Little blind Teddy went into surgery this afternoon and came through the operation just fine. I took this photo at the clinic a couple of hours afterwards. I had posted earlier this week that our vets at Montana Veterinary Specialists in Helena had seen bladder stones and a dark shape -- thickened material of some sort -- in his gallbladder during his ultrasound.
Well, it turned out Teddy had about a week to live. His gallbladder was ready to explode. Literally. With his diabetes, that most likely would have been fatal, Dr. Brenda Culver told me this evening. In terms of total size, his gallbladder was about five times normal dimension. The bile duct, which is typically the size of a nylon fishing line, was nearly half an inch thick.
Here's what the gallbladder looked like after Brenda removed it ... she took these next several photos for me following surgery:
See all that black stuff under the surface? There's only supposed to be bile fluid in there.
But this is what was inside:
The lining of the gallbladder should be about the thickness of a balloon, but in Teddy's case it was half a centimeter thick:
While Brenda was waiting for me to get to the clinic, she put the gallbladder in a jar of saline solution. When I got there, she pulled it out and showed me what it looked like after she had sliced it open to see what was inside. In this next photo she's using her thumb and finger to indicate how big the gallbladder should be, just in terms of circumference ... but in Teddy's case the whole thing was so swollen in every dimension it was several times normal:
I mean, this is a tiny dog ... and that thing was huge!
Speaking of huge, here are his bladder stones -- all five of them!
Egads. All those in one itty bitty bladder. The largest one alone was a full centimeter in size:
I will admit, we were extremely nervous about doing the surgery, given all the risks involved with his frailness, his age, and his diabetes. To be blunt, we were afraid he might not survive the operation. Both Brenda and Jennifer spent a lot of time with me over the past several days, answering questions, reviewing the risks, and in general helping us weigh the pros and cons of the surgery. We are by nature very aggressive when it comes to medical intervention, but this time we were hesitant to proceed -- even though we had already agreed to go forward.
In a long conversation yesterday evening, Brenda told me it was a miracle Teddy had survived this long on his own. But, she added, without removing the bladder stones and finding out what was wrong with the gallbladder, we had very little chance of managing his diabetes successfully and giving him any time at all with a good quality of life. She said, "This is the only shot we've got to give him what you want him to have."
When I was at the clinic this afternoon looking at the grotesquely swollen and blackened gallbladder, and all those bladder stones, it was clear she had been absolutely right. Brenda said today, "If he hadn't come to you when he did, and if you didn't have the resources to do all this for him, he wouldn't have made it another week."
Brenda said his bladder incision should heal without a problem, and he will do fine without a gallbladder with some dietary adjustments. Barring any post-surgical complications, Teddy will be coming home later next week.
Thanks to Missoula Animal Control for rescuing this boy in the first place, and to all of you whose donations provide those all-important "resources" that make this kind of veterinary care possible. We just couldn't do it without you.
Bless you both for all the wonderful work you do for the animals. You are truly a Godsend!
Posted by: Kathy Stasko | September 16, 2009 at 09:01 PM
Simply amazing. Thank you, too, for posting the photos. Heal fast little Teddy.
Posted by: Jj | September 15, 2009 at 02:09 PM
I'm continually amazed at the way animals can respond in such a positive way after being treated so badly! What a dear sweet little guy--he tugs at my heartstrings (but then they all do!). My 2 boys are 12 and 13, shelter dogs but in good health. I'm so thankful for that, am sending a small donation from them for all at RDR, but especially Gabe and Teddy. Thanks, Alayne and Steve, and all your wonderful vet people and volunteers. Hugs all around for the dogs, cats, horses, donkeys and whatever.
Posted by: Nancy Fedell | September 15, 2009 at 12:01 AM
Thanks so much for Teddy's story. I have a pomeranian that was just recently diagnosed with diabetes and I'm finding out it can be managed, with a little extra care. Thanks for all you do for the animals.
Best regards,
Jeanne Evensen
Posted by: Jeanne Evensen | September 14, 2009 at 06:58 PM
love n reiki all the way from australia for you little mate. you lucky fella to be where you are. please keep us posted
Posted by: Marguerite Morgan | September 14, 2009 at 06:37 PM
What a nast gallbladder! I always appreciate the detail you go into with surgeries; description, photos and such.
