Bonnie’s Life Saving Surgery

This is Bonnie, a 9-year-old Shih Tzu and beloved companion to her owner, Audrey. Bonnie had bladder stones caused by a bladder infection. She was suffering huge discomfort. Some patients with bladder stones will have bloody urine, recurrent bladder infections and difficulty urinating. If they cause a blockage and the pet is unable to urinate, the stones can lead to a life-threatening emergency.

Bonnie was brought to our clinic in Inchicore, where our veterinary team leapt into action, giving her an X-ray and a scan. They identified that Bonnie needed urgent surgery, and thanks to our vets’ expertise and care, the operation was a success.



Bonnie’s life was saved.

Our vets and nurses gave Bonnie all the aftercare she needed – including the occasional belly rub, making her tail wag with happiness!

Bladder stones often require lifelong management for pets – that’s why our team have put Bonnie on special medication and a bespoke diet. She has regular check-ups at our Inchicore clinic to make sure that she is responding well to treatment.

“The Blue Cross is a fantastic resource, they have been so good to our two rescue dogs, but especially Bonnie, with her multiple surgeries and endless visits. We can always count on the Blue Cross and we know Bonnie is in great hands with them. We appreciate all the staff so much, from the vets to the drivers of the mobile clinics.” – Audrey, Bonnies Owner.

Thankfully for Bonnie and her owner, the Irish Blue Cross team were there when they needed us.

Bonnie survived her trauma and has recovered well, thanks to the quick intervention of the Irish Blue Cross team.

Luckily for Bonnie and her family, the Irish Blue Cross team were there when they needed us. Today, she’s come through her ordeal, and is thriving.

To support the life saving work that we do,  click here to make a donation now. Thank You!

 

Nurse Ellen – Working on The Frontline

Over a year on, living with COVID-19, and our work at The Irish Blue Cross is as challenging and crucial as ever. As I write we are currently still on lockdown level 5. This means we are down to skeleton staff to maintain COVID-19 protocols and ensure client and staff safety. There is light at the end of the tunnel, however.

I enjoy Medical Nursing. Part of my job includes dentals, of which we are seeing increasing numbers. Our most common cases are older pets with badly infected and rotten teeth; this can affect their entire system from the infection in their mouth. We cover give tips on good dental health for your pet here.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is to see an elderly dog walk out The Irish Blue Cross clinic doors post-dental treatment, full of life and energy! The thing we hear most commonly from owners is, “They’re like a puppy again!” It gives me great job satisfaction to make an older pet so much more comfortable in their twilight years!

Cuddles from patients like Ziggy, remind me why I love my job at the Irish Blue Cross so much. Knowing our work is vitally important to the thousands of patients we treat, together with our amazing team of vets, nurses, and volunteers, provides me with all the motivation to keep working and helping as many patients as possible.

We appreciate any support that we can get. So, if you can, please donate here.

Coco’s story – How we saved her life

This is Coco, a five-year-old Staffie, and a much-loved family pet. Coco came to see our team at the Inchicore Clinic. She had a large tumour on the left side of her body. The tumour kept getting bigger, causing Coco huge pain and discomfort.

The tumour grew out into the space behind her leg, which made it extremely painful for Coco to walk. It soon became ulcerated and infected, a heavy lump in her side.

Without treatment, the tumour would take away Coco’s ability to walk. She would have to be put to sleep. Coco needed emergency surgery. So, after treating her infection with antibiotics, our veterinary team took Coco into the operating room.

For over three hours, the surgeon worked to remove Coco’s life-threatening tumour. We soon discovered there were two more tumours hiding behind the first, giant growth.

Thanks to our vets’ expertise and care, the operation was a success.

Then, as her surgery was so extensive, we kept her under observation for a week.

Our vets and nurses gave Coco all the aftercare she needed – including the occasional tickle to her tummy, causing her tail to wag with happiness.

Coco was a wonderful patient and although we were sad to see her leave, we were delighted to send her home having made such a wonderful recovery. We put her on a course of antibiotics and painkillers to help her heal after the operation. Her owners then took over, looking after Coco with kindness, keeping her comfortable, and yes, tickles.

“We can’t thank The Irish Blue Cross enough for saving Coco’s life. She’s been spoilt rotten since the operation. She is full of life and energy now, and is a totally different dog. We really appreciate all of the help and support we received from all the vets and nurses.” – Coco’s owner.

Rocco survived his trauma and has recovered well, thanks to the quick intervention of the Irish Blue Cross team.

Luckily for Coco and her family, the Irish Blue Cross team were there when they needed us. Today, she’s come through her ordeal, and is thriving.

To support the life saving work that we do, you can buy a book of tickets for our Easter raffle hereclick here to make a once off donation now, or fill out the form below to become a regular supporter. Thank You.

This year, because of current restrictions, there’s a difference to our traditional raffle. Instead of selling tickets face to face, you can enter the raffle by buying tickets/ a book of tickets with our through our online shop. You will be given a unique order number, and we’ll put you in the draw. The draw will take place at 3pm on Friday the 9th of April.