Taz
April 2008 Pet of the Month

Taz is a 5 year old Brussels Griffon that was brought into the AMC because he was having problems urinating.  Taz has a history of having bladder stones, therefore radiographs were taken.  The radiographs revealed bladder and urethral stones called uroliths.  Taz was anesthetized to backflush the urethral stones into the bladder, then surgically removed the stones from his bladder (cystotomy).  The stones were lodged so tight in his urethea that it was impossible to pass the catheter to flush the stones.  An incision was made in his urethra near his scrotum to create a new hole for him to urinate through.  His surgery was a success and Taz went home the following day urinating well.  Sutures were removed a few weeks later, still doing well.  Mid April, Taz returned with more difficulty urinating.  His new hole was stricturing down (scarring) and had to be dialated to restore urine flow.  Taz may need additional surgery as he continues to heal.