Chihuahua with 20 bladder stones saved by lockdown emergency surgery

28 May 2020

A Chihuahua from Merseyside has survived after having over 20 bladder stones removed during emergency surgery.

With vets limited to providing emergency treatment due to Coronavirus restrictions, the operation by our PDSA vets and vet nurses saved twelve-year-old Ellie’s life.

Our emergency service, which is running to help much-loved pets in need during the coronavirus crisis, is funded entirely by donations. But the current Coronavirus situation is having a massive impact on PDSA’s fundraising activities and we’re seeing a huge drop in income, so we need your support.

Ellie’s owner Sharon Duke, from Kirkby, noticed her urine was filled with blood. The Chihuahua was struggling to wee and had become quiet and reserved, so Sharon called PDSA’s Pet Hospital in Huyton, Liverpool, who told her to bring Ellie in straight away.

After examinations and scans, Ellie was placed on a drip and, once stable enough, taken into surgery where our dedicated vet team removed over twenty marble-like bladder stones.

PDSA Vet Lizzie Whitton said that if the painful stones hadn’t been removed, they could have caused a fatal blockage for Ellie.

“The operation was intense and we didn’t know if she’d pull through due to her age and size. Once she’d recovered from surgery she was able to go home that evening for lots of rest and recovery.

“Usually, bladder stones can be a difficult condition to diagnose as there are several explanations as to why they form in the first place, although a pets’ diet does have a role to play.”

PDSA vets have sent the stones for analysis and hope to use the results to prescribe a special diet for Ellie and help prevent the condition reoccurring.

Sharon said she is delighted to have her beloved pet back at home with the family.

“Her recovery has been quite slow, probably because of her age – the operation has taken its toll on her but she’s on the mend now and I’m so happy.

“The PDSA staff were absolutely brilliant and did all they could do ensure Ellie had the very best care. I don’t know what we would have done without them and I can’t thank them enough. They are risking their health to be out working during this worrying time, and I am eternally grateful to them for that. Without their emergency service, Ellie wouldn’t be here now - they saved her life.”