Best wishes for a super-speedy recovery for your best protector. How will Binky be protected from the vacuum without her???
Heather says:
well, it will be a sacrifice, but I think we’ll just have to not vacuum until Rigby is feeling better.
Lindsay from Florida says:
Hahaha. A SUPERB solution. I hate vacuums as much as Rigby!!
Lindsey says:
Sweet Mother of Mary those are big stones! Poor Rigby! At least there are good drugs to be found in surgery, so it will kind of be like she is having a cocktail for her birthday!
.-= Lindsey´s last blog ..Oh, right! My barren womb! =-.
Amanda/Baby A says:
Poor poor poor Rigby!! Those are GIANT.
Hope the surgery/recovery goes well.
Jess says:
Poor baby! I spent money on my guinea pig to get him bladder stone surgery. TWICE. So I understand where you are coming from! Poor little Rigby. I switched my animals to bottled water and he was stone free until he passed away 2 years ago. (He was old by guinea pig standards, he died when he was 5.5 years old.) Give her gentle love and let her know you understand. Passing something HUGE from something small, well, only women can understand that. (Unless you’re a guy passing a stone.) GOOD LUCK RIGBY!
kristen says:
Oh No!!! Poor Rigby! Not the most ideal way to spend your birthday, but I know you’ll feel so much better in a few days! H and M (and B): I’m sure the vet went over possibly switching diets for her?? If not, you may want to just check..in my years as a vet tech, these little dogs were notorious for stones and they had to eat a special diet. May not be the case for Rigby, but just FYI. Hope she feels better soon!!!
Heather says:
yes! The vet actually put her on a new diet a couple weeks ago, prescription UD. Hopefully that will make the difference!
amy says:
Oh my gosh.. that looks VERY painful, poor Rigby. Glad she will get some relief soon.
Tina says:
Praying it all goes well !!!!
Meesh in the MO says:
Poor girl. I hope the surgery and healing are swift. She’s got a baby sister to prepare for!
Karla says:
Oh, poor Rigby! I’m sure she”ll do just fine. Our bichon had 16 stones removed and she was back to normal in 48 hours. She’ll probably feel so much better to than she does now. I know this must be so hard for you. Those hours I knew she was in surgery I was practically climbing the walls waiting for word on how it went. Unfortunately, I think it is a common surgery and I’m sure she’ll do just fine. Thinking of you. Keep us updated on how Rigby is after surgery.
Heather says:
Yeah, I’m going to be a nervous wreck! But it helps to hear that your bichon was feeling better so quickly!
Kathryn says:
Oh good gracious! Just when is enough enough, right?
Sending lots of get well vibes to Rigby! I’m sure you’ll be feeling much better soon sweet pups! Happy birthday smooches to you!!!! xoxoxoxoxox
K in Berlin
Karla says:
oh, forgot to add- your vet will probably send the stones to a lab to get them analyzed. You can let them know they can send them to the Univ. of MN and they will analyze them for free. The U of MN has one of the largest urolith research centers in the country. http://www.cvm.umn.edu/depts/minnesotaurolithcenter/home.html
Good luck Rigby! You’ll feel better soon.
Nanette says:
Oh no! Poor Rigby! Here’s to a very speedy doggy recovery!
Momma Uncensored says:
feel better sweet pup!!!!
.-= Momma Uncensored´s last blog ..two christmases =-.
Chris says:
Oh poor Rigby! What a rotten way to spend her birthday. And I thought spending mine with the flu this year was icky. That poor little girl, and I feel for you –I am a nervous wreck even when I have to take my little westie in for dental cleaning. I can’t wait to read you have Rigby back in your arms and that you two are taking care of each other. Because there’s nothing like a warm puppy to take care of you, especially an adorable and protective one.
Sarah says:
Happy birthday Rigby! Poor puppy, I hope she feels better soon. And she may not be looking dignified, but she really is looking VERY cute.
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..Cold =-.
Molly says:
Thinking happy thoughts of biscuits and warm beds and pregnant bellies to protect for Rigby!