Teddy is very lucky, indeed.
We can't wait to see him up and perking around.
Posted by: boundforglory | August 04, 2009 at 09:03 AM
Good going you two! and hooray for Teddy! What a lucky guy he is to have found you and Rolling Dog Ranch!
vicki
Bitter Root Humane
Posted by: Vicki Dawson | August 03, 2009 at 01:10 PM
Oh Teddy, sweetest little thing! You look a little groggy in your pic, but I bet you are feeling lots better now! What an enormous blessing that Fate brought you to RDR when it did! I just want to pick you up in that blanket and snuggle you. Steve and Alayne, you hear it all the time, but I hope you believe it: you two are angels!
Posted by: Heidi, Emmett, and Moxie | August 01, 2009 at 12:18 PM
There were certainly angels surrounding Teddy and to help make sure he got to a place where wonderful people could get him the help he needed. I'm sending all my wishes and prayers to Teddy for a speedy recovery and a life full of love, kisses and dog treats. Thank you so much Steve and Alayne for giving Teddy that chance.
Posted by: Peggy | August 01, 2009 at 09:22 AM
I can't wait for you to get Teddy home, wrap him in a blanket hold him and just love him. Please cuddle this boy and give him lots of kisses from all of us. Thank you God he found a forever home !
Posted by: Angie, Noah & Joshua,the yorkies | August 01, 2009 at 08:41 AM
I'm joining everyone else with tears of joy and relief for Teddy! I wish him a speedy recovery and send tons of gratitude to you and Alayne for all you do for the lucky animals at RDR!!!
Posted by: Melissa Weitzenfeld | August 01, 2009 at 08:39 AM
What a horrible death Teddy would have experienced but instead he had angels looking after him at RDR. I must admit the pictures of his bladder were grotesque but absolutely necessary to show and explain the severity of Teddy's condition. I was glued to the every word on the blog. Now I pray for his recovery because he is older and frail. What a complete honor to support RDR!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | July 31, 2009 at 09:07 PM
I'm joining everyone else with tears of joy and relief for Teddy! Thanks for your loving care for him and all the RDR animals! Prayers for his quick and complete recovery and God bless you both for your selfless hearts.
Posted by: Leila from Washington | July 31, 2009 at 08:06 PM
Oh Teddy you poor wee fellow!! You'll be fine now without your Gall Bladder - I don't have one either!!
Am SO glad the Op was successful!
I have your picture on my wall at work and think of you everyday..
Thank you to the team at RDR for rescuing this little tike!
Posted by: Maree in NZ | July 31, 2009 at 06:52 PM
Wow! It's amazing that Teddy survived with that horrible stuff inside of him! You made the right decision just in time. I hope he has no complications in recovery from the surgery and am so grateful to everyone that made sure that Teddy got the best of care. I think he's going to be so happy now that all that mess is out of him! Sending healing hugs to Teddy & big hugs to all the rest.
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger | July 31, 2009 at 06:10 PM
Animals (dogs in particular) so amaze me. When you introduced Teddy to us you said that in spite of his physical appearance/condition he was "spunky". Please explain how in the world a creature can be spunky with that gall bladder? I saw this same behavior after hurricane Katrina. I volunteered at the large makeshift shelter where all the rescued dogs/cats/horses were brought out of the New Orleans and surrounding area. There were dogs (especially in the later weeks) that were just skeletons some with open sores that had been exposed to the horrid flood waters, etc. And you know what? whenever I approached them to feed, etc. they'd get up, wag their tail and show excitment at having human contact. No pity parties in the animal world I guess.
Get well soon Mr. Teddy.
Posted by: Lynn | July 31, 2009 at 04:24 PM
WOW! Poor little guy-I bet he will be feeling in the pink very soon. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and there was a reason Teddy made it to RDR. Thank you Alayne and Steve for getting Teddy some much needed medical care. You guys ROCK!
Posted by: mary k | July 31, 2009 at 04:07 PM
Simply amazing in so many ways! Teddy, you can't help but feel better now, and the loving care @ RDR will be magical for you.
Dr. Brenda- BRAVO! Steve, Alayne... talk about making a difference. You are all miracle workers, and we can't wait to see Teddy's awesome recovery.
