Not content with being the World's-Most-Expensive-Chihuahua, Wilbur continued to run up the score just in case any other Chihuahuas out there were coveting his title. (If necessary, we can always amend it to the World's-Most-Expensive-One-Eyed-Chihuahua.)
Early Friday morning, as I was preparing to leave for Burlington to take another dog for a specialist appointment, Alayne had just put Wilbur outside when she saw him throw up three times in rapid succession - projectile vomiting, just clear liquid. Then she noticed his abdomen seemed a bit distended, and he was walking with a slight hunch. The clinic, Peak Veterinary Referral Center, wasn't open at that hour, so we loaded him on the van and I called them from the road to let them know we had a problem with Wilbur.
When I got there, one of our internal medicine specialists, Dr. Dani Rondeau, was soon able to examine Wilbur. She had done a work-up on Wilbur a month ago and thus was already familiar with the little tyke. During her physical exam Friday morning she noticed his bladder was very full, and then she felt a stone in his urinary tract. Off he went to radiology for X-rays and ultrasound. Sure enough, he had multiple stones -- one in his urethra and two in his bladder.
Late Friday, the board-certified surgeon at Peak, Dr. Kurt Schulz, took Wilbur into surgery to remove the stones. We were, of course, nervous wrecks at that point. We just adore the munchkin, and he has been through so much already (in the past two years, three different surgeries and chronic blood pressure issues). We were so relieved when Kurt called about 6:30 p.m. Friday evening to say Wilbur had come through surgery in great shape.
The doctors have sent Wilbur's stones to a lab for an analysis and culture. Depending on the type of stone, we may need to modify his diet to prevent a recurrence. He's also on antibiotics in case there was a bacterial cause of the stones.
Alayne headed to Burlington on Saturday morning to pick him up. Wilbur did well all weekend, recuperating slowly but surely. And he definitely feels a lot better!
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Final 2013 Shelter Challenge Underway
The final round of the Shelter Challenge for 2013 began on October 28th and runs until December 22. You can vote every day here. To search for us, type in our name, Rolling Dog Farm, and Lancaster, NH 03584. We just won another $1,000 in the previous round, so your daily votes do bring in serious money for our disabled animals!
Please note that I cannot help with technical or voting problems. I also do not have an "inside track" to anyone at the Shelter Challenge, and I don't know any more about the contest than anyone else does. So if you find yourself having issues, please consult their FAQ page here and their Rules page, which is a pop-up you can find linked on this page.
Thanks for your votes!
Sweet sweet Wilbur!!! He is loved!!!
Posted by: Christina | November 25, 2013 at 02:27 PM
Oh Wilbur! I'm glad this was caught when you were just leaving. Good timing, Wilbur. Hope you're feeling lots better now!!
Posted by: MsFitzTX & Andre | November 25, 2013 at 01:26 PM
Oh little Wilbur. So glad you received such wonderful care. You just keep resting and healing and soon you will be completely back to your adorable self.
Posted by: Chloe | November 20, 2013 at 11:02 AM
Mucho Besos, Chico.
Roo
Posted by: Kathleen Rivard | November 20, 2013 at 10:46 AM
WELL WORTH IT
Posted by: gayle | November 19, 2013 at 11:47 AM
Poor little tyke. Glad he came through. Sending some love his way from Tacoma, WA!
Posted by: Dawn | November 19, 2013 at 11:17 AM
Wilbur's got my vote for the "World's-Most-Expensive-One-Eyed-Chihuahua."
Posted by: Clay Hickman | November 19, 2013 at 09:43 AM
Poor Wilber. He looks a bit pooped in the picture. I'm sure now that he's not in pain and able to rest I'm sure he'll bounce back in true Wilber fashion. He is one cute little guy.
Posted by: Bob | November 18, 2013 at 02:29 PM
Mucho prayers for a speedy recovery. Luv that kissable face. :-)
Posted by: Darla Dee's Mom | November 18, 2013 at 11:38 AM