canine ectopic ureter

[Sibyl]

I have a four month old poodle puppy just diagnosed with having an ectopic ureter and a displaced bladder. An operation is in the offing (big bucks) but theres no guarantee of her being continent afterwards. Does anyone have any experience of this or can anyone offer advice? Should I after bonding with her for 2 mons send her back to her breeder and an uncertain future or risk the op and perhaps 15 years of an incontinent bitch?

[Roger9]

Difficult decision that only you can make, but if it helps nappies for dogs that you can use in the house are available. Your local pet shop should be able to get them.

[jules77]

well as previous post says only you can make that decision. Chances are that the breeder would either re sell her on or have her put to sleep which would be such a shame. If you decide to keep her and she is not insured I would ask the breeder if she will at least go halves for the op. It sounds like she has to have the op anyway, and just because there is no guarantee of her being continent afterwards, from experience I have found vets, and doctors even, will give the worst scenario to cover their backs, and she may be perfectly well.

There is a chance of females becoming incontinent after being speyed, but vets very rarely tell you that unless you specifically ask them. Good luck with her.

[robotics]

Sibyl so sorry to here that you dog has this condition, its heart wrenching when you fur ball becomes poorly.

Have you spoken with your breeder, they may be able to help with the costs of the op. As jules has said the vets often do not tell you the full picture again to cover there backs.

I cannot help you with your decision, that decision has to be yours.......and I wish you the best of luck in what ever you decide to do

[Sibyl]

Thx everyone for yr input. The breeder will take her back and refund my money or offer a new dog - unfortunately she wont commit to what she would do with the pup. I knew of the risk in having the bith neutered and had intended to wait until after her first season. Now I am advised that I must not have her neutered as the hormones help to strengthen the bladder sphincter.

[wolf63]

I had an incontinent male dog, it was due to cancer (we found out later and he had to go to doggy heaven). Robbie was most distressed at the problem.

Best wishes - my thought are with you and your terrible decision.

[lankeela]

I am afraid I would let her go back to the breeder, and if I was that breeder I would consult with my own vet, and if the outlook was a possible long term incontinence problem, I would probably have her put to sleep. My reasons for saying this are that the bitch may never be able to live a normal life and if this was an old bitch it would be hard enough, but to condemn a puppy to a life of treatment of not being able to live a normal life is not fair in my opinion.

You are lucky to have a breeder who is responsible enough to take her back.

[Sibyl]

Well just in case any of you look back in - I have returned the puppy and the breeder is taking on her care - the breeders parents are keen to give the puppy a home regardless of the outcome of the operation!
I guess it really does pay to go to reputable breeder - this one was genuinely concerned with the welfare of the puppy.
Incidently the puppy went mad for her even though she hadnt seen her for 2 months!
Thx again everyone X

[lankeela]

Yes was watching for updates. I think you have done the right thing for her, and even if the op is successful, you have saved yourself a lot of grief and heartsearching.

Lets hope she comes through it ok and has a relatively normal life.

Well done you in putting the pup first.

[wolf63]

I had actually been thinking about you and your dog so I am glad that it all had a happy ending.

Like you I would have hated to take the puppy back only to see her put to sleep - after two months you would have been very attached to her.

Best wishes for the future.