Posted by: Margaret | July 31, 2009 at 03:33 PM
Teddy's gonna feel a LOT better now. Hugs and kisses sweet little boy. And thanks to Steve, Alayne and the great people at Montana Veterinary Specialists for helping this little guy.
Posted by: Allison | July 31, 2009 at 03:24 PM
Thank goodness you got Teddy in time! The poor little guy, his little face just absolutely melts me.
Posted by: Darcie | July 31, 2009 at 03:08 PM
OMG! what a testament to Teddy's temperament...in so much pain yet such a loving little guy...I must say, this story really tears at my heart...thinking of this poor sick dog being dumped on a sidewalk...how can people live with themselves? Thank god for your rescue!
Posted by: Jolene McCuaig | July 31, 2009 at 02:50 PM
I am officially in love with your little Teddy. Reading how happy he was at first in your home, sleeping on your chest and barking for his food, and now knowing how sick he really was- you will have your hands full when he has recovered! I hope you have a long time enjoying each others company!
Posted by: Libby | July 31, 2009 at 02:45 PM
Wow. I'm sure he'll feel much better now that he's not carrying all that around inside him. He is triply lucky - he came to you, he came in time, and you decided to go ahead with the surgery. I'll be keeping fingers crossed that he makes a very speedy recovery and comes home soon.
Posted by: Tonya | July 31, 2009 at 02:23 PM
OK....it's official....I now as attached to Teddy as I am to Miss Callie. If anything happens to those two, I will be devastated! Therefore, Teddy just HAS TO make a full recovery and have at least some time not in pain and well fed and playing with doggie pals. Thank God he was rescued!
Posted by: Marla | July 31, 2009 at 01:57 PM
Bless you Alayne,Steve, Dr. Culver and Missoula Animal Control for saving Teddy's life.
Sending lots of love and healing thoughts Teddy's way.
Posted by: Beverly | July 31, 2009 at 12:59 PM
OMG OMG OMG OMG - I cannot BELIEVE what his gallbladder looked like! Poor, poor little guy! Bless, bless, bless you for taking the time to help this little old begraggled baby - so many would have just put him to sleep without a second thought. It is a true doggy miracle of timing that he arrived on your gracious door step when he did. I am sending every loving and healing vibe I can muster his way for sure.
Hang in there, Teddy - from a fellow diabetic!
Posted by: Heather (aka Big Auntie) in Billings, MT | July 31, 2009 at 12:27 PM
What a good picture. He looks like he was out on town in a big way. Its the ears that make it so cute/funny. Hard to believe that much could come out of his tiny body
Posted by: lisa james | July 31, 2009 at 11:59 AM
Now the little guy has a chance at a good life. Someone knew he wasn't well and didn't even care. I just don't understand how people can be like that. But now he's at the right place and will hopefully make a full recovery. He'll come back to the Ranch and gain weight and fit right in and be a happy little guy for a long time, God willing. Thank you for taking such good care of him.
Posted by: Barb Ribinski | July 31, 2009 at 11:51 AM
Wow... no doubt Teddy was meant to come into your lives at just the right time. This post made me cry tears of relief. Thank you for doing that for dear little Teddy. Thank you. Thank you.
God Bless You Always!!
Barbara & Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog
Posted by: Barbara Techel | July 31, 2009 at 10:48 AM
So happy to hear that Teddy is doing better. Thank goodness he came to you when he did. Nothing but best wishes for him in the future!
Posted by: Suzanne | July 31, 2009 at 10:35 AM
Here are zillions of kisses and hugs that will fill the space that big "gb thing" (ugh) took up! - and more. In fact there are so many hugs and kisses that you will have to store lots of them and pull them out whenever you need them. RDR and all the people involved YOU ROCK - I can't wait to see more pics of little Teddy when he is up to snuff.
Posted by: Angela | July 31, 2009 at 10:18 AM
God love his little heart. Can you imagine how much better Teddy is going to feel? I am rejoicing today that Teddy was brought to RDR at just the right time. Hugs and kisses to that little fella from Texas.
Posted by: Kristi Gross | July 31, 2009 at 10:09 AM
So glad you made that oh-so-difficult decision to go forward with the surgery! And I agree with others: Probably the best thing that could have happened to Teddy, a few weeks ago, is to have been "dumped" by uncaring, heartless people. But I wish they had been responsible enough to have taken him to a shelter long ago. God bless you two, and God bless little Teddy with a chance to enjoy life, for a while.