Rachel says:
Poor little peanut..she looks so dejected. Then again, I would be too if I had those big stones. Yes, the surgery sounds like it was your only option. Hoping Rigby is feeling better soon!
.-= Rachel´s last blog ..Catching up on Pictures…FINALLY! =-.
YarMatey says:
She will feel a thousand times better after her surgery. Cystotomy is relatively no big deal, and your vet ought to make pain management her first post-op priority. I’ve assisted on stone removals dozens of times and I can’t remember a case where the animal didn’t do well. She’ll be back to defending Casa Spohr in no time. Also, I’m going to wager a guess at STRUVITE stones/crystals.
Kristin says:
Poor Rigby. I sure hope she feels MUCH better after her surgery.
.-= Kristin´s last blog ..It’s the Holiday Season! =-.
Jennifer says:
We also have a Maltese. OMGosh I LOVE this dog. They are so awesome. I completely understand your not wanting to be away from Rigby for three days. When we had our pup spayed she was supposed to spend the night and I asked if I could bring her home. They did the surgery early in the morning and let me take her home in the evening. I know it’s not the same but just a thought. I think they are happier at home.
Lynn B. says:
So, we do not have a dog but we do have a cat who has serious gastrointestinal problems (obviously not the same thing). But, I can really sympathize with your concerns with having your pet require surgery. Our cat has had abdominal surgeries, enemas and is currently on a daily dose of Miralax (a people laxative). We have to check the litter box daily and hope for those “special little gifts” that do not come frequently enough. If too many days between her little gifts occur, then we have a medication we give her that is the same dose given to a child between ages six and twelve! But, through it all, we have learned how resilient animals are. I hope Rigby has a very successful surgery and that with the new food and any medications needed, she will have a speedy recovery with long term positive results. I am sending hugs to you because I really do understand how hard it is to watch our animals struggle and I also know how tough it is for them to require surgery. Hang in there! Happy Birthday Rigby!
(another) karen says:
poor baby – please be sure and keep us posted.
kisses for the birthday girl….
karen
Rachael says:
As much as I chuckle at the sight of a dog in a diaper, it’s good she’s getting fixed up. Those x-rays are really cool, but also ouch! I hope the surgery goes okay and she’s all better soon!
Gayle says:
I have been following your blog for some time but have never commented before. We have a little Maltese named Pebbles and her birthday is also Dec 4th, they are the sweetest little dogs ever. I hope Rigby gets better soon and recovers from her surgery in a hurry.
Marsha says:
I wish Rigby a very speedy recovery. I completely understand your worry and what your little furry child means to you. I have lost 3 pets in the past 6 years, the most recent being my sweet Maine Coone cat, Riley, on Thanksgiving. Riley loved dogs (he lived with three of them) and I bet he’d be a guardian angel to Rigby!
Ray says:
Awww, poor Rigby! I hope the surgery goes well and that Rigby’s fine soon after. Though you have to admit—a doggie in a diaper is SO CUTE! ;o)
Jenn says:
Hey Heather….just thought I’d check back in…did poor little Rigby have her surgery? If so…how is she? How are you?
Well, I was just thinking of you guys and wishing and hoping all is going well in LA!!!!
Love from Canada!
Jenn
Kate @ UpsideBackwards says:
Ow ow ow! Poor valiant protector! I hope that by now she has had her surgery and is feeling much better (and is getting the goooood drugs :-D).
Doesn’t the vet know better than to show disgusting things to pregnant women who may still be dangerously nauseous?! That seems like taking unnecessary risks with ones shoes to me…
.-= Kate @ UpsideBackwards´s last blog ..The perils of Dora =-.
Melanie says:
Gee..no I really dont think I want any candy now thanks
kathy says:
Aww, bless Rigby’s heart! That is the cutest dog. I am sure it will all be fine. I remember how much I always hated leaving my precious pups at the vet.
Sarah says:
Poor Rigby…
What’s with the diapers?
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..12 or 13, who’s counting? =-.
Hope says:
Poor Rigby!!! I hope she feels better soon!
Al_Pal says:
Awwww, poor sweet Rigby. Happy belated Birthday to her.