Ectopic Ureter in my puppy

[stephenimmel]

I live in California and have a 2 month old female puppy (golden retriever) that has an ectopic ureter. Has anyone had any success stories with a problem like this? Also, how much was the surgery and any info on a great surgeon to take them to would be great.

[saluki-sue]

A friend has a lab bitch, who had the same issue. But they didn't know it until she was taken in to be spayed after her showing career was over. They almost lost her as her vet didn't check her for bleeder, he just didn't tie up any loose ends shall we say.

The poor dog spent 3 weeks at Tufts Univeristy vet hospital. She is alive and very healthy now. But there were a few months that were touch and go. So please when you take her to be spayed go to a very good vet who has all of the newest tools or take her to your nearest vet school hospital they are always up to date on new ways to fix problems and most of the time there are students and vets on staff 24/7.

Good luck

[jnc_mcguire]

No i don't know anything about that.
But would like to welcome you to the dog forum. Hope that someone can help you out.

[Maliraptor]

Warning- some graphic surgery pics at the link below!

Ectopic Ureter

Wow this must be difficult to deal with in a puppy, or any dog! Sorry you are goign through this with your puppy. Have you discussed surgery with your vet? Is there any chance of her outgrowing it?

AND...we love pics! Welcome to Prodog.

[Maliraptor]

Oh- I noticed you mentioned asking for a surgeon. Are you in So Cal by any chance? I can suggest a couple VERY good ones, one in Los Angeles proper, one in Tustin/Irvine area. NOT familiar at all with the Northern Cal area, but I can contact some training friends and ask.

[weezyNollie]

Find a board certified surgeon.. you can go to http://www.acvs.org/?c=members and look by state.

You also want the facility that does the procedure to offer 24 hour care, so that the puppy can having nursing supportive care following the surgery. Combination of pain medcation and also close monitoring for internal bleeding or other post-op complications.

It's not an easy surgery, as the ureter is very small and fragile. Along with the anatomy it's around (kidneys, bladder).

I have seen a couple of cases in my career, and they have recovered nicely. Although, it's a bit of an ordeal as far as post-op care. Immediate and shortly after.. lots of rechecks.

[stephenimmel]

Thank you so muc I will.

Originally Posted by saluki-sue

A friend has a lab bitch, who had the same issue. But they didn't know it until she was taken in to be spayed after her showing career was over. They almost lost her as her vet didn't check her for bleeder, he just didn't tie up any loose ends shall we say.

The poor dog spent 3 weeks at Tufts Univeristy vet hospital. She is alive and very healthy now. But there were a few months that were touch and go. So please when you take her to be spayed go to a very good vet who has all of the newest tools or take her to your nearest vet school hospital they are always up to date on new ways to fix problems and most of the time there are students and vets on staff 24/7.

Good luck

[stephenimmel]

Thank you, I hope I can get her to the best surgeon. It sucks to hear vets say "you can or should return her or give her up for financial reasons...Dogs aren't suppose to be "returned" once their yours!!!!

[stephenimmel]

I actually live in South Orange County (Aliso Viejo, CA). Any reccomendatoins would be greatly appreciated!!! I just got her on Tuesday of this week and she is 2 months old....EVERYONE (even the 2 Vets) are telling me to return her....screw them! Dogs are not suppose to be returned, not for any reasons. Would they return their child if he had a defect????

[stephenimmel]

Thank you for your reply! We are willing to do whatever it takes. We got her and her brother just this past Tuesday and everyone (even the two Vets) is telling us to give her back....SCREW THEM. I can't stand people like that, dogs are not disposable when we decide because of something they can't control.