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Post by Aimee & Dusty on Apr 4, 2014 12:53:15 GMT -7
My dachshund had surgery earlier this week for severe ruptured disc. He is partially paralyzed right now and has been being manually expressed at vet. He was going to come home today but now his bladder is ruptured likely due to someone putting too much pressure. It will cost an additional $1200-1800 for the surgery and I am getting to the point where I don't think I can afford to go further. The Dr. said that bladders heal fast, so I asked if we could just leave a catheter in place for a few days and see how he does. I am also not wanting more surgery because of risk of infection, cutting through muscle again, more recovery time. I just don't know if I am making a mistake. He was doing so well and now this. I am near the point of putting him down. Has anyone had experience with bladder ruptures and any ideas on surgery vs. time and healing with a bladder catheter?
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,611
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 4, 2014 19:34:16 GMT -7
Welcome to Dodgerslist. Is Aimee your name? What is your dog's name.
I'm so sorry to hear what has happened. Was the vet a general DVM vet or a specialist surgeon with ACVIM or ACVS after their name who said the bladder could heal without surgery.
I have not heard of a bladder rupture happening since I've been on the Forum since 2007 so I am sorry to not be able to give you any specific information. I would get on the phone and call several vets in your area for an opinion. If the disc surgery took place at a referral center or at a university veterinary teaching hospital, there should be other specialists to give you a 2nd opinion.
I can say we have seen dogs have one surgery right after the other in a matter of 1-2 days or 1-2 weeks apart and the dogs have done well. So do not rule out surgery on that account.
What city/state do you live in. Why kind of vet would be doing the bladder surgery — a general DVM vet or a specialst surgeron with ACVIM or ACVS in their title?
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Post by Aimee & Dusty on Apr 6, 2014 11:28:41 GMT -7
ok. Thanks. My name is Aimee. Dusty is our dog. He is at the University of Florida vet school so in good hands. Right now he is doing well. All labs back to normal and leaving a catheter in for a few more days to allow the bladder to heal. So it appears that not doing the surgery is going to be ok. They were willing to knock $1000 off the bladder surgery. Anyway, for now, I guess I made the right decision. After thinking about it, I think it happened when we went to visit him and the PT was showing me how to express him. Dusty was really excited to see us and all worked up and all tense. I think the PT was under a lot of stress and did everything in a hurry. I decided not to go see him anymore until he is ready to come home. I don't want to get him stressed out again. Thanks for your reply. I will keep you posted as to his recovery.  |
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Post by Pauliana on Apr 7, 2014 21:57:15 GMT -7
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Post by Aimee & Dusty on Apr 8, 2014 7:54:43 GMT -7
Dusty is still stable. No change in his neurologic status. Still has a catheter in for a couple more days. Don't know if he'll recover use of his legs yet, but still hopeful. They have been doing laser treatments and acupuncture. Thanks for asking.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,611
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 8, 2014 8:59:58 GMT -7
Aimee, glad to hear Dusty is stable. It is way too early in the healing process for nerves to be concerned about that. The good news is that whether nerve function has returned during the 6 weeks of typical post op recovery or whether Dusty needs a more time, he'll be back to enjoying life. He might need a bit of assist from you with a wheelchair while nerves continue to heal after 6 weeks. Think in terms of months rather than days/weeks for nerve repair. Nerves are the slowest part of the body to heal. The laser treatments and acupuncture can help to kickstart those nerves to self heal.
Please keep us updated as to when he'll be coming home, what the surgeon wants for crate rest and for PT. Keep your hope strong, we are all behind you in wanting to give you and Dusty our support.
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