Dog Bladder Hernia

Question
QUESTION: My Lhasa Apso has a hernia at the bladder.  The vet said we have to operate.  My dog has had to have an eye removed recently and has Diabetes (no insulin yet).  She is very anxious.

I would prefer not to have the surgery if possible but treat it non surgically.  She is on a raw diet.

My funds are limited.  I hope there is a solution.

Thank you!

ANSWER: Dear Beverly,
Thanks for your email.  This is quite a complex situation.  Firstly can you please reply to me about your dog in general.  Why has she had an eye removed?  Why is she Diabetic (is she overweight)?  How do you know she has a hernia on her bladder?  What is her age?  Is she on any other herbal supplements, or medications?
If I can get a clearer picture of this, then we can look into options you can discuss with your vet.
I am not a vet, so can not comment on the urgency of this surgery.  But I do know that surgery is not always the best option for hernias.  So please do get back in touch so we can discuss this further and get a clearer picture of your girl's health and condition.  Also, if you could state where you live (USA, Australia) so I can get you in touch with some products that may help.
Many thanks and looking forward to your response.
Silva.
www.roxysworld.com.au

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Silva,
I am sorry I was so sketchy.  Shelsie is 7 years old. I adopted her from a friend about one year ago.  She has had the typical eye problem that Lhasas have where the pink around the inside corner of the eye will bulge out.  When my friend had her she had already had one eye "fixed" by surgery.  When I got her, my friend did not inform me that the other eye was a problem also and needed to be done until it manifest itself by "bulging" when I had her.  The Dr. said it was a simple surgery and we did it.  However, her eye hemorrhaged numerous times and even with medication the eye could not be saved so was removed.  The vet could not understand why the eye was hemorrhaging (before its removal)so did a blood test & determined she has diabetes.  We were trying to control it with diet.  The vet suggested a dog food she sells and after buying it, I looked it up online & it had been recalled. Sheltsie never ate any of it but had been on Eukanaba for all her life.  
I returned it and started Sheltsie on a RAW DIET.  
In her good eye she still has "pressure". The vet said it was because Sheltsie was very excitable but she seems fine at my house.  She is very calm and plays well but is excitable at the vets office.
I left her with her "other" Mom for 2 weeks while away and when I picked up Sheltsie on Sunday evening, my friend showed the bulge on the lower right tit.  We took her to the vet yesterday. The vet took an XRAY and told us it was a hernia and not to allow her to go up & down stairs (which I have and it is an open stairway so no way to close it off downstairs).  And she said that even after Sheltsie has healed from surgery she should never be allowed to go up and down stairs again as the hernia may come back.

This is a major problem because she follows me everywhere and short of keeping her in a Kennel all of the time or carrying her constantly which is not an option for me, there is no answer for the stair problem.
I live in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico but can get homeopathic meds and herbs here or can have them shipped in but that can take a few weeks.
I truly appreciate your help!
Thank you,
Beverly


ANSWER: HI again Beverly,
Thank you so much for all this information on Sheltsie.  She sounds lovely.  My first thoughts are that you really need to find a new vet.  There must be vets in your area that support a more natural approach.  So, before you go ahead with this vet, I would certainly research some other alternatives in your area.  If you can avoid the surgery, then that will be a lot cheaper for you, and a lot healthier for Sheltsie.
Secondly, I also feel you really need to get the Diabetes under control.  We have a herbal blend that contains: Ingredients: Chamomile, Oats, Comfrey, St Mary's Thistle, Bladderack, Rosehips, and Fennel, Bach Flower Remedies; Walnut, Scleranthus, Red Chestnut, Wild Rose and Centaury.  This blend supports the pancreas and liver.  You may be able to get these herbs elsewhere, but make sure you get them made up in liquid extract (not dried/powdered).  The liquid extract will be much more potent and healing.  Our blend costs $64 AUD (+postage), and will last you approx. 3 months.  You may then use further bottles at half dose, lasting you up to 6 months.
It is really important to get the diabetes under control as it will save her eyes, her sight, and her life.
I am waiting for a natural therapy vet to get back to me today with some suggestions re: the hernia, as this is way out of my scope of knowledge, so I will get back to you with this info asap.
Until then, I really feel you need to get find another vet and get a second opinion, and work at getting the diabetes under control.
Until later...
Silva.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you Silva.  I did not answer the weight question.  She is about 7 kilos or less.  It seems fine for her frame but the vet said she was overweight. She does not have a tiny frame and does not seem overweight to me.
There is a more natural approach vet here and I will contact him.  
I am anxious to hear what your vet has to say.  Thank you again,
Beverly

Answer
Hi Beverly - to determine whether a dog needs to lose weight or not, you should easily be able to feel the ribs, especially the first few (which should also be vaguely visible).  The dog should have a waist-line.  
I spoke to my vet today.  She specializes in natural therapies and acupuncture.  She stated that she would never operate on a dog with hernia, unless the hernia was getting in the way or became life-threatening.  The only time she would operate on it is if it was a young, strong, healthy dog and the hernia was impeding on this.
She feels that a dog with eye problems and diabetes is not a good candidate for surgery.
She stated that hernias are usually just an inconvenience.  The only time surgery is required is that sometimes the protruding organ/intestine, can begin to suffocate due to blood and oxygen loss.  If this happens then it is a very serious condition.
She also feels that there is absolutely no reason why your dog can not use stairs.  She has never heard of this before.  A hernia has got nothing to do with getting up and down the stairs, unless it actually becomes physically difficult due to the hernia getting in the way.
She suggested that adding Slippery Elm powder to the daily meals (1 teaspoon, twice per day) can, over time, bring relief and ease any discomfort a hernia can bring.
I do hope that all of this is helpful and please do keep in touch.  I would also strongly recommend a second opinion, and am glad that you have found another vet who may be more supportive of natural therapies.
Take care.
Silva.