Well, we're definitely in a better routine, and things have gotten a bit easier. Expression is mostly no problem (one time her dog "walker" came to express her and saw some cloudy pee that smelled funky, which I naturally freaked out about, but it's been totally fine for 3-4 days after) an...

That does help put things in perspective Carol. I try not to think too much about re-homing (or worse), but in moments of doubt, the thought is there. But you're right - I'm in the worst of it right now, so best not let that color my thinking *too* much. The vet thought we were totally fine. We did ...

That's a good point concerning the wound and being tense. I got a little bit out at 6pm last night, then couldn't get anything just before bed, then got up at 4am and got a bunch out. So it's weird. Possibly she's just less full than I think she is, but I imagine there is some amount of tensing/tigh...

She did come home with an e-collar, but I took it off. She hasn’t even touched the bandage once, I don’t think it will be a problem. But I’ve been keeping an eye on it. Thanks for the words of encouragement! I do think I needed some more wind in my sails, much appreciated. This afternoon was my firs...

Thank you so much, Carol. The expression is still a bit hit or miss right now. When I can stumble upon the bladder with my hand it comes out no problem. The issue is the finding of it. I've felt things that have felt vaguely like water balloons, but never something that I would call "firm."...

I will discuss the medication with the vet, but I'm not so sure. The hospital reported multiple times that she was an easy express, and she actually wasn't that full when the tech gave us the demo. In any case, last night before bed I tried to more actively feel it with just one hand, in a C shape, ...

She got debrided this morning and now has basically what resembles a large sweater of bandages on her front half. Poor pup. Thankfully, they did comp the procedure. They still didn't commit to what they think caused it. They kept saying "pressure," but when I asked for clarification on tha...

Well, she is getting some procedure done tomorrow morning, staying there tonight. I am not sure if it will be just a debridement then a dressing, or a true graft of skin, but she will be under anesthesia. She is with my father today, so he was the one who brought her in and spoke to the vet. Apparen...

Natick is finally having good poops again! My dad has her for two days and he tried some sensitive diet food for her. Cleared up the issue right away. She’s been doing it on her own during bladder expressions - no stimulation required! So, that’s the good news. New development: She has a large patch...

That’s great, Carol. Thank you. I sent a note to the vet today, we’ll see what he says. She had another case of diarrhea this afternoon. Two steps forward one step back? Actually, the first day we expressed Natick she had a great stool, which I was surprised about because she had an extended stay at...

Thanks Carol. I actually was looking at Science diet, we might try it. Im not familiar with low residue diets in general. Natick used to be on a Vegan diet, but I’ll try whatever diet will make our lives easier!! We have a communal laundry shared with the building. It’s free a lot of the time, so ho...

Thank you both! Appreciate your replies. For meds, she’s on metronidazole and a probiotic (both for diarrhea), omeprazole, and gabapentin. No steroids. I’ve researched side effects on these and while diarrhea is possible with some of them, it doesn’t seem that it’s very common. I put some pumpkin in...

Hi All, Like so many of you, I never expected to need the use of this site (I actually haven't been a member of a forum since I was 13 - that was almost 20 years ago!). Well, here I am, looking for ANY comfort, advice, inspiration, etc. Our story: my frenchie (Natick) is a sweet girl of 4 years, tot...