03/04/2026
An update on Rupert...
After 180 miles driving (45 each way, twice over), a 14 hour day, and a lot of emotions and stress, Rupert is crying no more! As expected, the dribbling urine and grunting were a serious concern and when Kim found that his bladder was quite full, it was obvious that the only way forward was to leave him with them for the day for an x-ray, and anticipate a bladder flush - and of course stone (urolith) removal if indicated.
The x-ray showed a bladder full of sediment, and more worryingly a stone in his urethra blocking the flow of urine. Had I not acted when I did, he would have become critically ill within days and we would have had to have him put to sleep in extreme pain. As it is, we don't know for sure how long his urine flow was reduced because living with another pig, it's impossible to track such details. Whether he has any lasting damage to his kidneys as a result, we simply don't know, it's something we will just have to monitor carefully.
Simon performed a urethrostomy, so poor Rupert has had his most delicate area cut open to remove the stone. He's been flushed through thoroughly and he handled it all like a champ. He's home on metacam and gabapentin, and we will start long-term furosemide treatment next week - a diuretic to keep his renal system flushing through to try to prevent crystals and sediment building up in his pipework again.
He's not quite himself as yet, not taking the initiative to eat and drink for himself, but if offered anything by hand he's very enthusiastic. He's perfectly mobile and he is toileting without crying or straining, so I'm optimistic about his recovery.
Of all my 3 boys I have tended to share the least about Roo, mainly because he's such a quiet soul. He doesn't like drama, he's not an outgoing personality, he's content to just be in the background living his own introverted life. He's my gentlest, giant teddy bear of a pig. Turns out he's incredibly strong and brave too.
Photo of his war wound in the comments. It's not too graphic. Mostly a superb close shave with just a couple of stitches where the incision was made.