Posted by: Vicki Small | July 31, 2009 at 10:03 AM
God Bless you all for the work that you do and the love in your hearts.
Teddy ~ hang in there. We are sending oceans of healing love and light to you!!!
Posted by: Chloe | July 31, 2009 at 09:55 AM
Thanks for saving Teddy. This post sure made my day!!! :)
Dee
Posted by: DT | July 31, 2009 at 09:43 AM
Oh, Teddy. In a strange way, it's a good thing you were "dumped" when you were, so that all those other good things could happen to you.
You little Spunkster, get well real FAST, so you can get back to RDR and enjoy your good times there. Kisses on your little nose, sweetness.
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | July 31, 2009 at 09:39 AM
Thank God My prayers are with Teddy
Posted by: gayle | July 31, 2009 at 08:51 AM
Golly that little guy has got to feel better with that mess out of him. Here's to a speedy recovery for sweet Ted!
Posted by: Peggy S | July 31, 2009 at 08:50 AM
Poor little guy. I'm sending my love and best wishes for a speedy recovery Teddy. Here's a kiss too.
Posted by: Lynda | July 31, 2009 at 08:28 AM
He must have been in enormous pain....poor baby! My heart is filled with gratitude to everyone involved...and my prayers now are with little Teddy for an uneventful recovery...and a happy life in his sunset years. Be strong, Teddy...and know you are loved!
Posted by: Debbie | July 31, 2009 at 08:07 AM
I wish the people who dumped him off had dumped him off six months ago. Or more.
Posted by: Lynne Parker | July 31, 2009 at 07:34 AM
Good God, another post I cried through. I'm so grateful to all of you. Bless his little heart.
I look forward to reading updates on this little guy.
(p.s. I don't have a glallbladder either, Teddy! You can do it.)
Posted by: Lynne Parker | July 31, 2009 at 07:30 AM
Oh, my God. Here I am with tears in my eyes for the little fellow. He was meant to come to you at this time. Be well, Teddy
Posted by: Kay Stemnock | July 31, 2009 at 06:48 AM
This was certainly a God thing. The way everything has fallen into place & the timing of everything. Thank you for helping this sweet little angel live to see another day!
Teddy, our continued prayers for a full recovery!
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | July 31, 2009 at 03:49 AM
Oh my goodness, what a lucky dog! Having this thing inside must have been awful, never mind when it's rupturing! What IS that black stuff, bile of years past?
Sooooo good that you went through with the surgery....
Posted by: Jessica, NL | July 31, 2009 at 03:48 AM
I've been crying about Teddy all week, being dropped off and being so thin. But now I'm absolutely sobbing (good tears) - what a blessing in disguise to him that he got rid of those people who actually thought they were getting rid of him!! May he have many happy healthy years left, I'm sure he is feeling a LOT better already.
Thank you so much for what you guys are doing for the voiceless ones - and teaching us.
Enjoy your weekend.
Posted by: Bregda (South Africa) | July 31, 2009 at 03:08 AM
Get better soon Teddy! They are missing you at RDR!
Vicki in Everett,WA
Posted by: Vicki Thauvin | July 31, 2009 at 02:02 AM
Goodness, I hope he pulls through okay, the little love. Was he in pain beforehand, then?
You guys are such absolute stars for everything you do for these little ones.
(Also, psst: I think you mean the lining of his gallbladder was half a *centimeter* thick, since half a millimeter is actually pretty thin... :P)
Posted by: nina | July 31, 2009 at 01:09 AM
What a precious little face on a dear little dog! He came to RDR on Angel wings and it was meant to be that, like so many before him, that you would be his Saviours. I will hold him in my thoughts & prayers for a gentle, speedy recovery. He deserves a kind life, and with you, at the ranch, he will have that and MORE! Get well soon, Teddy!
Posted by: Barbara Arenal | July 31, 2009 at 01:05 AM
Thank god everything went well!! I will still keep praying for Teddy's full recovery. Hope he will soon be enjoying his new life at RDR.
Posted by: Carolina | July 30, 2009 at 11:01 PM