Molly was having urine accidents in the house and was urinating more frequently.  Examining her urine in our lab detected a urinary tract infection. After being treated with a oral antibiotics Molly made a successful recovery.  Unfortunately, five months later Molly was having the same urinary problems as before.  Examination of her urine again indicated a urinary tract infection, but antibiotics only improved her symptoms slightly.  Dr. Beatty recommended that a radiograph or x-ray be taken of Molly's bladder.  He was concerned about potential bladder stones harboring bacteria and irritating Molly's bladder. The x-ray made it apparent that Molly had developed several bladder stones.  Surgery was her only option to remove the stones and make her comfortable. Fortunately, this type of surgery is well tolerated by dogs.

Molly was taken to surgery the next morning.  Dr. Beatty removed five very large pyramid shaped bladder stones! Her surgery and recovery went smoothly!  Immediately after her very short recovery, she was smiling, bubbly and friendly.    Molly's mom commented that from the moment they picked her up it was as if nothing had even happened to Molly that day!  She was put on a prescription dog food for life to help prevent future bladder stones.  We were thrilled with the outcome and Molly went back to living her normal life.  While the bladder stones were resolved and Molly was healthy, unfortunately for Molly her story doesn’t stop there. 

We did mention early that Molly has been a frequent visitor at our clinic!  Just last month Molly's owner rushed her to Dr. Beatty when Molly was acting as if she was choking.  She left her earlier that morning and Molly was acting fine.  When she returned home she found Molly appeared to be gagging or choking but nothing was coming out.  Dr. Beatty immediately worked to assess her condition.  While she was not choking, her abdomen was severely distended and uncomfortable.  Dr. Beatty's main concern focused on her abdomen.  He was concerned that she was experiencing a condition called bloat.  In some cases the bloated stomach can then twist on its axis causing a deadly condition if left untreated.  The condition is called Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV for short).  During GDV trapped gas can continue to accumulate without an escape route.  This can cause organ damage, shock and death!  Typically this occurs in large breed deep-chested dogs.  While Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Great Danes and others are at greatest risk, it is can happen in smaller breeds, too.  In minutes we were taking x-rays of Molly’s abdomen.  Dr. Beatty needed to immediately assess the stomach.  The x-rays showed bloat, but fortunately not yet a twist of the stomach. He relieved the gas from her distended stomach. On palpation of the abdomen and closer examination of the x-rays he became concerned of a potential mass blocking or pushing on the outflow of the stomach.  This certainly could have caused the stomach to distend with gas.

Dr. Beatty discussed at detailed length with Molly's mom possible diagnoses, referral for more advanced diagnostics and other options.  X-rays suggested a problem, but couldn't make a diagnosis alone.  Truth be told, sometimes even multiple tests, taking much time, and expense, cannot accurately diagnose a problem.  Molly's mom ultimately asked Dr. Beatty to perform exploratory surgery.  This had the potential to provide immediately feedback and possible remedy all at the same time.  Also, Molly's mom wouldn't not have to worry about a potential drive later that night to the emergency clinic.  It was possible that Molly again could bloat and develop a life threatening stomach twist.

The exploratory surgery went smoothly!  Fortunately, there was no mass found.  Molly was very lucky for an older dog!  Gastric adenocarcinoma (stomach cancer) and other types of abdominal tumors common in older dogs.  Some of these tumors have very bad outlooks while others can be surgically removed leading to a complete cure.  A gastropexy or a tacking of the stomach to the abdominal wall was performed.  Now, ff Molly were to bloat there would be less risk for stomach to actually twist and threaten her life.

It is not always known why dogs bloat.  Certainly, the bloat stereotype is the large breed deep-chested dog who eats a big meal of dry kibble, drinks a lot of water, and then vigorously exercises.  These are known risk factors for becoming bloated.  In practice though many dogs who do not fit this profile, including Molly.  One thing is for certain.  Bloat is a common problem that can kill.  If you dog ever becomes suddenly very wide in the middle, or has trouble breathing, or has unproductive vomiting, see your vet immediately!  You could save your pet's life.

 
X-Ray showing 3 pyramid shaped bladder stones

Two Views of Molly's severely gas filled abdomen

Molly's 5 Pyramid Shaped Bladder Stones