Big Ben’s 2nd Surgery - Scrotal Urethrostomy

Big Ben the Basset Hound was operated previously for bladder stones which made urinating very painful and uncomfortable. 

Big Ben had to have another operation to prevent the formation of new stones so that he can urinate with ease.

Two weeks after Big Ben was rescued from the streets of Malacca, 

he had to go through the surgery to remove his bladder stones.

Shocking amount of bladder stones that
were removed from Big Ben.

A cystotomy is a surgical opening at the wall of the bladder and 

to allow the veterinarian to obtain biopsy samples of the bladder. 

Dr Alice, a volunteer veterinarian from Singapore
doing the first operation on Big Ben,
a cystotomy which is the removal of bladder stones.

Condition of Big Ben’s swollen bladder. 

Imagine the pain and discomfort that he went through 

before the surgery. 

To read about Big Ben's rescue please click here.

Big Ben being scrubbed and preparation for surgery 

before the Scrotal Urethrostomy. 

Bladder stones no more! 

The Scrotal Urethrostomy had to done in order for Big Ben
to urinate through an opening from his urethral 
instead of having to pass through his penis. 
The urethral at the new opening is larger 
for any new stones formation to pass through.

Dr Alice taking a well-deserved break after the surgeries 

and mingling with the pack of dogs at the Ark.

Click to view  Happy Big Ben

This is Big Ben’s second surgery and hopefully his final surgery to correct his bladder stones problem.

The animals at Noah's Ark are fortunate to have passionate veterinarians like Dr Alice who volunteer their time to help with the surgeries for the animals.

Setting aside their busy schedules, they are willing to help out to make a difference in the lives of the animals. 

Thank you to all our volunteers.

Written by Darren Chan

Footnote:

What is a urethrostomy?
A urethrostomy is a surgical procedure to create an opening in the urethra, the tube through which urine flows from the bladder and is voided. The surgery is performed to correct a urethral obstruction, which can be caused by protein plugs, stones, trauma, or scarring (stricture). A urethral obstruction is a serious, life-threatening condition, therefore urethtrostomies are often performed on an emergency basis. In male cats, a perineal urethrostomy, or PU, is performed and in dogs a scrotal urethrostomy is performed.

Big Ben's Story

 

Hi! Its me, Big Ben.

I wanted to show you some photos of me when I first arrived at Noah's Ark.

Top left: See how miserable my face was, I was in so much pain and it was so difficult for me to pee - until Uncle Raymund found out that I was peeing blood. And the following day, Uncle Raymund took me to the vet to be examined and discovered that I had stones in my bladder and an operation was scheduled as soon as possible to have it removed.

Top right: That's me at a foster's house. The first day when someone found me at the car park under the hot sun. You can never imagine how someone so cruel and could do that to me right? Its so common among pet owners to give up their pets when it fall sick. Its cheaper to get another NEW dog than to provide medical care for an OLD dog that brought joy and was part of the family.

Bottom right: The picture was taken during my surgery. The vets were stunned to find so many stones in me. In the operating room, I could hear one stone after another stone piling up. Now you understand the discomfort I was going through all these months with my previous owner.

Bottom left: That is Happy Big Ben - see my smiley face?
I recovered well and the caregivers at Noah's Ark have been taking good care of me at the clinic.

I am slowly gaining weight and soon I will look like a model for Hush Puppies :)

Lots of love of licks.
Big Ben

Bassett Hound abanoned at a carpark

Hi, my name is Big Ben.

I recovered under the care of my caregiver, Raymund, and I am thankful he took me in and saved my life. Without him, I will not be running and playing with my friends at Noah's Ark.

I was abandoned at a car park in Malacca and my cruel owner expect me to find my way around. Just because she refused to have me treated for the stones in my bladder she conveniently dumped me on the streets.

I wonder how could she ever live with the guilt. Well, that's the past and we all have to move on. I was given a second chance and I am grateful for being alive today.

If you visit the sanctuary - remember to come and say hi to me.

Do you want to be my God Ma or God Pa and sponsor my stay at Noah's Ark for S$50 a month pls email to noahsarkcares@gmail.com

I am looking forward to having a God Parent.

Lots of love and licks
Big Ben