Canine Urinary Bladder Stones - Case History of a Cairn Terrier.
The Removal and Prevention of Bladder Stones - March 2008.
Author David E Grayson
INDEX
In Brief -
Subject
History of Subject
Case History
Diet Change
Incidence of Acute Retention
Factors Associated with Urinary Stone Formation
General Considerations
Diet to Discourage the Formation of Bladder Stones
Physical Factors to Discourage Crystals and Stones
Personal Observation
Checking and Monitoring for Bladder Stones
Hannah's Medical Record
Final Observation
Picture Gallery of Hannah’s Life
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Picture Gallery of Hannah’s Life
Do not let the above put you off pets ! Most of pet owning is very rewarding and great fun. Here is a pictorial history of Hannah's life - the sweat, the tears, the sheer hard work, the muck, together with the laughter, excitement, fun, and happiness; but most important of all, the love.
1994 The new pup!
In the pen.
Checking out the kitchen.
Developing important life skills.
An exciting world is out there!
Exploring the exciting world, with caution and care.
Then back for a large tea !
The Cairn is bred for the harsh life on a Scottish Highland croft (small farm)
and is a hardy and formidable hunter - but is also very adaptable !
1995 One year on - note change of colour with age; which is typical of Cairns,
who also change colour with the seasons.
1996 Two years on, pregnant and eating enthusiastically for five !
(note the elegant raising of rear left leg to emphasis dignity and femininity)
Looking forward excitedly to the big day!
Hannah seemed to have a sense of impeding doom.
Arrived safely and with no losses or problems. Whew !
"Thank God that's over, never again !"
"Pups make excellent pillows by the way; soft, warm, furry and gently undulating."
Three boys and one girl - Ethel, on left of group.
One visitor remarked unkindly that they were the fattest pups she had ever seen !
"It's a fearful world out there when Mum's gone off somewhere."
A long suffering Mother - schooling her young to be fearless hunters !
1997 Hannah back in action chasing rabbits - can you spot her ?
A paddle and drink to cool off.
1998 Hannah, blissfully unaware of her second pregnancy, in one of her favourite resting positions.
Hannah had one more litter of seven pups, five boys, two girls.
Again no losses or problems, and great fun and pleasure.
This is Toby, three weeks old, learning important life skills with his knotted rope prey.
Toby at five weeks old, and the last one in to the biccy hunt beno.
"Come on Toby!" They grow up so quickly.
"You miss them when they've gone. It's so quiet."
Hannah had just the two litters of four pups and seven pups.
"Never again! No more thank you."
1999 Note bandage on leg. This is where the drip was put in when Hannah was bitted by an Adder.
She very nearly died but the wonderful staff at the PDSA managed to save her.
2000 After the acute retention, when different not-so-wonderful
staff at the PDSA did not diagnose the retention.
2001 Now on the new diet, which seem to suit her, and recovering her health and strength
Notice her glossy fur! This is one of her favourite resting positions.
Groomed and ready for our social calls.
2002 Winter, ready for a good night's rest.
2003 Hannah ready to go out in the depths of winter.
Dog owning is not all fun !
2003 Nine years old and starting to slow down a bit but still keen on her walks and with a healthy appetite, eating all and sundry with gusto. It was an absolutely freezing day! Note; typical heavy Highland Cairn coat. This had to be shorn off every spring to prevent heat rashes and skin problems.
2004 Late spring and shearing time.
Hannah loathed being shorn. Why; I do not know. She looks lovely,
and so youthful, and she clearly felt much cooler and better for it.
Checking the scavenging box for any dog choc drops that may have been
secreted in there while she was not looking - a busy Cairn is a happy Cairn.
2005 Eleven years old and definitely slowing down, but still a keen Cairn.
Still chasing rabbits. Can you spot her ?
Dec 2007 Thirteen years and five months old, now old and infirmed, with failing appetite: carefully cared for and cosseted. Note the smart coat as her fur was now quite thin.
The Cairn breed's expected life time is from 12 to 14 years; but can go on for longer.
And so the cycle of life goes on, and on, and on !
Here are some interesting links to the Cairn Terriers breed.
If you would like to query anything in this article then please email me on
degray1982@gmail.com