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Any Advice/experiences With Bladder Stones In Older Boar?

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chewy110214

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Hello everyone,

I have a boar who's about 5.5-6 years old, and last week we found out he has a large bladder stone that won't pass without surgery. They also saw a smaller stone on the x-ray. He was having lots of trouble peeing and pooping, and he wasn't eating or coming out of the igloo at all. Since being on pain medicine he seems a lot more himself. Still has small poos and blood in his urine, and he squeals when he's doing either, but he's out and about eating hay with his buddy in the cage. He's still a bit lethargic (he was never a cuddler, and now when he comes out of the cage he just wants to sleep on my lap).

So he's obviously in some pain and discomfort, but I'm really worried about doing the surgery because of his age. And especially since stones recur, if they already see a smaller one forming I'm afraid he'll have another shortly after the surgery. Our vet hasn't spoken about other options besides surgery (can he live in relative comfort with pain meds?), but I'm scared to put him through it. And although I'd never want money to influence my decision, it's hard not to when we're told the surgery is $2,100 and he either might not make it or the stones might just come back. He may be a senior pig but even though he's not feeling well, he just still has a lot of life left in him. If he looked like he was constantly suffering, I wouldn't hesitate...but is surgery a risk not worth taking if he's doing okay?

I'd just love to hear anyone else's experiences with this and about how you made decisions. Thank you in advance :)
 
chewy110214 said:
Hello everyone,

I have a boar who's about 5.5-6 years old, and last week we found out he has a large bladder stone that won't pass without surgery. They also saw a smaller stone on the x-ray. He was having lots of trouble peeing and pooping, and he wasn't eating or coming out of the igloo at all. Since being on pain medicine he seems a lot more himself. Still has small poos and blood in his urine, and he squeals when he's doing either, but he's out and about eating hay with his buddy in the cage. He's still a bit lethargic (he was never a cuddler, and now when he comes out of the cage he just wants to sleep on my lap).

So he's obviously in some pain and discomfort, but I'm really worried about doing the surgery because of his age. And especially since stones recur, if they already see a smaller one forming I'm afraid he'll have another shortly after the surgery. Our vet hasn't spoken about other options besides surgery (can he live in relative comfort with pain meds?), but I'm scared to put him through it. And although I'd never want money to influence my decision, it's hard not to when we're told the surgery is $2,100 and he either might not make it or the stones might just come back. He may be a senior pig but even though he's not feeling well, he just still has a lot of life left in him. If he looked like he was constantly suffering, I wouldn't hesitate...but is surgery a risk not worth taking if he's doing okay?

I'd just love to hear anyone else's experiences with this and about how you made decisions. Thank you in advance :)
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Hi! Not a nice place to be in! :(
Unfortunately, you have got only two options: Either let your boy go on as he is until the pain is getting so bad that he needs to be euthanised or risk an operation with no firm guarantees.
I am very sorry being the bearer or bad news, but stones do not go away on their own and get only worse over time. You only have the choice between two bad options; there is no easy way out, which is why your vet has not mentioned alternatives.

In view of the even higher vet fees in the US, money is an aspect that comes into the equation. If the large stone is still in the bladder, then the prospect of a successful operation is actually not too bad; if it is stuck in the awkward inglenook in the boar urethra, then it is rather different ball game.

But you are also perfectly within your rights to factor in any long term care re. the formation of more stones. You can slow down the latter with diet and water filtering in some cases, but not where the complex calcium absorption is disturbed by processes that you cannot influence.

Having had my fair share of being between a rock and a hard place with piggies of mine, either choice is perfectly legitimate and you do not have to feel bad whichever way you decide. I've gone either way depending on the piggy and can assure you that neither option is any easier than the other. Whichever way you go, I would recommend that you choose the one you feel you can live with better in the long term - for your boy's sake and your own. The decision has to feel right for both of you.
 
Thank you so much for your reply. It's tough being in this place but comforting to know I'm not alone in this. Thanks again :)
 
I am currently looking after an older boar who had a huge bladder stone removed a couple of months ago. I was anxious about the surgery but he sailed through.
It's taken a time for his pain and bleeding to settle and he remains on medication. An X ray a few weeks ago was clear.
So far he has cost the rescue about £500 but to see him happy and healthy makes it worthwhile. He may of course get another stone but we will cross that bridge if we get to it . It's a tricky situation but l am sure that you will make the right decision for your piggy.
 
chewy110214 said:
that is great to hear! and gives me hope if i go that route. i hope he remains happy and healthy :)
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Operating is always a gamble. Have another talk with the vet and ask him what he thinks about success and post-op chances. If the odd are in favour, then I would go for it.

I have been lucky that none of my boars has ever required a bladder stone operation, but I have had a number of sow ops, some of them older or frail, and one stone that was truly rabbit-sized. Thankfully, all my piggies have recovered well although one of them needed medical care and the occasional bladder flush. I could slow up the build-up of bladder sludge with dietary adjustments, but never quite stop it completely. She lived another two years after her stone operation (including requiring an emergency spaying operation, which is an even larger op), but Cariad is admittedly my most expensive piggy ever!
 
For sure, we have another vet appointment this afternoon just to talk. It's comforting to hear that all your piggies recovered!
 
chewy110214 said:
thank you!
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PS: All the best! It would be good if you made a list with all the questions you have beforehand, so you can be sure that you cover them all. if necessary, take a second person with you that is able to re-hash all the details with you again if you have a tendency to panic and your brain freezes up.
 
Thanks! I will definitely make a list! And my husband will be with me, so together I hope we can get out all of the questions we have. :)
 
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