Alayne and I gave blind Brynn, now 5 months old, a bath this afternoon ... well, more like a shower with a hose. Brynn has an ectopic ureter, which means one kidney is sending urine not to her bladder but instead to her uterus. (Ectopic ureters can actually end up taking urine to the strangest places, even to the intestines.) As a result, she leaks urine constantly, and it dribbles down her backside and onto her rear legs.
In warmer months this wasn't too much of a problem, but now that winter is here (at least here in Montana!), keeping her clean is difficult. Fortunately we have hot and cold running water at Beauty's Barn, so we could hose her down outside with very warm water, then take her into the heated medical stall to scrub down her hindquarters. We finished with a warm water rinse outside, then took her back into the medical stall and left her there to dry.
I took this photo right after we got done. Brynn was not very happy with our efforts and threw quite the temper tantrum. Ordinarily she is very placid and calm and sweet, but she did not want us messing with her backside today, and she let us know it in no uncertain terms! In any case, we got through it, and Alayne was giving her some grain as a post-bath treat.
(Click on photo for larger image.)
Alayne and Steve,
I have been following your blog for a year or two now and it is without a doubt my favourite on the web; I've stated this categorically on my own blog!
You make your readers feel as if we were all there with you and the animals. Who of us doesn't wake up each morning wondering where Widget will sleep today?! And I was ECSTATIC when you added the video clips. Your dedication to and love for the Rolling Dog Residents is an inspiration to us all.
I am particularly moved by the story of Brynn because, virtually anywhere else, she wouldn't have a chance. The two of you give me hope for humanity. Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything you do.
Posted by: Marisa | November 21, 2006 at 09:10 AM
What a precious baby!!!
I am curious to know if surgery is an option to correct this problem.
Posted by: Nina | November 17, 2006 at 07:16 PM
She is darling!
Posted by: Laura | November 17, 2006 at 05:31 AM
Brynn has really grown! I hope she associates the treat with going through the shower. With your cold weather you should get treats yourselves for going through that process! Maybe hot chocolate & s'mores....
Sending warm hugs,
ginger & Tobias
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | November 16, 2006 at 03:14 PM
Brynn is a beautiful baby and it looks like she's loving her treat.
Posted by: Roz | November 16, 2006 at 08:02 AM
Brynn looks so beautiful and healthy! You have all done such a great job at helping her develop into a lovely young lady. And of course, all young ladies have to throw a temper tantrum once in a while! HA!
Posted by: Leilani | November 16, 2006 at 07:20 AM
She is darling! Winter already! Gesh! :)
Posted by: Laura | November 16, 2006 at 06:35 AM